When Is Chimney Removal Necessary?

For the record, before we get to the answer, chimney removal does not consist of a couple of guys with sledgehammers pounding away at your chimney. Not with the professionals at Brick + Ember Outfitters, anyway. We’re just speaking for ourselves – that is certainly not the best and most safe way to conquer this type of project.

In all seriousness, though, chimney removal can actually create a larger amount of work for the homeowner than for the contractor.

If the motive is removal due to chimney problems, that is generally not the ideal solution. The first question you are going to hear professionals ask if the request is removal is simply: “WHY?”

Unless the chimney is solely used to exhaust the furnace, there will need to be a great explanation to why the fireplace in the living room is not functional. In the event of putting a house on the market, if the chimney is torn down or removed and a fireplace exists on the interior of the home, it could jeopardize the closing process of a home sale. This is especially the case if the buyers had interest in the functionality of the fireplace.

Newer furnaces can be redirected to exhaust out of the basement, so pretty much only if the chimney is simply being used to exhaust a furnace should chimney removal be your solution.

Upon chimney removal taking place, chimney and masonry professionals can easily:
1. Re-roof over the area where the chimney was located
2. Install a stack-pipe to reduce masonry-related chimney problems or issues

…all while still safely exhausting the gases from the furnace up and out of the home. An important fact to note is that a chimney often serves to exhaust both the furnace and the fireplace.

If you’re wondering what the best solution is for your chimney, we are here to help talk you through the best options for your home. Call us at 317.500.1250 for a maintenance check-up or request an appointment today!