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Expert: - 7/17/2006


Question
Hi Mr Ogden

This is my second question to you.

I read an anwer to an earlier question to you (by another) and you stated that clay tiles would have to be removed before placing a stainless steel liner inside the chimney.
In LA, we leave the existing clay tiles in place and fit the liner within the existing system.

We also commonly regrout between flue tiles (when the grouting is removed).

Is regrouting between the existing flue tile system an "LA" thing or is that done elswhere as well?

Besides, making the flue smaller (and potentiall causing drafting issues) do you see any other drawbacks to not removing the tiles?  

It seems to me that the cost would be less as well.  In case you are curious A typical stainless steel liner job (8 to 12 foot chimney) in LA will run (for a quality job) approximately $3,500 to $4,500.  This job would include parge coating the smoke chamber and installing a new spark arrester/rain cap/top end damper.

NOTE:  I only inspect and no longer perform repairs or rebuilds.

John LeBaron

Answer
Hi John,

Typically vitreous clay flue tiles have to be removed to enable the correct sizing of the new lining system and the insulation required by most lining systems to achieve a UL Listing.

Regrouting is done here in the midwest as well, using a calcium aluminate refractory material.  It is typically only done to regrout small void areas or offsets.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com.

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

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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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