Expert: James Ball - 10/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am going to have a chimney built for my wood burning heater. The opening in the back of the heater is 6". The chimney will be approximately 16ft high. What size clay liner will I need to order for the chimney. I was told a 12"x12", but I think this may be to big. Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hello Jackie, why build a masonry chimney? why not a Class "A" chimney in 6"? this is a double wall stainless steel insulated chimney and will draft much better than a masonry chimney.
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


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

QUESTION: I am replacing a 30 year old chimney that was made of field stone and had deterioated, so I tore it down. There is a 5 ft hole in the side of my house adjoining my carport and a hole thru my roof. I am going to get a brick layer to build a wall of brick and chimney attached to this to. I want the brick look and this will fill my space correctely. I am ordering all the supplies to have ready for him in about 2 weeks he will be able to get to it. I realize I could use the stainless steel, but really had rather have the masonary chimney liner, but do want to know the correct size I need to use. Our old rock chimney had an 8" liner, but it had cracks in it and the rocks were falling loose, I built it 30 years ago and I admit I know little about them and want it to be correct this time. Thanks for your help on this. Jackie

Answer
Welcome back Jackie, the heater will have the size recommendations in the owners manual, you might want to build your chimney with 7" x 7" or 7" round flue tiles, following your local build codes for mortar type, hight and such, then you could reline latter if needed Stainless steel liners (with insulation) will hold up better to the heat extremes and will not crack in a chimney fire (Ventinox liners) also a SS liner will heat up faster and be more efficient than a masonry chimney.
but check your local building department before you build this chimney.
James