Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney in Home Repair & Improvement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21058499 en Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:06:40 EDT Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:06:40 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21079174 horsemouth : 5k was not out of line. 10 years ago my price for a job like that was from 8k to 12k not including new roof.
BUT for that you got full inspection, insurance, wcb and a third party [of your choice} inspection. Not to mention warranty.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21079174 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:16:39 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21078910 SpyderCKE : After taking out paneling and carpet from the room around the fireplace, I discovered a hefty amount of water damage. I think the axe has fell on this and the fireplace is going to go entirely. It looks like there is water all behind the chimney between the wall. I think my best bet is going to be to take it all down, and put in a much more modest direct vent fireplace.

Now time to locate a decent contractor in the area to help source this snowball.
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You might get some better answers on the boards at hearth.com.
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SurfingOC.com / GsdPhotography.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21064392 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:45:25 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063764 jefe : Just stumbled on this thread. Your chimney looks very similar to how our 40 year old chimmey looked until a week ago.

We finally found a mason who took down all the old brick and replaced it with new. He installed new flashing and he put a stainless steel cap on the top that serves as a damper and it keeps the rain and snow out. You open and close it with a cable that comes down the chimney. He also removed the old cast iron damper that had eroded away.

Price...for your reference....$3800.

Good luck finding a competent mason though. I think masonry is becoming a lost art, and the good masons still around are as busy as they want to be. At least here on Long Island.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21063764 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:11:35 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21062933 SpyderCKE : Do you think I could go ahead with a new roof if I took this route? I'm having a hard time even finding a mason that can even look at it this year. The roof certainly can't wait much longer. Does a mason install a stainless liner?

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XBL - H2 - eTard]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21062933 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:05:25 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21062908 DoubleK : Sigh.

NOTHING has the charm of a well maintained fireplace and solid masonry work!

Judging from the age of the home (less than 30?, hard to tell)it was inferior mortar to begin with and outside of a complete rebuild will probably have more problems than it is worth.

In light of the fact that the majority (I the minority)of people want the ease and cleanliness of a natural gas fireplace over conventional wood I feel your decision should be much easier now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21062908 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:01:37 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061849 Stevert : If you're going to install a gas insert anyway, just get a stainless flue liner. That takes care of the cracked clay liner.

And, if the roof is going to be replaced, have them build a saddle and install proper flashing as shown in carmas's post. That takes care the snow and ice buildup, and the ugly bottom.

Then, just have the rest of the chimney tuckpointed, and maybe re-capped if necessary. That takes care of the structural integrity and the rest of the looks.

It's just my opinion, but a well-maintained brick chimney looks much, much better than one of those ugly, spindly pipes sticking out of the roof. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061849 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:03:05 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061631 Hall :
said by SpyderCKE See Profile :

As for what I meant about below the roof line, imagine disassembling the chimney down to below the roof deck. Then place some sort of SS pipe in the remaining base, and penetrate the new roof deck with an ~18" hole.
That's what we did as have a number of neighbors... Difference is, we do NOT have fireplaces, either wood or gas, using the chimney, nor furnaces, water heaters, etc. Well, in my case, my water heater does use the the vent piping we installed. My gas fireplace is vent-less and my furnace is high-efficiency, so they don't use the chimney.

20+ feet of double-walled, 6" flue pipe (??) cost me a little over $100 (neighbor is an HVAC guy and bought it for me at his wholesaler).

The fun part was carrying all those bricks and mortar down a ladder then a full flight of stairs... ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061631 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:19:00 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061613 Hall :
said by robbin See Profile :

Chimney sweeps are great for cleaning chimneys. If you need advise on brick masonry, get an estimate from a brick mason.
Wouldn't be surprised if the chimney sweep guy has a "friend" who's a mason... The OP hands the chimney sweep $5k and the sweep-guy hires his mason buddy for half that or so ! :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061613 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:12:54 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061298 cowboyro : Taking down and rebuilding that chimney looks like a DIY project that costs 3-4 days and few packs of beer. Oh and maybe $150 in supplies. If you carefully take it down you can even re-use the bricks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061298 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:59:22 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061223 carmas : If the roof is leaking, there probably is no saddle on the up-slope side of the chimney. Yhe sadle diverts snow and water around the chimney, rather than letting it pile up against it.

Drew
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]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21061223 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:41:55 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060460 SpyderCKE : In response to more than just you, there is a fair amount of spalling, and the inner clay liner is cracked. There is also water damage around the ceiling area inside the house. The quote I got was to replace the majority of the chimney, given by what I am led to believe is a reputable company (hearsay, and time in business, I could be wrong).

I realize good flashing could make leaking much less likely, but the thing is that the chimney does nothing for me or the house, and can only be much worse than an 18" pipe coming through the roof. I plan to remove the wood insert and put gas in, sometime in the near future. The roof is also losing shingles daily, and will be completely replaced in a month or so. It just seems like the perfect opportunity to get rid of arguably one of the biggest risks to roof failure on this house.

As far as problems I have noticed, the roof is so shallow, and aims E/NE so it gets partial sun during the winter. Last winter, there was easily 8 inches of ice behind the chimney and in the valley next to it (there is a cricket as well). New shingles and flashing may substantially reduce this, but why would I want to encourage nature? If putting in a small stove pipe is cheaper than brick repair, why wouldn't I?

