Chimney Removal in Toronto – What Everyone Needs to Know

In Toronto, some homeowners are choosing to remove their chimneys. But is it a good idea to remove a chimney? Read on to find out. While removing a chimney is a big decision, it does have benefits. However, there are a few things you should take into consideration before making your final choice.

If you intend to remove your chimney or need a professional assessment so you can make an informed decision, D’Angelo Brick Repair is here to help. We’re the leading company specializing in chimney repair in Hamilton, and we have the experience and expertise to answer all your questions.

Why do People Decide to Remove Their Chimneys?

Chimney removal can involve the complete removal of the chimney stack (external), fireplace (internal), chimney breast (internal), and flue (internal). Here are some of the reasons why people might want to get rid of their chimneys:

It’s Unsightly

Aesthetics is a big reason people want their chimneys removed. In some cases, the brickwork is damaged and needs to be replaced. Or the mortar between the bricks has crumbled and needs to be repaired. If you don’t want to repair the damage, you might as well remove the chimney and start from scratch.

It’s Useless

If you don’t use your fireplace, there’s no need for a chimney. Having an unused chimney can be a safety hazard. It can also be a waste of valuable space in your home.

It’s Expensive to Maintain

Chimneys require regular maintenance to prevent damage from water, weather, and animals. Removing the chimney is a good option if you don’t want to spend money on repairs and maintenance.

It Takes Up Too Much Space

If your home is small, you might want to remove the chimney to create more space. In some cases, removing the chimney can open up a room and make it feel more spacious.

What You Need to Know Before Removing a Chimney

The first thing you need to consider is whether or not you actually need to remove the chimney. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, or if you don’t use it often, then removing the chimney may be a good option. Before you remove your chimney, there are two terms you need to be familiar with. They are:

Chimney Stack

The chimney stack is the part of the chimney that’s visible from the outside of your home. It’s usually made of bricks or stone and extends up through the roof.

Chimney Breast

The chimney breast is the part of the chimney that’s inside your home. It’s often made of bricks or stone and extends from the fireplace to the chimney stack.

If you decide to remove your chimney, you need to know which parts you want to remove. For example, you might only want to remove the chimney stack. Or, you might want to remove the entire chimney, including the chimney breast and fireplace.

Other Things You Should Consider Before Removing a Chimney

If you’re considering removing your chimney, it’s essential to consider the cost, time investment, and impact on the resale value of your home. These are all important factors to keep in mind before making a decision.

Financial Impact of Chimney Removal in Toronto

The cost of chimney removal in Toronto can vary depending on the size and type of chimney you have. For example, a small brick chimney will cost less to remove than a large stone chimney. The location of your chimney is also a factor. Does it hug the side of your building or go through the center of your roof? You’ll also need to factor in the cost of demolition and evacuation.

Time Investment

Chimney removal is a time-consuming process. It can take a few days to remove a small chimney and up to a week to remove a large one. The actual time investment will depend on the size of the chimney you have and the scope of work. Removing a brick chimney often takes longer as it requires the taking out of one brick at a time.

Disposal

You need to think about what you’re going to do with the debris from your chimney. You can’t just leave it in your yard. You need to have a plan for disposing of it properly. Otherwise, you might end up with a hefty fine from the city.

Will The Resale Value of My Home be Affected by The Chimney Removal?

Clients sometimes ask, “does removing a chimney breast devalue a house?” Well, not just the chimney breast. Removing any part of the chimney can have a positive or negative impact on the value of your home. You need to know that if you have an older home, removing a chimney can devalue your home. If you plan on selling your home in the future, potential buyers might not be willing to pay as much for a home without a chimney, especially if it affects the traditional look of the property.

However, if you live in a newer home, removing the chimney is unlikely to have a significant impact on the resale value. Some home buyers might prefer a home without a chimney because it’s one less thing they have to worry about maintaining.

These are some of the things you should keep in mind before removing a chimney. But if you’re still not sure whether or not it’s the right choice for you, contact D’Angelo Brick Repair. We can help you make an informed decision.

Realistic Goals

Chimney removal in Toronto is a big decision. The project will require several persons working on ladders and scaffolding around your home. Having realistic goals and expectations is important before you begin the process. For example, you need to decide which parts of the chimney you want to remove. You also need to know how much it will cost and whether or not you’re comfortable with the mess.

What is Needed When Removing a Chimney?

You need to be aware that removing a chimney is a major home renovation. It’s crucial to hire a qualified contractor to do the work. A qualified contractor will have the experience and expertise to remove your chimney without damaging your home. If you try to remove your chimney yourself, you could end up doing more harm than good. Not to mention, it’s illegal to remove a chimney without a permit in some areas.

D’Angelo Brick Repair is a licensed chimney removal company in Toronto, and we can help you with all aspects of the project. From obtaining the necessary permits to cleaning up the mess, we’ll take care of everything.

Possible Problems While Removing Your Chimney

If you live in a historic district, removing your chimney could affect your home’s resale value. That’s because potential buyers might be concerned about the historical significance of your home.

If, on the other hand, you only intend to remove a section of your chimney, you need to be aware of the potential problems. For example, if you remove the chimney breast, you might need to reinforce the wall to prevent it from collapsing.

In addition, removing your chimney on a partition wall that is shared with another home could affect the wall’s structural integrity. As a result, you might need to get your neighbor’s permission before proceeding with the removal. You may also have to follow local partition wall laws to avoid disputes.

D’Angelo Brick Repair Can Help with Your Chimney Removal

If you’re thinking about removing your chimney, D’Angelo can help. We have the experience and expertise to remove your chimney without damaging your home. We also offer a wide range of other home renovation services so that we can help you with all your home improvement needs. Contact us today at [phone] to learn more about our services.

FAQs

Is it a good idea to remove a chimney stack?

It depends. If you only want to remove the chimney stack, it might not be a good idea because it could affect the resale value of your home. However, if you want to remove the entire chimney, including the chimney breast and fireplace, it might be a good idea because it can help you save on heating costs.

Is removing a chimney breast messy?

Yes, it can be messy because there will be dust and debris. Preparing your home and having a plan for debris disposal before the work begins is essential.

Is it difficult to remove a chimney?

It depends on how your chimney is constructed. It also depends on the location of the chimney, its size, and the contractor’s expertise.