New stack liner - 3 contractors, 3 bids, 3 TOTALLY different proposals

[coHoser]

Well, I bought a new insert and have bids from 3 different contractors for installation, high altitude and it can get cold here (30-40 below):

History - chimney fire that damaged and popped a clay tile or two in the chimney, making it "unsafe to use as is" from my chimney sweep (who I trust).

Proposals:

1) reline with a SS stack, fully insulating the stack from top to bottom

2) reline with a SS stack, insulating the top 3 or 4 feet

3) put the stove in without a new liner, after I expressed concern, a grudging "OK, I've only put in 2 or 3 over 20 years - I'll install with no insulation at all"

The prices surprisingly are all about the same, or close enough that I consider it a wash... I'm going with #1... I would think that keeping the stack and gasses at as high a temp as possible, for as long as possible, is a really good idea.

 

[Hogwildz]

I'd choose door #1.
If the tiles are broken, it MUST be fully insulated to conform to current code. Not to mention make it safe in case of chimney fire.
Option 2 is not a full insulated job, no good.
Option 3, thats just scary. If costs are all close to the same, you chose the right one. Only better would be DIY.

 

[fossil]

#1, hands down...full height, fully insulated, weather sealed, & capped. And a block-off plate at the damper throat. Rick

 

[begreen]

Option 1 is what appears to be the best choice. That installer seems to recognize the situation and has provided you with an appropriate solution. The others have not.