Expert: Bart Ogden - 9/10/2006

Question
Thank you for the information. I’m leaning toward the 16 inch liner (I don’t like the idea of a fan or putting a 12 inch liner in a 18 inch hole).

The reason I feel the cost of the custom liner might be a little inflated is that the cost of sealing the smoke chamber with Chamber-Tech 2000 is more that the actual liner. I was told this is because it is hard to work around our damper. The raw material cost can’t be more than a few hundred. So is it reasonable for sealing smoke chamber with Chamber-Tech 2000 to cost over $1,100?

Again, thank you, I appreciate your response.

Jeff

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Followup To

Question -
We have a two sided fireplace with 18x18 clay tile chimney. The tile have developed cracks due to moisture. We have been given two solutions, a 12 in. liner with a fan and a 16 in custom liner without a fan. Both of these solutions are similar in cost about $3500, although I feel the custom liner solution cost has been inflated based upon our address.

Are there other options and what would be the best long term solution?

Thank you,
Jeff

Answer -
Hi Jeff,

Withough knowing the opening size of the fireplace, I would say the best solution is probably the 16" liner without a fan.

It's very likely that this is sized to the fireplace opening instead of relying on a mechanical device (the fan) to make the system draft.

I doubt seriously whether the custom liner pricing is inflated.  Liners above 12" in diameter get pricey due to manufacturing and shipping.  They're also more difficult to install because of their size.

For a round liner you need a minimum of 1/12 the fireplace opening for proper draft and flow to occur.  1/10 is better.
The liner must also have insulation (typically a pour-in type such as Thermix) installed to be installed correctly and to the listing.  Make certain that insulation is installed at least 1" thick around the entire system and that the transition between the smoke chamber and the lining system is addressed is well.  Typically a special material such as Chamber-Tech 2000 is used to make that transition seamless.

I would recommend you make certain you're using a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do your work.  You can find one at www.csia.org.  The locator shows all CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps in the U.S.  Companies are not certified, individuals working for companies are - it's like a journeyman credential.  Make sure that you have a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep actually perform or supervise and inspect the repair process.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com


Answer
Yes, it's very reasonable and almost exactly what we would typically charge.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,

A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com