Chimney & Fireplaces/Chiney problem

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Expert: - 11/5/2007


Question
Hi,
We recently purchased a home with a chimney originally used for a fireplace but now has a woodstove hooked up. (old hearth is closed up and 6" stove pipe goes through a thimble into the inside of the chimney).  We had the chimney inspected and cleaned before buying the house and we were told that it was in fine working condition.  We ran the stove the other day and it smokes into the room when you open the door.  We are not sure if this is related to improper flue size- the chimney is 12"x12", or a downdraft from the nearby mountains or both. When we were examining the chimney from the roof, we also noticed that it only appears to be lined beginning a couple feet above the stove pipe entrance.  Would a chimney liner address any of these problems? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Laura,

A chimney lining system would address these issues.  ALL chimneys should be fully lined!

If the chimney is only partially lined, as you have stated, then the chimney is NOT in "fine working condition" - it is improperly constructed!  That chimney inspector was incorrect by telling you it was fine.

I recommend a Level 2 Chimney Inspection by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Make sure they video scan the interior of the flue from top to bottom and check for any unused thimbles.

I recommend you contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do some on-site diagnosis of your problem.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

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

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

Chimney & Fireplaces

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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