New house = new projects. New home is a 2 story with central chinney. Putting insert in on first floor in the original firebox. My chimney has some issues way up top but overall structurally sound and a clay tiles in good shape. I believe it is 12x12. If I am to pull a 6" SS liner down to connect to my insert, do you feel it is necessary to use an insulated liner since it is a centrally located chimney? I assume it would be the better option, but being that I burn only good dry dry wood - will it be worth the extra $$ and hassle of install? Secondly, I need to repair my crown up top. My masonry is in very good shape but the crown is showing its age. How do you feel about the stainless chimney caps that literally cover the entire top of the chimney? (See attached photo for reference) Being that it’s structurally sound, Im thinking that if I installed one if these it would protect the chimney better than new and reduce my traffic on the roof. Thoughts? BTW my insert will be my good old Buck 74. Love this stove!
short answer yes they are worth it! Long answer Ah I got some hard learned experience in this area. Also have multi story chimney block with brick faced. The chimney and clay flues are fine. 2 Chimney inspectors said so! I developed a leak chased it for 5 years! New roof, flashed twice crickets used a hose. Everything you can think of. a cup of water leak 1 or 2 times a year that you cannot find is tough Hair line cracks in masonry between 2 flues. step 1 repair hair line cracks with appropriate material and seal. step 2 get stainless steel cover and install Step 3 geo SIL cap every 3 years and it’s never leaked again Granted this is over belt and suspenders approach and over kill BUT I hate roofs that leak!
Unless the chimney is in perfect shape, you'll need a liner with insulation to meet fire code...not that anyone is necessarily gonna check it, but in my house I don't play around with cutting corners when it comes to fire. Insulated liners draft better and stay cleaner too...win win. And yes, I have both my flues lined/insulated...it weren't cheap, but I sleep better at night when it's heating season knowing I'm burning dry wood and the chimney are up to snuff.
What brenndatomu said! We have SS chimney caps on both brick chimneys and they are well worth the cost. As is insulated SS pipe!
I would agree that an insulated liner is well worth the money and performance. Also Chimney RX makes some very good products for the crown repair and or sealing.
I'm working now to figure out my best plan for getting up there. Access at gutter is around 22ft. I have some scaffolding I may build as I also need to install 2 bathroom vent fan roof vents. I looked at the chimney with my buddy who is a mason and access is definitely an issue. Im looking at either a large 40-60ft manlift or I need to erect scaffolding on the roof. I will plan to use an Insulated liner. Still between a concrete crown or a full stainless cap. Looks wise, I would definitely prefer the concrete but I need to see what the stainless cap will cost.
It's not the cheapest option, but I went with a large (16" x 16"?) SS fabricated cap with a hinge to open up for cleaning (I can't do bottom-up cleaning, or at least not easily!) and I've been very happy with that!
