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Chimney & Fireplaces/Firebrick damage, New fire box installing?

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Expert: - 11/8/2007


Question
Bart,
I notice the firebrick starting to fall away from the back firebox wall and some are spalled/chipped. After fire place  inspect. The tradesman said, We need to build a complete new firebox, which involved removing the flue and putting some mortar up in the throat are to create a 45 degree angle and A installing a new rain collar. The home is 30 years old and no doubt the fire place needs attention but, is all this necessary and or is this something I can do? I am willing to tackle the job for sex is better when my wife has her fire. If you think this job is beyond the average handyman skill set, what should the cost be roughly?

Answer
Hi Jim,

I understand the situation regarding fulfilling the desires of your resident pyromaniac.

If the firebricks are loose, the firebox will need rebuilt.  At this time the smoke chamber will probably also need some attention.

It's beyond the skillset of the average handyman, I would leave this to the professionals.

Typical costs for something like this could easily run $1,800 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of the project.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.  I'm sure you're very interested in getting those home fires burning again as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com  

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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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