Chilling and taking a sip of coffee in front of a fireplace is a perfect moment to relax, right? However, some homeowners do not like the idea of having a chimney system anymore. They usually prefer to use this area for other purposes. So, if you want to remove your chimney and fireplace, this article is a good read for you. Before calling for a demolition team, there are a few considerations that you must do first.
The Two Parts
An average chimney system at home has 2 parts – but most people consider this as a one-part structure.
Breast
The chimney’s breast holds all the system components inside the home. This part comprises the flue which directs the heat and smoke up to the stack. Dependable to the floor that the fireplace or chimney system is accessible, the breast piece stretches up the column or the wall from your fireplace outside your roof.
Stack
The chimney’s length that stretches from the roof is call the stack. This is the part that most people usually refer to as the “chimney”.
Considerations
Demolition Costs
A lot of chimneys and fireplaces are deeply integrated to your home’s design. This kind of integral aspect in their construction makes the demolition of chimneys a lengthy and costly process. Another thing that could be affected with a chimney demolition would be your home’s resell value. If you have a traditional and older homer, the buyers will most probably expect to have a chimney somewhere. And know that if you do not have one, your property may have a lower resell value.
Structural Integrity
Before you hire a demolition team to remove your breast, stack, and fireplace, always remember that your chimney system may be playing an important role in your home’s structural integrity. In most older homes, the contactors usually construct first the chimney and fireplace in the structure. So, removing these may compromise the various aspects of your home’s structural integrity.
Full Chimney Demolition Alternatives
Depending on what you want for the chimney demolition, know that there are less costly alternatives that you can consider.
Full Closure
If your reasons for demolishing your chimney is because it is not working anymore or because of a leaking flue, consider flue closure or flue sealing. This process is relatively simple which includes sealing shut the chimney flue. While keeping the chimney, breast, and fireplace intact, this process will remove the issues that associates with fireplace inactivity or leaking flue.
Partial Demolition
Demolition of the Fireplace Breast
If you want to utilize the space that the breast or fireplace occupies, you can opt for demolishing these components. In some cases, you can leave the stack on the roof. However, in majority of instances, all the pieces are linked – hence leaving behind the stack without a breast is inappropriate. But know that this will ultimately depend on a chimney’s nature of structure.
Stack Removal
If the stack of your chimney is no longer operating, closing the flue and removing the chimney stack would be a possible option that you can do. Doing this will only affect the chimney’s function and your home’s exterior aesthetic value.
Call a Professional
Just like any home demolition cases, we highly suggest that you consult fist with a demolition team. Moreover, you should also consult your local ordinances with this home modifications that you are planning. Know that consulting them will not only save you from legal and financial trouble, but it can also keep you safe.
If you are searching for a demolition company, feel free to contact Conway AR Demolition Contractor at (501) 259-7997.
Are you planning to remove your old window? Check out all about this in How to Correctly Remove an Old Window.