Expert: James Ball - 11/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: Is it possible to put a chimney in an already built home? We have a laundry shoot
in the center of the house. Would it be possible to put a chimney there or on an
outside wall. I imagine this is a pretty extensive procedure?

ANSWER: Hello Cheryl, yes you can in most cases it is easier to run the new chimney up the out side wall in a double all stainless steel "all flue" chimney, (don't know if you have the room in the laundry shoot) 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: Thank you James! I have been told that it is not advisable to put a chimney on
the outside of a building as it is not nearly as efficient compared to inside. Is it
really that much less efficient or are people nowadays just being extremely
green?

Answer
Welcome back Cheryl, an out side masonry chimney will be less efficient (several tons of cold masonry) but an out side "All fuel" double wall insulated chimney would be fine and you could box it in for added insulation value, this will work very well for you.
contact the CSIA sweep they will be able to help you
Happy Holidays
James