Expert: James Ball - 9/19/2009

Question
We have an 80 yr old 1 story bungalow.The chimney is origanal.Its deteriorated from roof line up to top.
We would like to tear off and rebuild with new type metal flue with wrap around plywood stick built chimney like new homes are done from roof up aprox 6 ft to replace old brick chimney.
Fire place on out side wall.
Our gas water heater is still vented up this chimney.
The furnace and air unit has been replaced and vented with PVC through other area.No longer up this old flue.
We want to install a new gas log vented insert in the old fire place box.The box is in good shape .Just the chimney 6 ft up from roof line is in bad shape.
Is what we are planning a good idea for saving money on mortar repair and serving as a flue on the new insert ?
thank you
Helen @ Indianapols

Answer
Hello Helen, it is hard to tell what you have from what you state, you still need a flue to vent the hot water heater or replace with direct vent or electric the flues for both the fireplace and hot water heater may need to be relined, 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