Expert: James Ball - 9/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I recently bought a house and had a chimney sweep do an inspection.  He noted a crack in the furnace (oil fired) flu where it makes a bend just above where the fireplace flu starts.  He states that it is a risk and I should install a Forever Flex Chimney liner for the furnace flu but the fireplace flu is just fine.  I have no reason to doubt him but have also been doing a lot of online reading about the Forever Flex system.  All of the reading I do talks about Wood burning stoves and fireplaces but doesn't mention furnaces much.  Is it the exact same system for either of the applications or are there differences.  I am considering buying the full kit and doing the installation myself with my brother in law who is a contractor.  He also stated that the 5" liner was fine even though I have a 6" pipe coming off the back of the furnace.  He called in the model of furnace I have and it's output levels just to be sure.  The reason was he was concerned about getting the 6" pipe down there but said he would have no issues with the 5" provided it would work with the rating of the furnace.

Thanks!

Steve

ANSWER: Hello Steve, be sure he sized it as per NFPA 33, (If you get me the nozzle size I will double check your sizing along with the height.(Only one furnace no hot water heaters right?
you can down size if you have to but every attempt should be made to keep the same size to the top. You may want to check with your local building department too.
I have heard of but do not use forever flex I use Ventinox and use the VFT all flue liner this is a welded liner I know forever flex is crimped. but that too should be an all fuel liner.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.  Yes, it is a tankless hot water system. I close on the house next Wednesday and will get access then with more specifics.  I suspect my bigger issue will be the fact that it was designed as a one sided fireplace but due to an addition it is now 2 sided and likely won't draw well.  The guy who recommended the flu liner stated this and I have been doing some research on things I can do to help it.  I'd hate for it to be basically ornamental, or to completely block up one side.

Can you get the kits in a Ventinox? I priced the 30' thought I think 25 would do, in Forever flex with all the parts at about $485.

Steve


Answer
Welcome back Steve, you could install glass doors on both sides of your masonry double sided fireplace, that should help. you would have to check on a Ventinox liner system price for your application.
I would still 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