Since 1982

SERVING GREATER Kansas City

CHIMNEY & FIREPLACE MAINTENANCE  | INVESTIGATIONS

​pADGITT cHIMNEY & fIREPLACE | Padgitt forensic investigations | hEARTHMASTERS PUBLISHING
Specialty O&C Fire Investigations for Insurance Claims



upcoming cLASSes:

All classes are held in Independence, MO at our training center.

(6 days) Introduction to Masonry
This class is geared towards chimney professionals who want to learn how to do basic masonry repairs that are commonly needed when doing chimney relining and when repairing or rebuilding a firebox. Participants will learn how to grind and point brick masonry joints, how to repair a firebox, how to build cement caps/crowns, how to cut out and replace a section of bricks to access a smoke chamber, how to repair a smoke chamber, and rebuild several courses of brick on an exterior chimney. We will also discuss block and stone chimneys, and other forms of masonry fireplace restoration using pre-cast kits. This class or a working knowledge of masonry is required before taking other classes. Bring your own masonry tools (we provide a list). Register at www.hearthmasters.net 


 (3 + days) Building an Outdoor Fireplace

Participants will get hands-on practice building an outdoor Rumford style fireplace with a hearth and twisted chimney, and exterior finish work. We may run into a fourth day, so be prepared to stay over. This class is being presented by the Midwest Chimney Safety Council for members of the association. Join and register at www.mcsc-net.org. 


 (6 days) How to Build an Outdoor Brick Arch Oven
Hands-on and classroom study. Learn how to build an outdoor brick oven, build your own oven forms, and do finishing work. Includes the footing, base, wood bin, lintels, oven floor, insulation, block work, firebrick oven, twisted chimney, landing, and finish work using a variety of materials.  

WORKSHOPS FOR ASSOCIATIONS AND BUSINESES

Will travel to present these courses at educational events and workshops hosted by an association or for your in-house training. Workshops include:


  • Building Rumford Fireplaces
  • Building Masonry Heaters
  • Chimney and Fireplace Restoration
  • Introduction to Masonry for Chimney Professionals
  • Relining and Repairing Chimney Flues



SEMINARS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC


  • Wood and Gas Heating Methods & Tips
  • Alternative Heating Methods
  • Your House May be Making You Sick



INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE SEMINARS

​- Chimney Industry Seminars:Liner Choices and Sizing
- Documentation of chimney fire damages for insurance
- How to assemble a professional looking proposal
- How to use barter to increase your bottom line
- Marketing your chimney business
- Correcting negative air pressure and smoking problems


  • How to identify chimney fires and other damages
  • Damages caused by moisture penetration
  • How to find a good chimney technician
  • Different types of relining methods and their applications
  • Pyrolizing threat
  • NFPA 211 Standards and Code Update


CHIMNEY INDUSTRY SEMINARS

  • Liner choices and sizing
  • Documenting fire damages for insurance
  • How to assemble a professional-looking proposal
  • How to use barter to increase your bottom line
  • Marketing your chimney business
  • Correcting negative air pressure and smoking problems



Some of the groups we have conducted seminars for:


  • The Midwest Association of Home Inspectors
  • The Remodeling Show at the American Royal Arena
  • State Farm Insurance Adjusters Meeting
  • Farmers Insurance Adjusters Meeting
  • Realtor Associations
  • The Midwest Chimney Safety Council
  • The Coalition of Midwest Chimney Sweeps
  • Barter Exchange International (now ITEX)
  • Numerous Homeowner Associations
  • UMKC's Communiversity
  • Green Building Expo
  • Historic Home Preservation Conferences
  • The National Chimney Sweep Guild
  • ​Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association
  • ASHI Midwest
  • ASHI Local Chapters



We travel all over the U.S.  Contact us for more information.

  • We teach Professional Masons, Chimney Technicians, Hearth Installers how to build, restore, and repair masonry hearth structures, manage their business, and complete operations that are standard in the industry.
  • CEUs for all classes from the CSIA, NFI, and MHA
  • Masonry classes are taught by master mason Gene Padgitt, MHA Certified Heater Mason

Education for the chimney, hearth, masonry, and HVAC industries


The school is currently closed. Watch here for updates.



HEARTHMASTERS MASONRY SCHOOL