Expert: Bart Ogden - 11/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I bought my house about 3 years ago from the original owner of about 20 years.  When I bought it, I had stainless steel chimney cap covers put on to keep rain water out; however, it appears the damage was already done.

The chimney has two separate flues in it.  I have a fireplace on the main floor of my house and a second one in my basement (both are wood burning).  The first (and only) time I had a fire in the main floor fireplace, the basement filled with smoke that seemed to be backdrafting to the basement through potential cracks in the clay/ceramic-lined flue.  After having a chimney company come in to confirm my assumption, they told me they recommend putting in a stainless steel liner in both flues.

My questions are these:

1) Is stainless steel a good option or should I be considering something else?

2) If I have one of the two flues "fixed" by putting in a new liner, does that then prevent the problem from continuing?  That is, if one flue is basically solid from top to bottom, then wouldn't the other flue essentially be usable without backdrafting (or are there other issues I'm missing if I don't line/fix the second flue as well)?

Thank you very much.

-Jim H.

ANSWER: Hi Jim,

1.  Stainless steel is an excellent option, providing it is sized correctly and installed with an insulative product such as Thermix or an insulative blanket like Pro-Foil.  In almost all cases, the existing flue tiles will need to be removed to allow room for the new lining system and the insulation.

2.  I would recommend relining both systems.  If there are voids in either or both systems, they are not fit for use.  Along with the installation of the lining systems, I would also recommend extending the main floor flue approximately 12" above the other flue termination to prevent any potential issues with pressure problems in the house.

I recommend you use a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep who is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild to do the work.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.  The National Chimney Sweep Guild's website is www.ncsg.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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much Mr. Ogden.  One quick follow-up question if I may.

I have a 3rd fireplace in my family room (single flue - not shared with any other fireplaces) that was also uncapped at the top prior to my buying the house.  I'll have it checked by a professional, but assuming it has the same cracks or problems in the clay/ceramic lining my other chimney has, is it appropriate/recommended to put a liner (like stainless steel) in it as well?

Thanks again.  Really fantastic service.

Regards,
Jim H.

Answer
Hi Jim,

Thanks!

If it is defective like the others, then I recommend the same type of repair be enacted to this flue.

I recommend you use a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep who is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild to do the work.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.  The National Chimney Sweep Guild's website is www.ncsg.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