Should I tear down & replace this chimney before I re-roof ?
Hi All,
I am planning on getting my roof stripped & re-done in the fall. I heat primarily with a wood stove. Otherwise the only other heat in the house is electric which I try to avoid using on all but the coldest nights. The chimney has only one (ceramic) flue. The staining I realize is from creasote from the wood stove. I believe (correct me if I’m wrong) that I can remove these stains with muriatic acid ? At least that’s what folks have told me. What concerns me more is the white lines on the brick…what is this exactly and is it merely cosmetic or a sign of more serious trouble. If I have to get the chimney taken down and rebuilt I want to do it before (or while ?) I’m having the roof done so I don’t have to worry about the mason making a mess on the new roof shingles.
This is my house where I live an not rental property….what would you do ?
Thanks !
Joe
Replies
The chimney is in far better shape than many I've seen. I'm guessing it's not more than about 60 years old, maybe only half that?
The side view kinda looks like it's been tuck-pointed in the past, but the other views look more like original mortar. The white lines are probably cracks in the brick where moisture from the inside has brought "salts" to the surface -- "efflorescence". This, of course, suggests that rain is getting into the top, or, perhaps, moisture from the flue is working through faults in the liner.
Can't say what repairs are in order. I wouldn't think that complete disassembly is necessary if the liner is in good shape (be sure to get it inspected). Certainly it needs a little attention, though.
You need a new cap on the chimney, it's letting water get into the brick causing the efflorescence. You can have a stainless steel cap made that is better than a concrete cap, but both work well. A mason or chimney repair man should check the chimney before roofing starts.
I just had a guy give me a price of 2.5K to tear it down to the roof and rebuild it with a bluestone cap, materials & labor. I am tempted to go for it as once that it done and the roof is stripped & reshingled, I won't have to get on the roof for anything other than clean the gutters.....
My roofer was going to replace all the flashing...both step flashing as well as the flashing around the chimney.......
The mason was going to strip the chimney down to just above where the flashing ties in...
I am wondering now though if I should just have the mason replace the chimney cap, & clean & repoint the existing chimney....
I would
have someone blast the brick with walnut shell or soda (have the blaster look at the brick and advise you), repoint as needed, have a nice metal cap made for the top that prevents water from getting into the brick, and make sure you have a clean, solid metal pipe all the way down to the woodstove.