Just got my chimney cleaned in newly purchased old house (1920s) - the company is saying that the chimney has cracks and they don't feel comfortable installing the insulated stainless steel liner until the cracks are fixed. They are saying they're not comfortable because 5 years down the road it could be a problem... is this even correct?
They are however suggesting to rebuild the chimney for 5-7 grand. Not an option for me.
I need to get this done and done right and I am digging all around online to learn more about chimney repair. They also mention that the bricks are 'backwards' ... ???
They're saying some type of company that uses balloons or special devices to fill in the cracks within the inside of the chimney is what I need to go with, if I'm still set on making it safe to put the liner in. Also they are saying something within it looks rusted. They don't have any video cam to drop down in to see - and every company around me is charging $400-600 just for a video inspection.
Safety is a huge concern but I don't intend to shell out a couple hundred or thousands either not knowing what I'm doing or if I'm just getting worked by these 'pros'.
Or do I just scrap the whole thing and install a free standing wood stove somewhere else in my house? I'd imagine this would cost a couple grand (but the liner is 1500, so could be a trade off?)...
Thanks so much for any thoughts, I will be doing more researching on my own but appreciate any input to guide me.
They are however suggesting to rebuild the chimney for 5-7 grand. Not an option for me.
I need to get this done and done right and I am digging all around online to learn more about chimney repair. They also mention that the bricks are 'backwards' ... ???
They're saying some type of company that uses balloons or special devices to fill in the cracks within the inside of the chimney is what I need to go with, if I'm still set on making it safe to put the liner in. Also they are saying something within it looks rusted. They don't have any video cam to drop down in to see - and every company around me is charging $400-600 just for a video inspection.
Safety is a huge concern but I don't intend to shell out a couple hundred or thousands either not knowing what I'm doing or if I'm just getting worked by these 'pros'.
Or do I just scrap the whole thing and install a free standing wood stove somewhere else in my house? I'd imagine this would cost a couple grand (but the liner is 1500, so could be a trade off?)...
Thanks so much for any thoughts, I will be doing more researching on my own but appreciate any input to guide me.