Expert: James Ball - 4/9/2009

Question
We have cracked flue tiles in our chimney.  We have never actually used the fireplace, and so we contacted the previous homeowners to ask about it.  They said they had a lightning strike 15-ish years ago, and that the cracks were repaired by removing the stone chimney and packing concrete in around the broken tiles.  Is that a safe, acceptable repair?

Answer
Hello Emily, I will say to have it check and do not use it until you do for heating or fires. 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 they should be able to help.
There are a few flue tile "coating" products that might work but not what you describe.
James