Tips For Selecting Chimney Repair Companies

If your chimney is damaged, you might need to repair it or replace it. But how do you choose the right company?

Look for companies with high safety and quality standards. Also, check that they have memberships in professional organizations. They should list these on their website. In addition, they should carry liability insurance.

Ask for Referrals

It’s always a good idea to ask for referrals from people you trust. Especially in cases where they’ve used chimney services in the past and were satisfied.

You should also look for testimonials and reviews on third party websites before selecting a company. Check to see if the company has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and read comments from multiple sites.

Chimney contractors should be licensed and insured. When choosing a chimney repair company, ask for proof of insurance by asking the contractor to send you a copy of their insurance directly from their insurance carrier.

Chimney contractors should have technicians who are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or a Certified Chimney Professional. They should also have experience in masonry and roofing. This will help them understand how to correctly repair your chimney and protect it from future damage. For example, a masonry technician may recommend repairing a brick crack before it deteriorates further or replace the flue liner to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check Reviews

While every chimney and fireplace is different, there are some common problems that can occur. These include chimney leaks, damaged masonry or mortar, animal damage (like birds or rodents that have burrowed inside) and venting issues that cause carbon monoxide to back up into the home.

Look for a chimney repair company that provides comprehensive services. A good chimney repair outfit will have the capability to perform flue liner installation and relining, repair or replace damaged chimney crowns, caps and flashing, as well as brick replacement and rebuilding.

Beware of companies that are overly focused on price. It is natural to want to save money when selecting a chimney cleaning, repair or restoration company, but letting this be your only guide could end up costing you more in the long run. For example, some companies have been known to give a low bid that does not include the same level of product or masonry work as higher-priced competitors.

Look for Signs of Personalized Service

When hiring a chimney repair company, look for signs that the team is invested in helping homeowners resolve their issues. For instance, if the company offers financing or annual service plans, these benefits can help homeowners schedule their maintenance more efficiently and affordably.

Another way to determine if a chimney repair company is right for you is to see how they handle their customers in general. Look for testimonials on their website and check third-party reviews to gauge how responsive and respectful a company’s customer service team is.

Chimney brick repair: Chimney rebuilding or repointing is necessary when hairline cracks and deterioration occur in your chimney’s brick structure. A masonry chimney contractor can replace or repair these sections of your chimney to keep it safe from structural damage and to improve your home’s resale value.

Chimney flue liner installation: A faulty chimney flue lining increases the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. A professional chimney sweep can install a new flue liner to reduce this risk.

Never Choose a Company That Is Overly Focused on Low Prices

When it comes to choosing chimney repair companies, homeowners should never choose the cheapest option. Instead, they should choose a company that is dedicated to quality work and customer service.

Chimneys are complex structures that require professional maintenance and repairs to keep them working properly. A poorly functioning chimney can be a fire hazard or expose occupants of the home to carbon monoxide poisoning. Hiring a professional can ensure that the chimney meets local codes and safety standards.

A professional chimney sweep should always provide a written estimate before starting any work on your fireplace or chimney. Be wary of any company that is hesitant to give you this information, as it may be trying to hide expensive or unneeded work. Also, be wary of any company that shows you photos from other chimneys without identifying the location as yours. This could be a red flag that the person you’re speaking with isn’t a CSIA-Certified chimney sweep.