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Your Guide To A Chimney Dismantle

Did you know that 60% of new US homes contain at least one fireplace?

It’s not hard to understand the appeal. Aside from the obvious (making your house warm), a functioning fireplace can boost your home’s value by as much as $5,000.

The question is: What happens if you want to remove or replace an existing chimney?

Chimney dismantling is no easy undertaking, which is why many homeowners opt to leave it to the pros. If you do decide to tackle the project on your own, what do you need to know?

In this post, we’ll provide a brief overview of chimney removal. Read on to learn more!

Know Your Chimney Anatomy

The two main parts of a chimney are the stack (the part that extends over the roof) and the breast (located within the home). A chimney removal project will always include the stack, but it may or may not include the breast.

Why? Most chimneys function independently of the walls, roof, and other structural elements. Still, it’s common for chimneys to spread from the foundation across multiple stories—often right through the center of your home.

In many cases, the interior parts of the chimney can remain intact while only the stack is removed. It all depends on how your chimney is installed and which (if any) structural elements are involved.

If you’re unsure about your chimney’s structure, it’s best to consult a professional for guidance.

Removing The Stack

What if you only want to remove the chimney stack that’s visible on the roof? This is called a partial chimney removal and is definitely the easier of the two options.

The process is a matter of removing the bricks and other elements until it’s flush with the surface of the roof. This can be done with a hammer and chisel or a power tool like an impact hammer or mini-jack.

After that, it’s simply a matter of patching up the hole to prevent leaks or other damage to the roof.

Removing The Breast

What if you want or need to remove the entire chimney, including the interior portions? This is a much larger project requiring more labor, time, and cost.

The process of removing the bricks is the same, but you’ll be left with holes in your floors and walls. These, of course, need to be properly patched once the chimney is gone.

What if you learn that your chimney is an integral part of your home’s structure? Before any demolition can begin, you’ll need to reinforce the framework of your home to ensure it’s supported after the chimney removal.

D0 You Need A Chimney Dismantling Service?

Is it possible to complete a chimney dismantling project on your own?

Yes, but it will require the right tools, lots of hard work, and plenty of patience. For that reason, many homeowners decide to hire a chimney service to do the hard work for them (and ensure it’s done right).

Do you live in the Bay Area? Are you in need of a reputable chimney removal service?

Contact us today to discuss your project. We look forward to working with you!

REASONS FOR A CHIMNEY DISMANTLE

You might be looking at your old chimney and thinking about its removal. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it first seems, and there are so many factors to think about before you begin. When you wish to get rid of the chimney for purely aesthetic reasons, the effort required may prove more than it’s worth.

There are numerous reasons for wanting to get rid of the chimney, including:

  • Poorly damaged stack
  • Local pollution regulation
  • No plans to use it in the future
  • State of disrepair
  • Roof leakage
  • Home insulation
  • Takes up too much space

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

There are five important factors to consider when it comes to a chimney dismantle task. Understanding these terms is essential for deciding on the suitable actions and calculating costs.

BREAST

The chimney breast is equally the most visible and fundamental portion of a chimney. The brick walls encase the flu and other functional parts, providing extra insulation and major structural support.

Regrettably, the breast tends to protrude into all the places it passes through. In the occasion you desire to repossess this space in a room, it is achievable to remove only that section of the breast instead of the whole chimney.

STACK

When people consider a chimney, this is the element they tend to picture. It is the part which protrudes from the peak, ending in a cap. Leaks and structural damage are the most familiar reasons for wanting to remove a chimney stack, and in this case, you will have the choice of simply covering over the rest of an unused chimney when you expand the roof over the gap left by the stack.

TIME INVESTMENT

Whether you do the task yourself or hire a contractor, be aware that removing a chimney is a time-consuming task, particularly traditional brick ones. A brick chimney must be cautiously disassembled one brick at a time to avoid structural damage.

DISPOSAL

Simply removing the stack may not generate a lot of garbage, but if your plans involve taking out the chimney breast in one or more areas, you may be looking at a large quantity of brick and tile. This is not only costly to dispose of, but may require special permits.

Be sure to fully investigate local disposal regulations and see if there are masonry companies who may be involved in salvaging the materials. In the latter case, the disposal may be low-priced or even free, depending on the company and state of the bricks you remove.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Chipping away at older masonry one brick at a time is a long and unsafe job. Be sure to have sufficient head and body protection, and be conscious of the high levels of dust you will be creating that could affect your lungs or vision.

Contact the Irish Sweep today to dismantle your chimney. 

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