Expert: James Ball - 1/12/2011

Question
I have an approximately 20 year old house with a Superior CF3860 chimney.  The entire chimney run is contained in interior walls.  The top ~7 foot section above the roof line was angled (due to wind damage) so I had a contractor come out and try to fix it.  Initially they thought they would be able to just snap the top section back into place and brace it on the roof (wasn't initially installed with a brace).  It turns out it didn't snap into place and they suspect the 25 foot chimney is separated somewhere else between the basement and 3rd floor.  Additionally, the entire 25 foot run appears to be leaning towards the back of the house.  This contractor recommended replacing the entire chimney with a new unit for several reasons:
1. finding Superior parts is difficult if not impossible due to
them no longer being in business
2. if they are unable to snap the pieces back into place due to them being bent, screwing them into place isn't the correct the thing to do
3. the completely angled run is a cause for concern

I then got the insurance company involved.  They contacted their own chimney people and they said no need to replace the entire chimney as you can just screw the potentially unsnappable pieces back together.

I then contacted the county permits and inspectors office.  They advised there is no code against screwing a pre fab chimney back together, but advised to refer to the manufacturer's installation manual.  I can't find any info on the manufacturer.  

The first contractor obviously wants to sell more services.  The insurance company wants the cheapest fix.  Help.

Answer
Hello Annie, the County Permit & Inspectors office is right, you must follow the manufactures instructions, if your chimney did  not have screws but snapped together originally then you can not "screw them together" now, the entire chimney will need to be replaced.
Even if the insurance company can find the owners/installation instruction and it states "you can screw damaged pipes together" I would still say replace it.
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.
Hope this helps
James