Chimney & Fireplaces/chimney rebuild

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Expert: - 9/1/2006


Question
Bart,
I have been told by my chimney sweep that I need my chimney torn down to the roof and rebuilt because of water damage to the bricks.  My chimney sticks up through the 1st floor roof between the garage and family room.  He doesn't do this type of work and so I got a masonry contractor.  He has given me an estimate of $1950.  This includes tearing the chimney down to the roof flashing and a 4 inch chrown.  Does this sound like a reasonable price?  I know it really depends upon the part of the country, but I thought you might know if this is at least in the ball park.  

Is there any better type of bricks that should be used?  I'm assuming I should also have a water repellant applied after the chimney is built.  How long should I wait to have this done?  

Thanks for your help,
Doug

Answer
Hi Doug,

Actually it sounds pretty cheap for that kind of work.

For water repellent on chimneys, I recommend the ChimneySaver brand, which is designed specifically for chimneys.  It's the best out there.

As far as what kind of bricks you should use, simply use NEW bricks - don't use recycled bricks.  They have many types of new bricks that are designed to look like old ones and most of the time your brickwork can be fairly closely matched to the old.

ANY water repellent should never be applied before a 28 day curing period on new masonry work has been completed.

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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