Chimney & Fireplaces/Water in fireplace

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Expert: - 10/12/2006


Question
I have a 15 year old home in Massachusetts.  It has a double flu fireplace.  One for the gas furnace and one for the fireplace.  When it rains I get water that appears to be coming NOT from the flu, but from between the firebox and the face of the bricks of the fireplace.  I am guessing that this is something to do with the flashing.  I called a chimney sweep company for an estimate and there solution ($350) was to use that black sealent.  I have not had the work done as this does not feel like the right solution.  First of all who should I hire to complete this repair?  A chimney sweep, a mason, a roofer?  After that is solved, any tips on finding a good (qualified, competent, fair) contractor?  Are there any industry certifications/affiliations to look for?  Lastly, what has to be done?  Am I wrong in my original thought and should have someone slop up the black stuff or should someone instead repair/replace the flashing?  thanks, Ron

Answer
Hi Ron,

Check www.csia.org for a Certified Chimney Sweep to look at this repair.  There are several ways to do this repair, but the best way is to replace the flashing on the roof and on the chimney.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
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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