Expert: James Ball - 11/24/2008

Question
We recently bought a 1920s house and had a chimney expert over to talk about repointing.  After looking from the roof and in the basement, he was concerned that the chimney flue was not separated into two distinct flues, one for the oil burning furnace and one for fireplace use; both appear to be vented out of the chimney.  We called our inspector and he insisted that this is OK, but that we could side vent the furnace if we were concerned.  Who should we believe and if our inspector is wrong, do we have any kind of recourse?  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hello Nicole, each unit must have its own flue so if you have a fireplace and oil burner then you need 2 flues one for each to the top. If they connect any where you must move one and reline for the other. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have.
now as far as recourse I would read your inspection contract I am sure it has something about not being able to see or get to every area to protect them self.
you must also contact your local building department to see if you can "side vent" also your furnace must be rated to vent out the side, you just can't do it.
James