Cost to repair brick chimney
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I know very little about masonry so I’m looking for advice.
Here’s a picture of my chimney. Rectangular, 2 bricks by 2 1/2 bricks, with a SupaFlu lining. The liner was poured and flashing redone about 15 years ago. Chimney looks bad, leaks a little after windy rains (probably through the bricks?), and I have seen a few small crumbly brick chunks on the lawn.
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Questions:
1) Can it be made solid by simply repointing?
2) Is there any practical way to remove the paint to see the natural brick? Or we could just repaint it a dark color after repointing?
3) If it needs to be torn down and rebuilt from the roof up, will the SupaFlu lining be a problem?
4) What is a reasonable cost for repointing? For rebuilding above the roof?
5) How should I expect a mason to protect my shingles while he is tromping around up there, so it doesn’t turn into a re-roofing job too?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
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Here’s a picture of my chimney. Rectangular, 2 bricks by 2 1/2 bricks, with a SupaFlu lining. The liner was poured and flashing redone about 15 years ago. Chimney looks bad, leaks a little after windy rains (probably through the bricks?), and I have seen a few small crumbly brick chunks on the lawn.
.
Questions:
1) Can it be made solid by simply repointing?
2) Is there any practical way to remove the paint to see the natural brick? Or we could just repaint it a dark color after repointing?
3) If it needs to be torn down and rebuilt from the roof up, will the SupaFlu lining be a problem?
4) What is a reasonable cost for repointing? For rebuilding above the roof?
5) How should I expect a mason to protect my shingles while he is tromping around up there, so it doesn’t turn into a re-roofing job too?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
.
- freetown fred
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I'd just skim the whole thing RB. unless it's falling apart. --no cap of any type that I'm seeing--put a piece of flagstone on the top.
- freetown fred
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Just mix some mud (Sakrete, etc) & use a flat trowel to do all 4 surfaces--then paint or what ever you want. I would NOT try & clean the bricks--I think you'd open a can of worms you don't need!
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Why is the chimney so high above the roof?
It could be only the top few courses bad. Usually the top few courses form an overhang to cut down on water running down the chimney.
You have to get up there and test the cement. Poke it with a screwdriver.
It could be only the top few courses bad. Usually the top few courses form an overhang to cut down on water running down the chimney.
You have to get up there and test the cement. Poke it with a screwdriver.
- freetown fred
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He's got a poured liner--I don't think he wants to remove anything height wise. Many older houses have a real high chimney--don't know why--they just do.
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If it has to be rebuilt I would have no objection to it being a little shorter. There is nothing higher anywhere near it. But my preference is to salvage it without rebuilding, either by repointing or by skimming as FF suggested. That's why I wondered if anybody could tell me reasonable costs, so I have a starting point.
- 2001Sierra
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I have always said I usually pay a weeks pay for a mason for one days work. I am now the mason most times, especially for jobs like yours. The setup on the roof to be both safe and protect the surrounding roofing takes time. Masons usually are 2 people, the mason ,and a helper, this does add to the cost. If you where to bring it down to the roof and restack, I would guess almost a $1000.00, a repoint probably $700.00.
- Rob R.
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I had my chimney torn down into the attic and rebuilt. With a new cap, the cost was $1400. I was also having my roof replaced right afterwards, so the mason did not have to worry about that. I imagine the cost can vary quite a bit, depending where you are located.But my preference is to salvage it without rebuilding, either by repointing or by skimming as FF suggested. That's why I wondered if anybody could tell me reasonable costs, so I have a starting point.
Looking at your chimney, I think most of your problems are the crown, or lack of. I think a pressure washer would remove a lot of that paint.
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I definitely need one chimney making higher for better draft and another one or two built from scratch. Local chimney sweeps are just a rip off and just give the job to a local mason who also does not know how to build a chimney. Does anyone have a recommendation for someone who knows how to do it properly. I have been promising myself I would treat us to this one year soon. Now is the time. Photos sent to any interested party. Cash paid. Of course, it is a summer activity. This thread has stimulated me.
Why doesn't a company make a chimney cover , maybe even molded fiberglass with
a brick pattern on the outside , to cover the exposed part of the chimney ? With a base
that forms the flashing so you have very little sealing to do to the roof . Could last 100
years or more.
BigBarney
a brick pattern on the outside , to cover the exposed part of the chimney ? With a base
that forms the flashing so you have very little sealing to do to the roof . Could last 100
years or more.
BigBarney
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I have seen exactly that, for metal chimneys. At least I thought they were fiberglass -- these say they are made of steel.
http://www.fireplacemall.com/chimney-surround/
That's what i had in mind but I think a base would be a good solution
to prevent leaks. The one you mentioned adds a water dam at the base
to keep water out . The chimney would slip over the base and keep
water away from roof opening.
BigBarney
to prevent leaks. The one you mentioned adds a water dam at the base
to keep water out . The chimney would slip over the base and keep
water away from roof opening.
BigBarney
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Ya'all need "Flex Tape". Just think, if it keeps this boat floating just think how it'll help your chimney. And for a limited time get it in multiple colors. Just send me $490.00 and $65 for shipping and handling. And if you call in the next 20 minutes we'll throw in a magic marker so you can line off mortar seams. Act fast!