Expert: James Ball - 10/21/2008

Question
James,

I just had my chimney swept and inspected by a company certified by Chimney Safety Institute of America.  I was shown a vertical crack going the full 2 feet of one of the 2' x 13" tiles.  I was also shown where some of the tile mortar had came lose and fallen down into the fire box.  Some of the tiles appear to have slightly shifted (<1/4")where they set on each other, as well.  The sweep required me to acknowledge, by signing a form, that these issues need rectified or else the system is not safe.  They have recommended the installation of a 10" SS liner with Theramix around it at a cost of $1600, plus $400 for firebox repair.  I feel competent to repair the firebox using fireproof caulking sold at my hardware store.  Is the tile issue really a fire hazard?

Thanks for your help.

Steve

Answer
Hello Steve, with out seeing the flue it self it is very hard to tell, but if a Certified sweep pointed out these problems then other than a 2nd Certified sweep inspection I would say it may not be safe to use. the flue is required to contain the by products of combustion (heat, sparks, flames and soot just to name a few)if there is a crack it will only get worse and all it will take is one spark
hope this helped
James Ball