Expert: James Ball - 11/26/2008

Question
Hello, We recently purchased a single story home. We had the fireplace inspected and cleaned and learned there had been a flue fire at some point. The flue liners have vertical cracks and we were told to absolutely not build any fires. The recommendation is to reline the chimney with stainless steel flue lining. The materials and the labor are estimated at $3,000. This is a home that we do not live in, we rent it out. Any thoughts? This was an expense we were definitely not planning on. Also, our concern is backdraft of smoke. Are there any specific questions we should be asking? Thank you.

Answer
Hello Debra, if you had a chimney fire then you need a level 2 inspection ("all accessible parts of the chimney including the inside by video scan..."), now will the liner be sized right, for the fireplace opening?
If you do not fix it just tell the tenants they can not use the fireplace, ever.
if you do not fix it and they use it it could burn down the house and even if you have them sign off on it the worse that will happen to them is they will lose their deposit, you will lose your house.and some one could die.
I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have. at least its a second opinion
James