Expert: James Ball - 10/1/2009

Question
My 2 family house was built in 1919 and
has an internal chimney that is placed right in the middle
of the house. There are two hot water heaters [run by gas],
and two gas furnaces, so there are 4 appliances that use
the chimney. There are no fireplaces in the house.

The mortar on the exposed part of the chimney
above the roof cannot be repointed because it is so badly deteriorated. I have water spots in a couple of places on my ceilings and I have been told that the failed chimney flashing, mortar holes, and moisture on the bricks are most probably where the water spots on my ceilings are coming from.

I have had about 4 estimates and they vary so widely it is very
confusing trying to figure out what I really must get done. Some
say I need a chimney liner, others didn't mention it. Two say
they will rebuilt the chimney from the roof line up. One says that I need that plus the chimney rebuilt from the attic floor up. The prices vary from $1100 to $7200 ! Where I live, I am required by code to install a liner
only if I am changing the appliances which I am not.
I have lived in the house for 11 years and never had a problem with carbon monoxide. I have carbon monoxide alarms in both the 1st and 2nd floor apartments. Since gas has a lower risk of carbon monoxide poisoning than oil furnaces I am leaning towards not getting a liner because it is so expensive.

I am thinking about only rebuilding the chimney from the roof up because the cost of that is what I can afford.

Thanks for your input,
Laurie

Answer
Hello Laurie, ok by code if you alter the chimney or update an appliance the entire chimney musty come up to code. double check with your local building department. if the chimney is lined with flue tile they must be in good condition.
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 they should be able to help. It sounds like you will have to rebuild from a solid part of the chimney (don't know if that is roof or attic up) and reline if the liner is damaged or not there.
Hope this helps
James