Any damages to your chimney should be addressed immediately. This does not mean though that you should be hasty in selecting a company offering chimney repairs. More importantly, please do not opt to fix the problem on your own.
It is not uncommon these days for homeowners to go the DIY route to repair existing damages or improve the overall condition of their houses. This is partly due to the proliferation of resources online on how to do just about anything, including chimney repairs. Another driver is the notion that DIY is more affordable than letting professionals do the job.
The thing is that, while these online guides or tutorials are very informative, they are rarely enough in accomplishing complex jobs like fixing a damaged chimney. The task may seem easy and doable based on the tutorials you’ve seen; however, in reality, it is challenging – one that is not meant for amateurs.
In addition, picking the DIY option most likely won’t result in savings. Yes, it is more affordable because you do not pay for service fees. However, when you do a sloppy job, you would be forced to hire a professional later on to correct your mistake. This means wasting your time, effort and money (the one you spent for your DIY project). This is a common scenario when homeowners opt to repair their chimneys on their own.
Clearly, painting a room, a task most homeowners DIY, is very different from fixing a chimney. The latter requires expertise and the right tools for it to be accomplished successfully and safely. It is a task reserved for a professional company specialising in chimney stack repairs – cracks, damp problem and other related issues. So, instead of watching tutorials online, look for a service provider that can do repairs immediately. Just be sure to hire one that is surely going to do an excellent job.
Be Wary of Cheap Fees
How do you ensure that you’re getting the best company? First, do not hire solely based on the fees. Enlisting the services of a company that offers cheap rates can be as tempting as doing the job on your own. However, just like going the DIY route, this decision can be costly later on. Often, cheap service fees mean untrained or inexperienced workers and low-quality materials. These two combined can result in an output that is substandard – one that is not durable.
Remember, excellent chimney repair doesn’t come cheap. So, don’t pick a chimney repair company just because it is offering the lowest rate. You should not go for an ultra-expensive service provider, either; instead, hire the best one that your budget can afford. After all, a reputable company always has reasonable rates.
Experience Matters
Put premium on experience. In this field, one does not become an expert overnight. It takes years of practice, honing skills and refining processes. A company specialising in chimney repairs that has been in the business for decades can guarantee excellent workmanship and unparalleled professionalism. You can count on it to do a top-notch job on your chimney. You do not have to worry about shoddy repair works that fail to address the specific problem and are not meant to be long-lasting.
Make sure you check how many years the company has been repairing chimneys. More importantly, find out what previous clients have to say about their service. This is because you do not just want a decades-old company but also one with a proven track record of delivering first-rate service.
Learn More About the Company
On top of the company’s years of experience in the industry and reputation, who it employs and what its assessment process is are also some of the things you need to know about. It is imperative that the service provider you hire has experienced people for the job. As mentioned earlier, this task is not meant for amateurs. It requires specialised knowledge and skills. Only a trained professional chimney repair specialist has these things.
It is also important that the company is able to accurately assess the problem. This is only possible if it has the right tools. Keep in mind, the absence of a detailed assessment of the chimney can make it impossible for the company to come up with the best solution. So, make sure that they service provider you are eyeing is equipped with the latest technology used to survey chimneys.
For chimney repairs in Ireland, let us do the job! Access Chimneys is a trusted name in the industry, providing expert chimney repair services for 40 years! Call us today at +353 872805825.
—
Photo by Michael Coghlan
I knew from the start that John and the team at Access Chimneys were the best people for the job.
It was great to find a company that is so professional and knowledgeable.
John is a pleasure to deal with and I highly recommend Access Chimneys to anyone looking for an excellent stove installation.
Extremely happy with the service and I would highly recommend Access Chimneys.