The cost of chimney maintenance in Connecticut depends on certain factors, although the national average costs around $300 for services such as a chimney sweeping and inspection.
Homeowners who use wooden fireplaces at least thrice each week during cold months should schedule cleaning and inspection at least once every year, according to the Chimney Safety Institute. Those who use green wood should make it a habit to have professional cleaning for their fireplaces once every six months.
The Importance of Maintenance
When estimating your budget your chimney maintenance, it’s important to take note of the season and where you live in the state. Contractors usually charge a higher rate for urban residents than those who live in rural areas. Another factor involves the frequency of cleaning. If you only hire a chimney sweeper once every few years, you should expect to pay an above-average rate especially if you use it often during fall and winter.
Even if your chimney appears to have no problems, regular inspection remains important to determine underlying problems. These issues range from cracks and leaks to defective chimney lining. In Connecticut, replacing a damaged liner is quite expensive from $600 up to $7,000. If you have never cleaned your chimney or fireplace after using it for several years, you should expect to spend between $4,000 and $10,000 for replacing a damaged structure.
Most chimneys now have lining with different options available on the market like cement, metal or tile. This not only protects the walls from furnace fires, but also improve energy-efficiency. During rainy days, liners also prevent moisture from seeping into the masonry structure. If you find it hard to choose among many kinds of lining for your chimney, there are some ways to pick the right one.
Different Types of Chimney Lining
The first thing you need to do requires an inspection of the flue inside, preferably done by a professional. Metal works best as a liner for chimneys with straight flues, as well as being the easiest and cheapest to install. If you have an offset flue, a flexible metal liner could be a good option. Homes with wooden furnaces or fireplaces should consider stainless steel.
If you have a gas furnace or woodstove, an aluminum lining is a better option particularly an AL29 4C steel alloy. You should consider investing in a higher-grade steel liner if you use your chimney regularly, as constant use often leads to corrosion and soot build-up.
Clay tile lining is another option that works well with any kind of fuel for a fireplace. It’s a long-lasting material that could be used for up to 50 years. While the materials are cheap, the cost of installation isn’t affordable since it requires professional service.
Well-maintained chimneys protect the quality of indoor air and reduce the risk of a fire hazard at home. When choosing a chimney contractor, you should request at least three quotes to compare the best prices. Remember that insured and licensed professionals are always better than hiring handymen.
