Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Gas Fireplace (Chimney Liner Issue)
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Scott
10-29-05, 07:22 AM
When I purchased my home three years ago, the home inspector told me that there were cracks in the chimney so I had a "chimney expert" come out, clean the chimney and fireplace, put a new cap on it and do some overall maintenance.
However, he said that I would need a chimney liner ($1500 job in 2002). I chose not to have the liner installed and have not used the fireplace in the 3 years I've lived in this house. I know that using wood causes a lot of heat and with the embers and all that I simply didn't want to take any chances.
This fireplace has a gas starter and I am not interested in burning wood but just want to have a top of the line gas fireplace installed.
Question: Is it safe to use a GAS fireplace if I don't put in the liner?
Thanks,
Scott
However, he said that I would need a chimney liner ($1500 job in 2002). I chose not to have the liner installed and have not used the fireplace in the 3 years I've lived in this house. I know that using wood causes a lot of heat and with the embers and all that I simply didn't want to take any chances.
This fireplace has a gas starter and I am not interested in burning wood but just want to have a top of the line gas fireplace installed.
Question: Is it safe to use a GAS fireplace if I don't put in the liner?
Thanks,
Scott
jocelynj
11-30-05, 09:59 AM
I know this thread is a bit old, but since no one responded and I've now found it...
If the original clay liner in your fireplace chimney is damaged or compromised it is not safe to use with gas or woodburning. If there is any breeching in the lining you could still have a potential fire hazard as gas fireplaces still produce heat. There is also a potential carbon monoxide hazard - CO could drift out of the lining through the breeches and seep into walls of your home or back into it.
There are a couple of options depending on the condition of your liner:
1. If the flue tiles are not damaged (no cracking or crumbling) and the only reason the technician said it shouldn't be used is because of open mortar joints, you may be able to install a gas insert with an aluminum liner- but you would not be able to use an aluminum with just gas logs, it would have to be an insert.
2. If there is damage to the flue tiles themselves you unfortunately don't have many other options that installing a stainless steel liner which is costly. You can either have an insert installed with a directly connected liner or have a liner replace the existing tiles.
Please be aware that if you install a liner for use with an open face fireplace the exisiting tiles almost always need to be removed otherwise you may limit the venting space within your chimney.
Sorry for the long post!
If the original clay liner in your fireplace chimney is damaged or compromised it is not safe to use with gas or woodburning. If there is any breeching in the lining you could still have a potential fire hazard as gas fireplaces still produce heat. There is also a potential carbon monoxide hazard - CO could drift out of the lining through the breeches and seep into walls of your home or back into it.
There are a couple of options depending on the condition of your liner:
1. If the flue tiles are not damaged (no cracking or crumbling) and the only reason the technician said it shouldn't be used is because of open mortar joints, you may be able to install a gas insert with an aluminum liner- but you would not be able to use an aluminum with just gas logs, it would have to be an insert.
2. If there is damage to the flue tiles themselves you unfortunately don't have many other options that installing a stainless steel liner which is costly. You can either have an insert installed with a directly connected liner or have a liner replace the existing tiles.
Please be aware that if you install a liner for use with an open face fireplace the exisiting tiles almost always need to be removed otherwise you may limit the venting space within your chimney.
Sorry for the long post!