Chimney & Fireplaces/Inner Flue

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Expert: - 6/4/2011


Question
I have a Superior HC 3820. I had it inspected and the inspector stated that they do not manufacture the Inner flue at the top of the Chimney anymore.. He stated that I would have to replace the entire chimney to fix the inner flue.  The only problem with it is that it has some blue markings on it.  The rest of the pipe is fine..

Do you know if if they do manufacture the inner flue or if they make an after market part for this model?

Answer
Jenn,

The terms of the UL listing for the hearth product you describe will not allow for the inclusion of after market parts as they have not been tested as part of the complete system. The professional you hired as advised you wisely. I understand that it seems extreme to remove and replace the entire system, but the fault is not that of the inspector, rather the nature of the product you invested in.

As to the question of availability of the listed liner, you can contact Lennox Hearth products who manufactures and or supports the old Superior line and ask directly. They would be the final word on availability. We will hope the distributor your professional deals with was simply out, but if no availability is the case, removal and replacement will be the advised direction. best of luck to you.

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Volunteer

Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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