Chimney & Fireplaces/Fireplace Insert Noise

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Expert: - 2/9/2010


Question

Fireplace
I recently built a new home and installed a 42" wood burning insert with double wall 8" chimney flu. The pipe is roughly 20' long and has two elbows. You can see the lower elbow in the picture I attached. We burn pretty much every night when it is cold here in Michigan, but it was up until last week I noticed fire coming from the top of the Chimney cap. I put out the fire in the fireplace and noticed what seemed like creosote ash coming from the cap. This past Sat I removed the cap and looked down the chimney, but there was no sign of creosote. The pipe was in great condition. I cleaned the chimney anyways. Not much fell in the fireplace. I had a fire all day Sunday and not any problem, however, the SK8 pipe is makes a popping noise after the fire goes out, like its expanding or contracting. Is this normal? It has been very cold out so I thought it was the pipe cooling down. The fireplace and pipe were installed two years ago in my new home. Everything met code and we didn't have a problem up until last week.

Is there anything wrong with using a wood burning insert to burn every night? We burn creosote logs and take very good care of the cleaning portion of the fireplace. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Matt, you could have had a small chimney fire and it might have buckled the pipe, by over heating it, if so then it must be replaced. if after 2 years you now have a noise then some thing changed. Also does that chimney system allow 2 elbows?
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.
Keep me posted
Hope this helps
James

James Ball

Expertise

I am a chimney sweep with over 22 years of experience, CSIA certified and member of the NCSG, I can answer questions about smoky fire places, wood stoves, and heating units (boiler and furnace chimneys) do you need a relining? A cap? And much more

Experience

over 22 years

Organizations
Chimney Safety Institute of America, National Chimney Sweep Guild

Education/Credentials
CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified

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