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Chimney & Fireplaces/Wall cracks with wood/coal stove
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Question
Dear Mr.Brooks,
Our 35 year old, two story house with open fireplace and exterior located chimney (block built, lined flue, no cap) was converted to a cast-iron Waterford wood/coal burning stove last year. Initially we used hot-burning coal, but the upstairs bedroom wall became very warm so we changed to a slower burning solid fuel and wood.
However, now cracks have appeared in the inside bedroom wall towards the rooflike, and these reappear whenever the fire is lighted.
Can you diagnose our problem?
Noel,
This is a serious issue. Stop using the appliance immediately. Heat is transferring outside of the flue area and entering the combustible wall. By using the links at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com, you can find an inspector that will perform an NFPA-211, level II inspection of your system.
Possibly your installer used the existing flue system from the open fireplace to vent the insert, rather than the required positive connection,(stainless liner, wrapped in insulation that connect to the appliance and continues all the way to the termination?) Thanks for asking and good luck.
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Answers by Expert:
Randy Brooks
Expertise
Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.
Experience
Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989
Ojai, CA
Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com
Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011.
CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011.
HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002.
NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.
Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710.
http://www2.cslb.ca.gov
C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11.
http://www.csia.org
F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06.
http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com
Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05
N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08.
http://nficertified.org
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