A fireplace adds charm and value to a home, but it can be expensive to maintain. Fireplaces are a desirable feature. Although chimneys are expensive to maintain, they are a great selling point for new home buyers. Chimney repair can cost anywhere from $2,100 to over $5,000.
Chimney Repair Charleston SC can involve replacing cracked bricks or repairing the flashing around the chimney. This can cost anywhere from $150 to $3,500 and can involve working with potentially dangerous chemicals. Labor fees for chimney repairs can range from $50 to $150 per hour, and base fees can cost up to $100. In addition, scaffolding can add an additional $50 to $200 to the labor cost.
A chimney repair technician will assess the damage and advise you on what repairs are necessary. The initial service visit usually costs between $50 and $150, while a full inspection costs anywhere from $100 to $500. In some cases, the company will credit your initial service call fee towards the final bill. However, if you have a more extensive problem, you will need to spend an additional $2500 to $4,000.
Another chimney repair option is replacing the chimney crown. The crown protects bricks and mortar from getting damaged by rain and prevents pests from nesting in them. The crown also prevents rain from getting down the chimney flue. A new chimney cap will cost between $250 and $600, and it will keep out rain and pests.
The two main types of chimney repair are masonry repairs and tuckpointing. The masonry repair process restores the strength of the chimney by replacing the damaged mortar with new mortar. Bricks can become loose or cracked from years of exposure to the elements. This can lead to problems with drafting and leakage. If this happens, you may need a full chimney rebuild.
Cracks in the mortar are another common sign that your chimney needs repair. These cracks can compromise the structural integrity of your chimney, especially if they’re near the bottom. If you find cracks in your chimney, you should call a professional to come to inspect it. In addition, you should have a professional chimney inspection performed every year.
Chimneys are an important part of your home. If they’re in good condition, they’ll add curb appeal and functionality to your home. However, chimneys can also be damaged or deteriorate over time, which is why it’s so important to hire a chimney repair professional. Chimney repair contractors know how to use the appropriate equipment and safety procedures to repair chimneys safely.
Before hiring a chimney repair company, make sure you have a detailed list of requirements for the work. An experienced contractor should be able to provide you with references and proof of their previous work. Moreover, you should check that they have adequate insurance. This will protect you from any financial loss due to accidents.
Generally, the best time to have your chimney repaired is after the winter season. This is because winter weather can be hard on brick exteriors and may make it difficult to make repairs. Additionally, you will be using your fireplace more during this time. If you had a chimney repair last winter but found out you still have a problem this year, you may need to call a chimney repair company before the winter season.
The best time to schedule a chimney repair is in the early spring when the weather is warm, and the snow melts. Chimneys need warmer weather to function properly, and winter weather can be particularly damaging. Therefore, scheduling your chimney repair in the spring will save you money and also avoid the rush of repair requests during the winter.
The most common chimney repair problem is caused by moisture getting into the masonry of the chimney. This causes the mortar to deteriorate. Mortar is the cement between bricks, and it is supposed to be water-tight. However, mortar is only effective for about 25 years, and the quality of the materials used can shorten this time. In such a case, a chimney repair company can use a technique called tuckpointing, which involves scraping away the old mortar and adding new mortar.
If you have a chimney fire, you should contact a chimney repair company as soon as possible. A chimney fire is dangerous and costly.
