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Chimney Damage: To Repair or Rebuild?

This is a very delicate topic where the decision made could have huge implications ranging from financial, technical and structural including others that could affect the feasibility of the choice or option is made. Ample consultation therefore ought to be made to seek or obtain varied opinions in order to make an informed decision and one without any sort of regrets. This is to guarantee that the amount expended towards the chosen project will be reasonable and that all associated risks will be properly alleviated. At this point, it is ideal to point out that the opinion pertaining to this has been tremendously split as some experts advocate for a repair while others insist and postulate that a rebuild is always the best. This article will highlight the benefits and shortcomings of both ideas in passing and then help to make a proper inference in relation to the most suitable undertaking.

Structural Problems

Contractor Builder with blue hardhat

A rebuild can be necessitated by the existence of certain structural issues, which cannot be salvaged through a repair. Some irredeemable chimney conditions may include a ruined chimney foundation and a destroyed exterior that is beyond repair. A rebuild can aid to remedy such issues that could have been occasioned by poor masonry and a dilapidated chimney foundation. A repair in such an instance cannot suffice, as it is only temporary. It only helps to resolve the issue for a limited period and a subsequent collapse is always inevitable. This implies that only a rebuild can help to deter such future incidents by rendering or availing a solution with a higher degree of permanency. This ensures that any possibility of harm is eliminated and that the chimney problem will be taken care of for the last time.

Appraisal

Chimney work is not only necessary when someone does not harbor an intention of disposing of the house. It can also be crucial in case you desire to sell a house in the foreseeable or distant future. At such a time, a quick decision ought to be made to establish whether a repair or a rebuild is the most ideal. Upon a cursory glance, a repair might seem decent considering that you will be surrendering the occupancy and ownership of the house to another person.

However, it diminishes the value of the house fetching you very low returns resulting to the incurrence of a loss or low proceeds from the sale. It might seem cheap and simple but it ruins the chimney’s appearance and damages its functionality thus ultimately lowering the value of the house. On the other hand, a rebuild helps to increase the value of the house hence guaranteeing the appropriation of more money upon disposal. Suffice to say, a temporary fix has severe repercussions but a permanent solution in the form of a rebuild has the capability of being hugely advantageous even in some unanticipated ways such as an increment of the value of the house.

Minor Problems

These are some of the issues that can be solved through a simple repair hence ridding of the need to do or undertake an entire rebuild. There are several examples such as a damaged flue liner, which can result in elevated risk or the possibility of toxicity and poisoning in your home if the problem is not arrested. This includes the danger of unusually high temperatures when such a flue liner problem is not brought to a better resolution. In such instances, a rebuild would be deemed as too extravagant since it is a minuscule problem where a thorough repair of the flue liner can be sufficient. A replacement of the flue liner is a decent way of remedying the issue hence any suggestion of a rebuild should be examined deeply as it could be a way of fleecing your pockets or trying to cover some underlying issues, which can only be resolved through a rebuild. However, for such minute problems, a repair is the most fitting solution.

The foregoing has aptly demonstrated that a repair and a rebuild are both workable and feasible options based on the exact scenario and prevailing circumstances. This includes the state of the chimney, any pre-existing or currently existing structural issues, and the gravity or extent of the underlying problems among others. The aforementioned can dictate which method will be employed in order to achieve the best and most desirable objective. In conclusion, the opinion of a certified professional is always pivotal and you should not hesitate from asking questions to make the best decision. It is incumbent upon you to involve an expert who can render some perfect advice after proper assessment and inspection.