Blue Ridge Chimney Services
About us
We are the number one full service chimney company, serving the entire Shenandoah Valley. We are family owned and operated yet certified nationally! Call us today and mention this ad for 10% off any cleaning!
Business highlights
Services we offer
Brick, Chimney Cleaning, Chimney brick repair, Chimney liners, Fire places, Masonry, chimney sweeping
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 94% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 4% |
"Hi [Member Name Removed], Thank you so much for your review. We really appreciate you and your opinion. I am so glad that we could be of service to you. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Sincerely, Elizabeth Blue Ridge Chimney Services"
Our first contact with Blue Ridge was in the fall of 2015, when Chris (owner) came to inspect our chimney and provide an estimate for the needed work. He was very professional and personable, and we were impressed with the company following our interaction with him. As we were told the work could wait until the spring (slow) season, we waited to schedule the service until May. On the day work was done, the technicians did not provide us with a copy of the contract with Blue Ridge. We chose to make our own copy to keep for our records, as we were asked to sign the contract at that time. While we were satisfied with the progression of work overall, during the chimney repair work, the technicians broke large pieces of old mortar from the chimney and then let them fall from the roof into our yard and deck, which could have potentially damaged our decking (not to mention our dog, who was outside at the time). The technicians did not provide a walkthrough of the finished work at the end of the day, and later in the day we discovered a number of items were left unresolved, including a large hole in our basement chimney stack where an exhaust line was rerouted, a noticeable crack in the exterior mortar, and the broken mortar pieces, which were left scattered throughout the backyard. We called to ask about these items, and one of the technicians returned the next day to take care of the hole and cleanup, stating that he forgot to do it. When we pointed out the mortar crack, we were told that it shouldn't be an issue, but to call in the future if we are concerned about it.
More concerning were the issues we ran into with price and billing. We were asked to pay 50% up front (which we did) using the estimated price provided by Chris the previous fall. When the technicians arrived, they provided us with an itemized statement of the estimated cost prior to the work. Upon completion of the work, though, they gave us a second figure ($300 less) that showed a lower material cost (with fewer feet of liner used) as well as differences in the other work completed. They asked for payment upon completion of the work, prior to giving us the second statement with the lower price. When we called the business office to ask about this discrepancy, the individual we spoke with was dismissive of the concern, stating that, actually, the technicians used even more materials than listed on either statement (implying that it should have cost even more than we were charged). As we had already paid in full, we had no further recourse.
"Dear [Member Name Removed], Thank you for giving us an opportunity to address this issue. When we first heard there was a problem with the job we had the technician return the next day. From what you said the technician did fill a hole he forgot to near the base of the chimney and clean up broken mortar pieces in the yard. I'm not sure I've ever done a walk through, but understand that is what you'd like us to have done. The mortar crack you pointed out should have been addressed. We get asked to make repairs for customers sometimes but they are not part of the estimate. You were more concerned with the new price and bill, and you should be. The technician decided not to relay the loose brick and just lower the chimney. He was suppose to check with you, and if you agreed perform the work as you agreed. As I understand he did discount the estimate to reflect the change, but he did not check with you before performing the work. When you called to register your concerns someone you spoke to did not hear what you were trying to say. I apologize for the less than acceptable experience you have had with our company. Thank you for letting us know what we did and didn't do right."
Chimney 2 - Structural issues- chimney was rebuilt with brick using too wide mortar joints, roof flashing asymmetric and sloppy, fill in roof vent with large amount silicone caulking. Damper block off plate also not installed. The chimney leaked the day after installation - they did come back out and recaulk. Cosmetic issues - Sloppy cut out opening into fireplace (previously had been bricked over), corrugated portion of liner was installed so that it is visible from room, metal cap installed when mortar was requested, liner cap was installed markedly off center on top of chimney.
We expressed our dissatisfaction to the owner Chris Guy. He came out in June, and said he would make all of the corrections at no charge as he wanted us to be satisfied. The following week he returned to say we needed to renegotiate the price if we wanted him to do more work. When we reminded him of our previous conversation, he stormed off and repaired nothing.
We then called out a brick mason to inspect the chimney and he gave us the following report: "The top course of brick was separating from chimney; The mortar joints throughout the chimney structure were cracking and beginning to crumble; The brick used was too small and the wrong style causing the mortar joints to be significantly larger than they should be which weakens the chimney structure; The flashing was not done correctly; Debris was left lodged in chimney which could fall and cause potential injury or damage to the wood stove. It appears that the chimney was constructed when the temperatures were consistently below freezing with out using additives to prevent freezing before the mortar sets up. The mortar appears to have frozen based on the consistency of the mortar and the rapid deterioration."
We also discovered that a building permit should have been, but had not been pulled with the county. The county was informed, they fined Blue Ridge Chimney and made them file for a permit. When the inspector came out he reiterated what the mason had said regarding the brickwork and flashing. He also stated that a structural engineer should have been consulted before removing any stone from the 200 yr chimney.
The owner talks a good game, but he and his "certified technicians" are obviously not knowledgeable in their trade.
Licensing
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