Repair masonry chimney or go stainless

[Maj92az]

I've made a post last week about putting in a new liner. I was quoted 4500 because they need to remove my 6x10 oval tiles to fit a 8" liner. The chimney is 16ft outside and 1ft underground. It's a charmaster furnace (requires 8").

The cracks are vertical and really only about the last 5ft near the top. I'm sure there is a least another further but even with a bright light- hard to see any. 2 inspectors both said "near the top"

One suggested heatshield because its minor cracks. Another wants (only offers SS) a new liner.

My next option is to demolish the chimney and install a rigid pipe. The pipe would bypass the clean out and would go straight outside. The outlet is basically at ground level on the outside- about 4ft in the basment (home on a slope)

I would really like to lean to do this myself but feel funny demolishing a chimney.. but I like simple systems where nothing can go wrong... and to make matters worst. Super busy season for all chimney guys. Even if I went with the 4500 quote- could not be here until early December.

 

[bholler]

I've made a post last week about putting in a new liner. I was quoted 4500 because they need to remove my 6x10 oval tiles to fit a 8" liner. The chimney is 16ft outside and 1ft underground. It's a charmaster furnace (requires 8").

The cracks are vertical and really only about the last 5ft near the top. I'm sure there is a least another further but even with a bright light- hard to see any. 2 inspectors both said "near the top"

One suggested heatshield because its minor cracks. Another wants (only offers SS) a new liner.

My next option is to demolish the chimney and install a rigid pipe. The pipe would bypass the clean out and would go straight outside. The outlet is basically at ground level on the outside- about 4ft in the basment (home on a slope)

I would really like to lean to do this myself but feel funny demolishing a chimney.. but I like simple systems where nothing can go wrong... and to make matters worst. Super busy season for all chimney guys. Even if I went with the 4500 quote- could not be here until early December.

That price is absurd for lining that chimney. Btw it looks like you may actually have proper clearances. But I would still recommend insulation