Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Adding Insert for Chimney Exhaust
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Pete112
09-09-04, 06:05 PM
Seeing as my second winter is coming around in my very old home, I'm thinking I better get this done soon!
My house was built in the early 1800's and still has the original chimney. Before the days of central heat it was used as a fireplace, obviously, but it now is used as the exhaust for the heater. Since the chimney runs through the house, I worry that some of the air makes its way through the morter. I KNOW there isn't an insert in the chimney now. It just relies on the brick and morter to escape the air.
What I'm thinking is that I can just add a metal insert (sorta like ductwork?) from the roof and connect it to the oil furnace that already has a metal duct going into the chimney. I'm sorta just guessing that there is a product out there that does this and hopefully it is semiflexible? It would be pretty difficult to insert a solid metal duct that is 20 ft high from the roof!
Any advise on this or am I crazy!?!
My house was built in the early 1800's and still has the original chimney. Before the days of central heat it was used as a fireplace, obviously, but it now is used as the exhaust for the heater. Since the chimney runs through the house, I worry that some of the air makes its way through the morter. I KNOW there isn't an insert in the chimney now. It just relies on the brick and morter to escape the air.
What I'm thinking is that I can just add a metal insert (sorta like ductwork?) from the roof and connect it to the oil furnace that already has a metal duct going into the chimney. I'm sorta just guessing that there is a product out there that does this and hopefully it is semiflexible? It would be pretty difficult to insert a solid metal duct that is 20 ft high from the roof!
Any advise on this or am I crazy!?!
richinva
09-12-04, 03:01 AM
Actually, there are pieces made to do just what you want. My advice is to hire a contractor that does this for a living. Make sure you get references, and make sure you call them and check them out. Some are good, some not so good. Check with your local Building Inspections Dept. to see if a permit is required. Make sure the guy is licensed, and find out which product he uses. There are several good ones out there, and you can do your own research on them. Most use a stainless steel liner, and some type of fireproof filler. Make sure that any visible cracks in your firebox/throat, if you have one, are sealed with refractory mortar. Also, the contractor should repair the grout wash at the top of the chimney.
Oil furnace or wood, the system is pretty much the same. You want to seal the flue so that sparks/heat/fire/smoke/odor won't get into those cracks you mentioned.
Some insurance policies also give a discount for chimney liners.
I really would strongly recommend a pro for this.
Rich
Oil furnace or wood, the system is pretty much the same. You want to seal the flue so that sparks/heat/fire/smoke/odor won't get into those cracks you mentioned.
Some insurance policies also give a discount for chimney liners.
I really would strongly recommend a pro for this.
Rich
Pete112
09-12-04, 06:49 PM
Glad to hear that this can be done! Thanks for the reply! I guess now I will start researching who can do this job. Anyone know what type of business to look for in the phone book? maybe chimney repair? I'm guessing this is a heck of a lot cheaper than building a new chimney, but can anyone ballpark what I should expect to pay?
Thanks again!
Thanks again!