I'm dealing with a leak from my old vent chimney (it's over 80 years old and situated in NJ) that's in desperate need of repointing. There's clear water intrusion causing moss growth and efflorescence on the chimney inside the house. I've received a quote that breaks down the costs, including charges for roof supports (which seem unnecessary to me), the entire exterior pointing, a crown coat for the chimney, waterproofing treatment, and resealing the flashing. I'm particularly questioning the need for the waterproofing treatment and whether it's standard practice to charge for roof safety supports. Also, I find the price for a stainless steel chimney cap excessive compared to the cost at Home Depot. While I usually DIY, I want to ensure I'm making the right choices here and that I'm not being overcharged. Any thoughts?
2 Answers
Charging for personal safety equipment isn't too out of the ordinary; it's part of ensuring safety on the job. If your chimney is a typical size, you can definitely consider a DIY approach for the cap. Without seeing the actual damage, it’s hard to say exactly what you need, but getting a second opinion is a good move!
It's pretty standard to charge for something like roof supports if they need to rent equipment. Many people underestimate the setup and teardown time, which can indeed take longer than the actual repair. As for the waterproofing, I wouldn't rely on sealers for chimneys. They can trap moisture, which isn't ideal for the brick. You might want to get a couple more estimates, but be aware that proper work usually comes with a higher price tag.