Masonry chimney

I'm usually one to try and make things work. In this case I honestly don't see any scenerio that makes it worth keeping this chimney. Certainly I can't imagine an insurance company feeling okay about a solution using a solid fuel appliance. Maybe you could use it for a gas furnace or stove but in my opinion you need the scrap it and start new. It'll be less work in the end.

 

Would it be possible to create another as high as possible "exit hole" in your basement wall?
If so, this would benefit you two ways. The new connection (from the stove to the outside masonry) would be above ground and you could also install a clean out door in the masonry chimney below the level of the new higher flue connection.

Can't imagine how the chimney was cleaned the way it is now.

This whole scenario is interesting, please keep us informed of what you do.

Welcome aboard!

 

I too like yooperdave 's idea. That is what makes this place great and yes safety should always be at the forefront as Eric VW mentioned.

 

That house looks like what I'd call a split level... I had a bi-level before I moved into this house. Was a very strange thing to do for sure, I'd be surprised if that actually passed code/inspector/insurance etc. I'd either punch a new hole higher off the ground if there is adequate clearance, or maybe just take a new class A straight up from stove through roof and leave the masonry alone.

 

This is a common install in Ohio. I've seen it done multiple times. is the tile from house to chimney what is bad?

 

Yes leak in one of the joints .I put a piece of class a in there to get me by. Looking at a new stove I'm gonna move the new one and do a though wall install on the side of the house.

 

Ouch. I've been doing masonry for Forty years. Built more chimneys and fireplaces than I can count.
That is the saddest display of masonry skills I've ever seen. Personally I would condemn and demolish the entire thing then burn all pictures and evidence of its existence. Don't want anybody ever getting the idea that's a proper methodology.
Glad to hear your abandoning that sad display of logic.