Few weeks ago I started making preparations to install the insert I recently purchased. I was making a template for a block off plate. I left the card board in the fireplace. Just the other day I opened the glass doors to put some high temp sealant in with the template I made and noticed this below. Looks like a couple of droplets of water. We have had some heavy heavy rain the past few weeks. Funny thing is the damper was closed, however you can't see from below pic but the damper is broken and a little sliver on one side is open. My question is it fairly normal/common for occasional rain drops coming down the chimney? I've never really noticed this before but never had card board laying inside of the firebox either. Thanks in advance fella's!
Do you have a cap on the top of the flue? I have seen some rain make its way down if there is no cap. Next possibility, if the damper really lets a lot of air flow then, during the summer, warm moist air from outside sometime slowly works its way down the flue as it cools, condenses on the tile liner & drips down. Third possibility, how sound is the chimney? Is rain working its way in via cracks in the mortar, especially where the chimney goes through the roof? Lots of possibilities, more information & pictures of the flue might help. KaptJaq
Thanks KaptJaq I had the chimney inspected about 2yrs ago and was told it was very sound and the liner was is excellent shape. It's a tall chimney and we have had some serious humidity the past few weeks and the house does get cool at night as we turn down the AC to be comfortable upstairs so that condensing might be a possibility as the damper does not seal well at all. Yes there is a top cap for sure, I was just up there a few weeks ago measuring the flue opening. I will keep an eye on it, thanks for the post!!
We have no cap atop our clay lined block chimney... only on the heaviest downpours do we see the effect of rain coming all the way down to the basement cleanout.... never been a big deal.
We used to get a little bit of "sweat" with cooler nights in heat waves in this blasted New England humidity with the old chimney made of stones. Might not even be the rain.
If it were me....I would install at least a 6" stainless liner w/insulation n hook directly to stove....I beleive with a good rain cap...this will take care of your problem..... With over 15 inches of rain in the last month....my New Hamshire White Birch I have in my insert is dry as can be......maybe its because its thinkin about home. LOL. P.S. THANKS AGAIN BRIAN!!!
That's my plan bear 1998 as the insert is a 6" connection and am def going with a pre-insulated stainless liner. Rain cap will be replaced to accommodate the new the liner so hopefully it will solve my little issues. Thanks much!
I think that an Insulated Liner is the best option, I am assuming that your Clay tile is a 13 x 13 or something close to that. A Pre-insulated liner will be 7 1/4" on the outside, if you decide to insulate it yourself it will be about 7 3/4", because of the overlap of insulation. Just making sure you will have the room.
My flue inside measurements are 10 7/8" wide east west X 11 1/4" north south, so I think am still good!
My best guess is that it has just been too wet. Lots of heavy rain can do that and if there is wind it can blow some rain into the cap and you'll then notice it. Otherwise you'd never see it. For sure in 3 seasons of the year you'll never see it because the flue will be warm then.
