Expert: James Ball - 6/14/2009

Question
Hi,
I live in the Chicagoland area in a brick raised ranch home that was built around 1956.  My furnace vents into a brick chimney that has a clay liner.  I had a new funace installed a few years ago.  I think it is about 85% efficiency.  In retrospect I probably should have paid the extra 500.00 and gotten the most efficient one but I was intending on moving.  Anyway, I have two problems.  I get moisture on the wall in the basement at the base of the chimney.  It used to happen with the old furnace too but it seems like I get more moisture now.  It runs down the wall to the floor.  It seems like some of the mortar inside is deteriorating.  On the ouside the mortar near the top of the chimney keeps deteriorating also.  I've had it tuckpointed a couple of times over the past several years and now it looks like it needs it again.  I'm wondering if I need a better liner.  I'm getting frustrated with this.  Any ideas?

Thanks


Answer
Hello Debbie, this moisture can be from a few things, ground water seepage, or the inside of the chimney. you may have a blockage, damaged liner, improper size for the furnace you now have...etc.
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.

Hope this helps

James