I've had two estimates for a rebuild of my chimney above the roof line(the house is 25 years old). Neither person has actually gone on the roof to look at it. But essentially, the brick is spalling. One quoted $950 with a concrete cap. The other quote is $1400 with a metal cap. The higher quoting contractor says that the "firewall" must be replaced by law (my furnace vents through the shared chimney), and that the liners must be replaced. The contractor with the concrete cap says that there's really no difference in quality or functionality with the metal cap. Can you tell me if they 1) must go on the roof to do a proper assessment, and 2) solve the question of the best tpye of cap? I imagine that you are unable to recommend contractors for this type of work...is that right?
Answer:
I don't believe in recommeding what is legal and what is not because I'm neither lawyer nor conversant with you local building codes (or anyone else's for that matter). You do not have to go right up on the roof to estimate this kind of a project and no, there is no real difference between the purposes of the two caps. Again, your local building authority will have something to say about whether either one can be used in your area. And no, I do not recommed contractors but our website might be more help to you there.
