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Chimney & Fireplaces/Damper rusted and fell apart

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Expert: - 10/30/2004


Question
Hi,

I bought a home about 4 years ago, and never realized that there was no cap on the chimney.  Apparently, there never has been one.  After installing a new insert (decorative), I lit the first fire in over 2 years.  The next day, I tried to close the damper and a huge chunk of it broke off and fell into the fireplace.

How would I go about removing and replacing this?  I usually do most of the maintainence around our house, and though I've never done anything with masonry, I'm a quick study.

Oh...the fireplace is brick.  I am uncertain if there is any other material on the inside, but it that is important, I check and get back to you.  The fireplace (and house) are approximately 20 years old.

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Brandi,

Your best bet for this is to hire a professional.

I would suggest you check the Chimney safety Institute of America's website at www.csia.org to find a Certified Chimney Sweep.  They'll be able to properly inspect the chimney and recommned any repairs that might be needed.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com!

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden
President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
www.homesafeks.com

Chimney & Fireplaces

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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