As for what I meant about below the roof line, imagine disassembling the chimney down to below the roof deck. Then place some sort of SS pipe in the remaining base, and penetrate the new roof deck with an ~18" hole.

This might be complete nonsense, opinions everywhere have been all over the place, too :)
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XBL - H2 - eTard]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060460 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:47:57 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060407 Icarus :
Re-point the chimney above the roof and run stainless up from the insert with a cap. Probably cost around $1200 bucks or so as the stainless is kinda pricey. Its what I did in my ranch and the stainless is good for 25 years or so.
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I see you have an insert in a Fireplace?

I just moved into a Rental with a freestanding 20 year old Lopi Woodstove that needs a few parts. It is still being made and parts are available.

My point is I have been searching for manuals and have found the install manuals. In the installs I have seen liners put into old masonary for both freestanding and inserts. For both pellets and woodburning. And all kinds of solutions, short of tearing out the old chimney.

Looking at your photos, I see little I would be concerned about.

An ex-brother-outlaw, was in the chimney cleaning business - the crap he would get paid for and the work he did not do was outrageous!

Plus I had a boiler and other heaters at my Nursery and several times a year someone would stop by and say my chimneys were dangerous! I Installed and maintained them throughout the heating season - just scammers trying to make a dishonest buck.

I think you are looking at pittance compared to $5k.
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]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060350 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:18:50 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060171 ArthurS :
said by SpyderCKE See Profile :

My intent is to reduce the footprint of the chimney on the roof, to reduce snow/ice buildup which has already caused water damage.
Wouldn't this water damage be a result of improperly installed flashing and roofing tiles, rather than putting the blame on the chimney? Lots of chimneys in the middle of the roof around here (including mine), don't know of any that are the cause of water damage with a properly maintained roof.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060171 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:35:53 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060135 KrK : Ok, I'm not an expert, but what is exactly wrong with that chimney and why do you think it's beyond repair?

I've seen chimney's in much worse shape (bricks falling off) and they are used year after year....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060135 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:28:48 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060070 anon :
said by SpyderCKE See Profile :

I intend to keep everything below the roofline. My intent is to reduce the footprint of the chimney on the roof, to reduce snow/ice buildup which has already caused water damage. I was hoping some sort of liner could be put in to achieve this..
What do you mean by below the roof line. If it is what I am guessing there are codes so the chimney will draw a draft or whatever that is called. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21060070 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:16:25 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21059977 Gres7 : As same thing happened to me- I can not tell you for 100%, but for 99% - it is scam.

For 3-5K they will install NOT needed metal liner inside.

do a google search on "chimney scam" - I bet you'll find alot of people that been taken for ride.
»www.scambusters.org/chimneyrepair.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21059977 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:00:32 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21059499 natedj : Have you considered removing the top(flue) and installing a ventless insert?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21059499 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:34:47 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21059324 SpyderCKE : I intend to keep everything below the roofline. My intent is to reduce the footprint of the chimney on the roof, to reduce snow/ice buildup which has already caused water damage. I was hoping some sort of liner could be put in to achieve this..
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XBL - H2 - eTard]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21059324 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:03:28 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058708 eXodus : I personally would stay with a brick chimney. I think you would loose too much heat in a stainless..the bricks/flue will heat up and radiate heat.

I have a rumsford fireplace in my house, traditional fireplace, and the thing radiates heat like no other.
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-eXodus]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058708 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:18:12 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058615 SpyderCKE : Thanks for the advice, I'll look in the area for a mason/chimney expert.

Who would be best able to install something like this? I'm at a loss what to look for when replacing or installing new alternative chimneys..

»www.northlineexpress.com/itemdes···5SP-9506
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XBL - H2 - eTard]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058615 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:04:34 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058550 hurfy : I don't think we spent $5k fixing ours after 23 bricks fell off during an earthquake years ago. (makes one rethink that whole 'get outta the house' thing tho if it is raining bricks...)

They just rebuilt what fell off and redid some mortar on the rest and recapped maybe. That doesn't look too bad except for the ugly flashing. I think more details and more estimates required. It looks like it needs some new mortar is all from here.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058550 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:52:43 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058499 robbin : Chimney sweeps are great for cleaning chimneys. If you need advise on brick masonry, get an estimate from a brick mason.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21058499 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:43:22 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21057071 Kringle : I don't see anything there that requires a rebuild. All I see is repointing and, possibly, a crown job (can't see it in the pictures). The only other issue is if the flue is cracked further down but it's possible to get a liner for that repair. I've seen brick chimneys in MUCH worse condition repaired without a rebuild.

$5k is a lot of money to throw at this and, as said earlier, I would get other opinions from the pros in your area.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21057071 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:23:34 EDT Re: Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21057025 dandelion : Someone more expert I'm sure will answer, but did he say it was the mortar the main problem?

»www.ehow.com/how_115757_fix-crum···ney.html

(for that much money, I would tend to want to get a second or third opinion and price also)
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]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21057025 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:15:26 EDT Replacing a beyond repair chimney http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21056668 SpyderCKE : I had the sweep come inspect my chimney, and he offered to take $5k of my money to rebuild it. It is probably warranted, though I don't know that a new chimney of this size is required. It is on the back side of the house, and not visible from the front.

Can something like a stainless chimney be put in it's place, while keeping the portion under the roof intact? I fear that a sweep is going to push for complete restoration, as they obviously will need to spend far more time rebuilding a brick chimney.
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