Chimney repair vs remove
Our chimney is in bad condition, and we’re trying to decide whether to repair or remove it. Essentially the interior was damaged by rain since there was no chimney cap until very recently. We recently discovered that the base has bricks missing and is crumbling in certain places. Also is anyone familiar with cast in…
Our chimney is in bad condition, and we’re trying to decide whether to repair or remove it. Essentially the interior was damaged by rain since there was no chimney cap until very recently. We recently discovered that the base has bricks missing and is crumbling in certain places. Also is anyone familiar with cast in place chimney liners? Are these superior to steel liners. Also any recommendations are appreciated. I see that Andre of A&A Chimney has been recommended
Thanks for all of your comments. I think that we will replace it and perhaps the hot water heater and boiler. So I’m now reading the posts about tankless hot water heaters.
Andre just finished a project for us and did a great job. He finished on time, he was reasonable and his team were all very nice. We would definitely recommend him.
You know your situation best, and can decide to replace or repair.
My house is not attached and the chimney was recently rebuilt. I could read a paper through the pointing holes. When it was rebuilt I had them add a chimney cap. It is now ‘one with the chimney’– it was added/anchored in between the bricks.
We have had some strong wind storms here, and I didn’t want it to blow off. So far, so good!
Is that what Andre said had to happen? Are you saying your chimney is structurally unsound? I’m just not clear why you’d need to make such a big deal of replacing a liner.
Granted, chimney base work is common, but that’s normally limited to work in the boiler room.
We have an attached home, with a free standing chimney going through the middle of the house. We do need some way to vent our gas boiler and gas water heater. We need a flue but not necessarily a chimney. I would prefer to take out the aluminum liner and replace it with a steel liner and, fix the base of the chimney, but I’m concerned that the chimney could collapse during the repair process, or during the liner removal and replacement. So, I’m thinking about taking out this chimney altogether, but know that this will involve opening up walls, and creating all kinds of dust.
Is your home detached from your neighbors? If so, do you need a chimney? A&A is a good company for most projects.