Nothing epitomizes a cozy home like the smell of burning wood or natural gas. However, a chimney can develop problems or become damaged by regular use, and it’s important to make repairs as soon as possible.
Investing in Chimney Repair
As with any home improvement project, you’ll need to research the cost of chimney repair before you commit to anything. There are a variety of different costs involved, including materials and labor costs. The size and age of your chimney can also affect how much you’ll end up paying, as can the amount of damage that needs to be repaired.
The Best Time to Have Your Chimney Repaired
While you may be tempted to wait until your chimney Prime Chimney Repair has gone out of commission, it’s important to tackle any issues right away to prevent them from getting worse and becoming more costly. If a leaky or damaged chimney is not fixed as soon as it occurs, water will seep into the brickwork and create other problems. The resulting mold, mildew and moisture will rot the structural integrity of the chimney, increasing your costs.
If a cracked or crumbling chimney is left untreated, it will likely require a full rebuild. This process will not only improve the overall condition of the chimney, but it’ll also help to boost your property’s resale value and reduce insurance premiums.
Choosing the Right Chimney Repair Service
There are many different types of chimney repair services, so you’ll need to make sure that you choose one that offers what you need at a price that you can afford. Before you hire a company, make sure they offer a thorough inspection. They’ll walk you through everything they’ve found, so you can understand what needs to be done and can make an informed decision on whether or not it’s in your best interest to move forward with a repair.
Depending on your local laws, you may need a permit to complete certain types of work on your chimney. This is especially true if the work involves the demolition of the chimney, or if any components have to be removed or repaired.
Permits typically range from $150 to $2,000. The cost will depend on where you live and what type of work is being performed.
The type of repairs needed can vary, but the most common are remortaring and sealing. These methods fix cracks that are caused by weathering or the buildup of creosote. Sealing a chimney is a less expensive alternative, and can be completed for between $150 and $500.
Repointing and tuckpointing are also masonry repair options, and these methods can be used to address mortar that is missing, chipped or broken. Tuckpointing involves adding a new coating of mortar to a damaged chimney, while remortaring is a more expensive method that can be used to match the existing brickwork or fill in any cracks.
Other repairs may be necessary if your chimney has suffered significant damage from a recent storm or a fire, and these methods can be costly. Parging a chimney, which involves replacing the mortar that lines the smoke chamber of your chimney, can be done for between $1,000 and $2,000.
A damaged or improperly functioning chimney can pose serious safety risks to you and your family. It can even cause uncontained fires and hazardous gases to enter your home, so it’s essential that you take care of any issues as quickly as possible.