Did your annual chimney or boiler inspection reveal the need for repairs? This is never ideal news for homeowners to hear, but once you’re 
aware of any damages throughout your structure or appliance, there are a couple of things that you should consider when deciding how to move forward.
Have any questions along the way? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! The team here at All Seasons Chimney is reputable, experienced, and here to keep homeowners throughout the Poughkeepsie area as safe as possible during the upcoming holiday season.
1. The Longer You Put Off Repairs, the More They Will Cost
We understand that some repair jobs are very costly. Unfortunately when it comes to your chimney, there are some damages that take a lot of time and materials to address, and it can feel daunting when your sweep is giving you estimates that amount to thousands of dollars.
In these cases, it may seem like putting off repairs until a later date may be like the better option, but this approach unfortunately doesn’t typically work out well for the homeowner. In fact, the longer the repairs are put off, the worse they will become, which means having us return a few years down the road will only land you with a higher-priced bill than before.
In other words, a 6-course rebuild could extend into an 18-course one, which means three times the amount of labor, a lot more required supplies, and much more expense on your part.
We know high repair costs can be hard to take in, but if you’re able to get it done sooner, that will always be the more cost-effective option. And when it comes to the value of your home, it’ll be well worth it! Homes with damaged chimneys and structural problems are a lot harder to sell, and you may have trouble finding buyers until damages are addressed.
And don’t forget about your boiler, either. Many assume we only handle fireplace-related issues, but we’re qualified to repair or reconstruct your boiler flue, too. In fact, the vast majority of clay-lined boiler systems we come across are shot due to the excess condensation and acids that build up in this area. And believe it or not this isn’t something your boiler technician is going to watch out for.
We’ll put in a quality stainless steel liner for you, so that you can stress less about your heating system in the months ahead. Once we drop that in for you, all you’ll need is some annual maintenance/overviews, and you’ll be all set for the long haul.
In the end, you’ll be much happier having the job done now, and our team will do everything up to code and in line with CSIA expectations. We have the know-how, technology, and tools to get it done right, so don’t hesitate to rely on the best – we’re waiting for your call!
2. Decided Against Repairs? Then, Don’t Use Your Fireplace
We cannot stress enough how vital it is that damaged chimneys and fireplaces not be used. If you can’t afford repair costs, then don’t use your chimney, as this can cause damage to the rest of your home and could seriously threaten the health and well-being of those inside of it.
Remember that when you use your fireplace, you are literally lighting a fire inside of your home, and this is one action that should never be taken lightly. Having your appliance set up just right to ensure everything functions normally is vital, and even a small or seemingly insignificant problem can lead to very dangerous scenarios.
All in all, it’s not a matter of IF you’ll experience issues, but WHEN. Smoke, flames, carbon monoxide, and other threats will eventually find ways into your home if things are constructed improperly, so always wait to start a fire until you’ve been given the go-ahead from a qualified chimney technician.
How to Know You’re Good to Go
So, how can you feel safer and at-ease when operating your fireplace? The answer is simple: Invest in annual inspections, and follow the advice of your chimney sweep.
All too often, we hear of homeowners deciding to ignore water damage, masonry decay, structural issues, and more, figuring things can’t be as bad as their sweep is indicating. These situations are the ones that lead to smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide exposure, house fires, and more.
Other times, we hear of customers turning to cheaper fixes from other companies that wind up being scams. Seemingly well-meaning business owners will offer repairs at a fraction of the cost, and it’s not until long after the fact that homeowners realize the job was done completely wrong or maybe not even done at all.
In fact, in some counties all you have to do is pay a small fee for a license and you can own a company. No training, experience, or certifications are necessary. This makes it easier than ever for people to trick you into thinking they’re legitimate when, really, they’re not.
The team at All Seasons Chimney is CSIA certified, members of the NCSG, and we have over 25 years of experience under our belts. Combine that with our A+ rating with the BBB, and you’ve got a team you know you can trust and depend on for the long haul. Reach out now to talk with our crew about your options!