Hey gang, had some time this afternoon so I swept and inspected my chimney. My setup is an up and out thru the wall then straight up outside thru two awnings/eves. I'm working on getting pics up again but they are not posting from my iPad My question is pic related so this will be hard to explain until I can get the pics uploaded, but what I noticed while sweeping was a small separation in the first pipe joint after the Tee. It's more of a small gap where the pipe comes down on top and into the Tee. Is this something I should investigate more or is it common to get small gaps like that in double wall chimney pipe? The rest of the joints all look pretty tight and together. Edit: here are the pics The gap I am concerned with is the first joint right above where the Tee comes in to the main chimney.
If that is not fixed, you might end up with a problem area and you will get lots of soot and/or creosote at that joint. If that pipe screws together it might be a simple thing as going out there and twisting the pipe. We had one that way and it was a quick fix. We've watched it every year since but it has always stayed tight so we are good to go. btw, our chimney also goes out and up.
Not sure if this would work in your application but it's worth a look. I don't think the outside of a double walled pipe would get above 600 degrees F. http://www.amazon.com/3M-High-Temperature-Flue-15-Foot/dp/B00004Z4DS
I was actually considering doing that! It is banded at each joint so I wonder if that prevents any leaking or cooling from the outside? There's didn't seem to be any additional creosote around that area compared to the rest of the pipe so maybe it's ok?
I'm no expert, but me thinks it's fine. As noted, it's banded on the exterior so it looks sealed and will be fine. Might you get a bit of build up right at the joint? Sure. Will it really be a problem? doubt it. And it is right there just above your cleanout, so you can open the clean out and check / clean that spot a few times during the season. No biggie.
