Big fireplace repair bill....should i install an insert instead?

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billd333

New Member
Apr 1, 2011
18
Massachusetts
Hi, i just found the forum today after getting a repair bill after a level 2 masonary fireplace/chimney inspection yesterday.
$6000 to reline the chimney, ground out and fill a crack on the exterior, install full size S.S. cap and replace clean out door.
plus some waterproofing and sealing of the flashing. The level 2 found some vert. cracks in smoke chamber area and cracks in 2 flue liner tiles.
The inspector thought there was a chimeny fire at some point that casued the problem. I'm unaware of any fire and I'm the original owner, the house/chimney
were built 17 years ago. I'm thinking it would be easier and less expensive to install a fireplace insert. We don't have many fires, only go thru a cord over couple of years if that, but we do like to use the fireplace once in awhile. We don't use it as a heat source as we have forced hot water/gas. The furnace vents via a power vent on the other side of the house and the chimeny is stricly for the fireplace. I'm looking for some professional guidance and comments on my situation.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Regards,
Bill
 
It would make more sense to install a fireplace insert with a full chimney reline. You could still supplement your forced air heating with the wood insert. Another option would be to go with a gas insert. This would be even less expensive for the chimney liner and you can heat just that room with the insert and turn your thermostat down a little on your forced air system.
 
oh...one other thing i forgot to ask.
Can an insert liner be installed in the existing 8"x12" liner?
I think the inside dimensions are a little less.
 
Being your not using the fireplace as a primary heat source, a gas insert is a great suggestion..but great suggestions is all you get from Wood Heat Stoves. Do you have natural gas service to the home or LP?
 
I agree with Franks and Wood Heat....if you are burning more for ambiance than heat, then the gas stove might be a good option for you and less exp to install given you have a gas source. (Just seems like a lot of money to put down for a wood insert and full liner if you are only going through 1/4 cord/year)
Good luck
 
Yes, I have natural gas. No gas line close by though as the furnace is on the other side of the house.
I can see the benefits explained by "wood heat stoves" though.
 
This happens a lot with damaged fireplaces. The cost to repair the fireplace often is pretty close or equal to a basic insert with full liner. Natural gas is probably a good option for you, though you will have to have a gas person run a line for it.
 
Thanks Dave,

One item to mention is that my fireplace is in an attached family room over my 2 car under garage.
As opposed to over a part of the house that is heated. This may getting a line to the insert a little harder, costly??

Regards,
Bill
 
I wouldn't think that running the gas line would be an issue....perhaps a little more $$ if its a long run, but many houses have a similar setup as you.
I'm a pyro by nature, so I guess I just like burning, splitting, stacking, etc....its more of a way of life than just a heat source :)
I think your next step is to check out some of the dealer in your area, not sure whereabouts in Mass you are.
 
hey you guys are really fast to respond, I can't keep up. Appreciate it.
I was going to try to do the insert myslef as it's only about 15 ft of chimney and the lkist seems to be very easy to install.
the gas line will change that plan though. I thought gas would not have as much ambiance as wood or pellets, actually burning a material?regards,

regards,
Bill
 
Thanks Dave, though I get my wood delivered, I like building/tending/stoking the fire activity.
I'm in Walpole.
I know there is a fireplace store up on rt1 somewhere. I may stop there tonight.

Bill
 
Just for a comparison, we charge about $15 per foot parts and labor to run black iron pipe. 50' run, 750 bucks. Aint the end of the world. A decent gas insert installed will run ya $3,000, so $3700 complete is still cheaper than a reline and you get to go clickety click for a fire.
 
Thanks for the info.
I need to get a few more dimensions measured and then vist to a local dealer to check things out.
I'll keep you posted.

Regards,
BIll
 
I agree, you should get an estimate for the gas line before you do any more research into a gas insert. If you're looking at the alternative of a $6000.00 chimney repair, though, you have a lot of margin to work with. Most gas insert installs are far less than that, even with the gas line. As far as the ambiance, the modern gas stoves have very realistic looking log sets and flames. You should go to a local shop and see some burning. I think you'll like them.
 
Ill say this, I went to the Buck dealer here again yesterday and he has a gas insert burning in his little showroom and it throws an insane amount of heat. I stop by it and warm up while I admire the heat output of that thing. I couldnt believe what those things can do.
 
I'm going to go contrary to what alot of people have been saying here & say don't convert to gas- even with today's modern gas burners & log sets that make the fire look as close to an actual wood fire as possible, nothing beats the ambiance of a true wood fire :)

Also, even though you're currently using the fireplace for ambiance-only, if you put a wood-burning insert in there, it could supplement your existing furnace & help decrease your gas bill each month ;)
It's amazing how much even a small wood stove/insert can reduce heating bills. Wood also acts as a great back-up heat source if the power goes out (I assume your furnace requires electricity to run- most furnaces/boilers do).
 
Gas inserts can reduce your gas as well.

Zone heating the area you spend time in, and dropping the rest of the house down a little, which will take a lot of stress off of your central heating system, = less overall useage.

Many customers say their gas bills are quite a bit less once we install in their most used ares of their homes.

Cooler bedrooms will keep you from getting sick as well.

Edit: Gas fireplaces will run without hydro as well in power outages.
 
I had the same situation,

moved in, home inspector said I'd burn my house down if i used the fireplace

got a 10k estimate

bought an insert
 
Well...just to update...I think i'm leaning towards gas after my visit to the store today.
My wife liked the fact the glass door was larger on the gas unit and you'll see more of the fire.
I think due to the fact I only have 21" in height, I'm limited with a real wood insert and the size of glass to see through.
Anyone know how the Regency units compare quality wise to other gas units?

Regards,
Bill
 
billd333 said:
Well...just to update...I think i'm leaning towards gas after my visit to the store today.
My wife liked the fact the glass door was larger on the gas unit and you'll see more of the fire.
I think due to the fact I only have 21" in height, I'm limited with a real wood insert and the size of glass to see through.
Anyone know how the Regency units compare quality wise to other gas units?

Regards,
Bill









You are the original owner ... that's great! Save yourself a ton of money.......
Call your insurance company its usually fully covered minus your ded. At minimum they will pay for the liner.. tell them you want it restored to original and they will pay...... the money is yours to fix or install a liner !
It happened to me ... in Nov 2000 I needed heat so opted for the check had liner installed with stove as masonry guy said it was to cold to redo a whole chimney "right way" ... best thing I ever did ... would still have a fireplace burning bad wood!
 
The Regency units are among the top of the pile.

Few hundred of them a year as well as valor, then a few other brands.
 
Hey thanks for that advice.
I'll follow up with my insurance company.
I wasn't sure it that was covered or not but t's best to make the call.

Regards,
Bill
 
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