Expert: James Ball - 2/17/2009

Question
Four years ago, we switched from an oil to gas furnace.  As part of that install, the contractors were supposed to insert a liner in our chimney (you can probably see where this is headed already).  Over this past winter, we noticed moisture in our fireplace and also on the interior side of the brick in our home.  A crusty white substance, likely lye, has accumulated on our screen (now ruined) and pools on our hearth. Also, we just found a cracked brick on the interior of the fireplace.  To correct this, we called in a chimney sweep/repair person.  Much to our surprise, we were told that there was no liner!  In fact, the cap that was supposed to attached to the liner was glued onto the concrete cap.  This would certainly explain why there was moisture in our chimney!
 Needless to say, my husband and I are appalled!  We have contacted the contractors and they are going to install the liner (we are hopeful that they are willing to 'make things right').  My questions for you are many but to keep them brief:  1) should we be concerned about the stability and longevity of our chimney?  There is visible damage to the top of the chimney and cap from the exterior.  2) Should the company that messed up cover the repairs to the chimney and the peripherals (flue, cap, fireplace hearth and screen, etc)?  3) What other concerns should we address to ensure we can use our fireplace and furnace safely?
I'd appreciate any advice and insights.

Answer
Hello Michelle, 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 and what damage might have been done and ask them to make sure it is done correctly, sized properly, safely and to current code.(gas liners in an exterior chimney must be insulated)(I only use Stainless
Steel liners not aluminum)
ONLY ALLOW A CERTIFIED CHIMNEY SWEEP DO THIS LINER INSTALLATION or over see it's install.
James