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Chimney & Fireplaces/The small holes at the inner walls of temco flue pipe elbows

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Expert: - 7/17/2006


Question
Hi,

I perform Level 2 firplace inspections on firepalces of all types in the LA area.

About a year or so ago I came accross a Temco fireplace with an offset and elbow installation and viewed small hoes at the inner walls of the flue at the elbows.

Typical standars for prefabricated flues would dictate (usually) that the inner walls cannot be "breached".

I contacted CFM (the technical department) and was told to replace the component or repair (with a proper stainless steel screw or rivet).  This is typically a $2,000 to $4,000 job for it to be performed correctly (here in LA).

I have been contacted by at least two individuals claiming to have worked for Temco and they say that the small holes are part of the design.  This may be true but Temco went bankrupt and CFM now "owns it".

Do you have an opinion on this or any other information?  I have yet to find anything in writing regarding the need to repair or the need not to.  Currently, I am recommending repair or replacement of the "damaged" components since Temco is not around to "absorb" the liability.

John LeBaron

Answer
Hi John,

You need to get something in writing from CFM regarding this.  

I haven't seen this issue with Temco systems in the midwest.

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

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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