Chimney & Fireplaces/chimney liner

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Expert: - 8/3/2006


Question
Hello Mr. Ogden,

I have a coal burning insert and am getting ready to have a liner installed into my existing masonry fireplace.  However, I have a dilemma: my flue has clay tiles in it.  

The first installer stated that he'd have to remove all the clay tiles to get a six inch diameter or more liner inside the flue.  He said this process, plus the liner, plus install will be very costly.  He has not offered me other options.

The second installer stated that he could remove the damper and install a stainless steel liner up through the smoke chamber, stopping at the clay tiles.  He stated this is safe and I will achieve a good draft.

I plan on burning my insert 24/7 with anthracite.  I plan on being in my home the next 4 years and am not planning on taking my insert with me.  What are the pros/cons of the second installer's method?  Do I really need the stainless steel liner all the way up my 30 ft chimney?  Will the clay tiles provide some draft?

I live in NE Ohio.

Thanks!


Answer
Hi Chris,

You need to remove the flue tiles and install a fully-insulated stainless steel lining system from the coal burning insert to the top of the flue.  The stainless steel alloy of the liner system should be rated for burning coal.

The second installer is suggesting a sub-standard installation.  I would not recommend this type of job.

That insert will need an annual inspection.  I recommend you find and use a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for this.  You can find one at www.csia.org.  NOTE:  Many Certified Chimney Sweeps also do the type of work you are getting ready to have completed.

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

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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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