Chimney liners?
Jul. 29th, 2002 08:16 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dancerjodiI got an interesting e-mail from someone in my company in response to something I posted to our classifieds bulletin board. People solicit info about random things all of the time so I figured I'd ask for recommendations on chimney repair companies. This was the message:
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I just thought I'd send you a quick message regarding the estimate you received on a chimney liner. I bought my first house about six years ago, and had the chimneys inspected about a year later. I was told that I would need a stainless steel liner on a single flue chimney - the quote was $1800.00. I was skeptical about this, so I didn't agree to it, and later, when I was having my furnace serviced, I asked the oil company guys about it. I was told that this is a 'scam' - in almost all cases, no chimney liner is needed (especially if the house has oil heat).
I bought my current house in January. The home inspector told me that the chimney would need to be repaired, and after I went up on the roof and checked it myself, I decided to have it completely rebuilt and brought in a chimney contractor. I brought up the issue of the chimney condition and mentioned liners - this contractor literally started laughing and said the same thing - that it's a scam. In fact, he said that there was story on this on "Dateline", and that these companies apparently prey on certain groups of people, including the elderly. They do fraudulent carbon monoxide tests, etc.
So - although you may need a liner, I just figured I'd make you aware of this. If you'd like, I can give you the name of my chimney contractor (he's in Worcester - I live in Westborough), and he can at least refer you.
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Our quote was $3200 (we have 2 flues and a 40' plus high chimney) but we are guessing we could do better. I'm wondering now if lining the thing is even necessary. It IS an old house (86 years) and the fireplace hasn't been used as long as the previous family was in it (50+ years) so I expected it to need some maintenance.
Its too bad I don't have a relative in the business - contractors and landscapers I have; chimney sweeps I don't!
****
I just thought I'd send you a quick message regarding the estimate you received on a chimney liner. I bought my first house about six years ago, and had the chimneys inspected about a year later. I was told that I would need a stainless steel liner on a single flue chimney - the quote was $1800.00. I was skeptical about this, so I didn't agree to it, and later, when I was having my furnace serviced, I asked the oil company guys about it. I was told that this is a 'scam' - in almost all cases, no chimney liner is needed (especially if the house has oil heat).
I bought my current house in January. The home inspector told me that the chimney would need to be repaired, and after I went up on the roof and checked it myself, I decided to have it completely rebuilt and brought in a chimney contractor. I brought up the issue of the chimney condition and mentioned liners - this contractor literally started laughing and said the same thing - that it's a scam. In fact, he said that there was story on this on "Dateline", and that these companies apparently prey on certain groups of people, including the elderly. They do fraudulent carbon monoxide tests, etc.
So - although you may need a liner, I just figured I'd make you aware of this. If you'd like, I can give you the name of my chimney contractor (he's in Worcester - I live in Westborough), and he can at least refer you.
****
Our quote was $3200 (we have 2 flues and a 40' plus high chimney) but we are guessing we could do better. I'm wondering now if lining the thing is even necessary. It IS an old house (86 years) and the fireplace hasn't been used as long as the previous family was in it (50+ years) so I expected it to need some maintenance.
Its too bad I don't have a relative in the business - contractors and landscapers I have; chimney sweeps I don't!
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no subject
Date: 2002-07-29 05:47 am (UTC)Speak with the chimney contractor that was recommended to you- as there are some chimney cleaners and "liners" who are scam artists.