65% of Tulsa’s 192,797 housing units predate 1980, which in practice means unlined masonry flues built before liners were code. Heating runs 58% utility gas to 40% electric. Only 51% of Tulsa is owner-occupied. In a renter-majority market the person with the problem is often not the person who authorises the repair.

What we get called for in Tulsa

Carbon monoxide alarm sounding

Get everyone outside immediately, then call 911 or the fire department from outside the building. Do not re-enter to investigate, and do not assume it is a faulty alarm.

Cracked crown at the top

The concrete crown sheds water off the top of the masonry. Once cracked, water enters the chimney structure and freeze-thaw takes it apart from inside.

Staining on the ceiling around the chimney

Almost always flashing rather than the masonry. The chimney-to-roof junction is the most common roof leak point on any house.

No cap on the flue

An open flue takes rain, birds and squirrels. A cap is inexpensive and prevents most of the moisture damage that eventually costs real money.

Unlined flue on an older chimney

Liners were not always required. An unlined masonry flue serving a modern appliance is a fire and carbon monoxide risk, and relining is the standard remedy.

What this costs here

Sealing an entry point	$0-40 – do it yourself
Basic service call	$110-190
Typical repair	$300-850
Major repair or replacement	$1,500-5,000

Ranges reflect Tulsa-area labor against a $205,300 median. Two of these you can do yourself for nothing.

Check these first

• Photograph the condition before work starts. It settles disputes about what was there.
• Ask what happens if the problem recurs, and get the answer in writing.
• Get a second quote on anything over a thousand dollars. The spread on this work is wide.

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Written by Jaylan Jones. Sooner Exterior Home Services earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.