Chimney & Fireplaces/cracked chimney

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Expert: - 9/17/2008


Question
We are in the process of selling our home.  During inspection it was
confirmed (we had some inkling) that the chimney was cracked below the
roof line.  Obviously, we intend to get it fixed before the new owner takes
possession, but my concern is that it is done right and as economically as
possible.  We have someone coming today to give us a bid on the repair.  
What should we look for?  Any special certifications?  What would be a
ballpark range for the price of the repair?  And what exactly will they do?  
(Trust me, after two bathroom remodels, I am not looking to have tons of
construction mess in my home again!)  Thank you so much for any help you
can give me.

Answer
Debbie,

There are actually a few ways to remedy the cracked flue liner question. Cost will very with solution, but professionalism is what you want. Using the links at the bottom of my home page, you should locate a CSIA certified chimney sweep for this job. www.brooks-hearth.com. Best of luck to you and your family, and have a hearth inspection performed on the new house as well.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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