Expert: James Ball - 9/8/2009

Question
I use about 9-10 duraflame logs a week in my fireplace. I switched over from wood after reading up on them, they burn cleaner and with the same amount of heat as 3 logs.
I have my chimney pipe cleaned every year like clock work.  this year my sweep said that there was pitting in the firewall of my pipe and when he cleaned the pipe little beads of rust which he showed to me was coming from the pits. We discussed what I was burning and I told him what and how much and he said that he has never heard of duraflame damaging the pipe. My question is is this possible? and are we in danger? 5 years ago after a chimney fire using firewood I had the pipe inspected with a camera for any damage and was told everything looked great. I would appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks

Answer
Hello Linda, it sounds like time for another video scan. Second it sounds like you have a Pre Fab fireplace? if you do you must find and read the owners manual as some of the older units do not allow you to burn "duraflame logs" and that might be causing a problem, by over heating the metal pipe? also if he video scans it ask if you can have a copy and I'd take a look.
also is he a Certified Chimney Sweep? (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you and check your guy is current)
James