Expert: James Ball - 4/20/2009

Question
I have a Heatilator insert fireplace.  My chimney has been leaking for about a year (drips here and there).  The local chimney repair company is saying that it is about a 99% chance that I will have to replace the whole unit from the insert up to the top of the chimney.  They say that fireplaces are not meant to get wet at all, so any rain would start a rusting process.  Is there a way to make repairs without starting over.  The local company says he can go down in the chimney for a complete check, but that is for $200.00.  Should I go through with the check or will it need to be replaced anyway and put the money towards the new fireplace?

Answer
Hello Ron, if I understand  you correctly you have a pre fab Heatolator fireplace and chimney (all metal, in a chase) that has  been getting wet and rusting.
The question is do you continue to check and replace or just replace?
Very hard to say with out seeing it so 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 with at least a second opinion
Depending on how old (15-20 years old) the unit is it might need to be replaced any way and you should contact the manufacturer
James