In prep for hopefully installing an insert very soon, I have a reputable Boston-area chimney company coming tomorrow to do a cleaning and level two inspection (the inspection with the camera up the chimney). I know some people would say the level two inspection is unnecessary as I will be installing (hopefully) an insulated liner, but I bought my house just over a year ago and haven't done any cleaning or inspection, the house was built in the late 1800s, and the company only charges $300 for both the cleaning and level 2 inspection, so I figured it was well worth it for the info and piece of mind it will give me.
So, I'm wondering from the intelligent people here, what questions should I ask? What should I look for in the work they do? What questions should I ask? etc...
I am also hoping that they will give me the "okay" on installing the used jotul c450 I just bought used, which will require a little bit of brick grinding to make fit. On the phone, the chimney company told me that brick grinding was questionable with a chimney this old, and that it is possible that the fireplace firebox wouldn't be able to handle the high temps of an insert, but that they wouldn't know this until they did the inspection. Does this sound right? My firebox on the chimney is covered by metal sheets (perhaps cast iron?) to reflect heat. I assume they will need to remove these to see what the brick behind looks like in regards to being able to do the grinding, is that correct? I'm also hoping that removing this metal will give me an extra half an inch or so on either side.
Any suggestions are welcome! They'll be here at 3PM tomorrow!
Kenny
So, I'm wondering from the intelligent people here, what questions should I ask? What should I look for in the work they do? What questions should I ask? etc...
I am also hoping that they will give me the "okay" on installing the used jotul c450 I just bought used, which will require a little bit of brick grinding to make fit. On the phone, the chimney company told me that brick grinding was questionable with a chimney this old, and that it is possible that the fireplace firebox wouldn't be able to handle the high temps of an insert, but that they wouldn't know this until they did the inspection. Does this sound right? My firebox on the chimney is covered by metal sheets (perhaps cast iron?) to reflect heat. I assume they will need to remove these to see what the brick behind looks like in regards to being able to do the grinding, is that correct? I'm also hoping that removing this metal will give me an extra half an inch or so on either side.
Any suggestions are welcome! They'll be here at 3PM tomorrow!
Kenny