LaBrosse Brothers Chimney & Masonry Inc.

We're pleased that you may be considering Labrosse Brothers for your chimney or masonry projects!

The History Of The LaBrosse Brothers

LaBrosse Brothers started as a dream of William (Bill) & John LaBrosse in 2000.

Bill had been in the masonry trade for the better part of 16 years prior to its start. He learned from two very exceptional masons (father & son business) located in Westerly, RI. Bill started as a laborer and worked his way up to a laying Mason, building fireplaces, chimneys, walls, patios, stairs, block buildings, re-jointing and much, much more.

Why LaBrosse Brothers

After about 12 years working with the same company, he decided to try his hand working for a local chimney company located in Ashaway, Rhode Island which he worked for about 4 years before deciding it was time to venture out with his brother.

John had worked in many trades prior to the start of LaBrosse Brothers, such as truck driver, machine operator, hazardous materials technician and hauler, concrete form worker and maintenance man for a local municipality. John could not find himself happy doing any of this work, as he had always dreamed of working for himself in his own business.

Problem Chimenys

During the summer of 2000 John and Bill worked together building a fireplace and chimney for Bill’s neighbor, during this time they talked often about chimney construction, masonry and business in general. Bill happened to mention to John that he heard about this school called the Chimney Safety Institute of America in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bill suggested to John that maybe he should look into it. John did and promptly enrolled in the school.

John and Bill continued to work together on the side until John used his vacation time to travel to Indiana to become a Certified Chimney Sweep!

Our Certifications

When John arrived in Indianapolis at the Chimney Safety Institute he had no idea what he was in for or how it would shape their future. He took a class for a National Certification (Nationally Certified chimney sweep) which was a 5 day course but seemed like 10, because he was studying day and night. The sixth day of school was exam day. John was nervous and extremely apprehensive but he took the test and got one of the highest scores in the class!

Upon John’s arrival back in Rhode Island he was ecstatic with the knowledge this course had given him. He also realized from his new found knowledge that very few chimneys were built correctly, all he had to do was convince his brother of this and how much they could help people.

Attaboys!

Bill picked John up at the airport and they talked all the way home. John asked Bill the name of the code books that are used as the guideline to build chimneys and fireplaces. Bill, who had spent the better part of 16 years building chimneys, didn't know the answer. John asked Bill questions such as "How do you properly size a flue for a wood stove, fireplace or furnace?" and tons of other questions pertaining to chimneys. Bill did not know the answer to any of the questions John had presented.

Faqs

This became a very frustrating time for Bill because he was an excellent Mason who could build anything out of stone, brick, block, pavers etc. The problem was, he had to accept that for years he had been constructing chimneys incorrectly. John assured Bill that it was not his fault. It was the responsibility of his employers to have educated him properly. This was very hard for Bill because he was (and still is) good friends with all of his former employers. Bill felt that maybe they didn't know about the codes or proper chimney construction either.

Photo Gallery

The reality is, they do know that the codes exist. They do know about trade organizations such as the CSIA, National Fire Protection Association, National Chimney Sweep Guild and the National Fireplace Institute. However, there is really no one looking over their shoulder to verify that the work they do is done correctly. Unfortunately, this improper chimney construction goes on for years. No one is blamed and no one is held accountable. As long as the work is aesthetically pleasing, everyone thinks things are fine.

Staff

When John went to school in Indianapolis, he found out about a Masonry school in Pennsylvania that is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chimney Sweep Guild. It is conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and taught by two Nationally Certified Chimney Sweeps. This course is also recognized by the CSIA. So, the brothers enrolled and graduated from Masonry School!

Since this time, John, Bill and many of their employees have obtained many credentials in the chimney industry as well as in other areas.

John and Bill are both Nationally Certified Chimney Sweeps, graduates of Pennsylvania Masonry School, Diagnosis and Documentation (proper chimney inspection, fire investigations, etc) and are National Fireplace Institute certified. They hold many other certifications as well. Please see the Certifications and Memberships page for further credentials.

This is how LaBrosse Brothers Chimney and Masonry came to be.


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