Install a liner in a chimney with brick and mortar in the way

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frankinri

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Sep 17, 2013
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I got up on the roof today to inspect the chimney for the install of a flexible liner. What I found was a clay lined chimney 7 inches. This is good because I need to install a 6 inch liner. Problem is I can see mortar pertruding out of some of the joints in they clay tile. How would I chip that stuff off? Some are 10 feet down. Also a bigger issue is about 25 inches from the top there is brick sticking out into the chimney opening that is making the opening to small to fit the liner. It appears there is 2-3 bricks in total that gradually steps down in pertruding out. I will attach an image I hope it helps. I was able to remove one of the bricks. It's got another behind it. How can I remove the rest they don't want to come out? I was thinking of a sazwall with a masonry blade.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1385854468.567271.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1385854484.282694.jpg
 
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before you knock the rest out check and double check that the block is not holding up a tile liner. don't ask why I think it could be an issue.
 
before you knock the rest out check and double check that the block is not holding up a tile liner. don't ask why I think it could be an issue.

After closer inspection, I see what you're talking about there. Definitely a possibility. I've seen some crazy stuff in people's houses.
 
Do you think I can just cut it out flush with the clay? And recommendations on what to use to cut it flush? I'm working in a 7 inch square. The only thing I can think of is the sawzall but I know it will make a mess. Guess it doesn't matter as long as I can get the 6 inch flex in there.
 
could you support around the rest of it first then remove the brick? after that you can support where the brick was. are you sure that's the only one in the chimney?
 
Do you think I can just cut it out flush with the clay? And recommendations on what to use to cut it flush? I'm working in a 7 inch square. The only thing I can think of is the sawzall but I know it will make a mess. Guess it doesn't matter as long as I can get the 6 inch flex in there.

Can you reach the sawzall down in there? That would seem effective, yet a pain in the gas.
 
frankinri' i have the same problem with the protruding mortar and im also wondering if its possible to use something to chip them off so i can fit a 5.5" liner down, i was thinking of hooking up a big weight to a chain and dropping it down on the mortar to bust them off just not sure how strong the mortar is?
 
How about sharpening one end of a long piece of rebar, then using that as a chisel?
 
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How about sharpening one end of a long piece of rebar, then using that as a chisel?

I may try this. The parts I can reach are hard to break off. Hope it will work. Just got inside from stacking a wood pile that fell over. This wood stove thing is hard work.
 
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all that will work but how accurate is it? if you could support the rest of the tile I don't think it will be much of an issue unless the tile breaks from the impact of hitting the brick it is sitting in. they can be delicate.
 
all that will work but how accurate is it? if you could support the rest of the tile I don't think it will be much of an issue unless the tile breaks from the impact of hitting the brick it is sitting in. they can be delicate.

Should be ok even if it does right? It's going to have a ss liner in the end surrounded by all noncombustible material being inside the Chimney. The clay tile is inside a cinder block cube.ImageUploadedByTapatalk1385915722.059960.jpg
 
I think your best bet is weld a masonry chisel on the end of a sturdy steel pole. This will give you a much cleaner cut/break.
 
Should be ok even if it does right? It's going to have a ss liner in the end surrounded by all noncombustible material being inside the Chimney. The clay tile is inside a cinder block cube.View attachment 119209
if the tile is secure and structure is not compromised, yes. you don't want it breaking apart and falling down. it could crush the new liner that cost a few grand and jeopardize the health of your family.
 
I think your best bet is weld a masonry chisel on the end of a sturdy steel pole. This will give you a much cleaner cut/break.

OP asked How to Do It, not How to Do It Correctly.
 
OP asked How to Do It, not How to Do It Correctly.
Don't hate just cause I thought of a better jimmy rig than you ::-)

Shame he can't get an angle grinder with masonry blade in it down there.
 
What the heck is going on that they would insert an occasional brick into a tile lined, concrete block chimney. That had to take a lot of extra work. Why would they do this? Are you sure it's concrete block all the way up?
 
What the heck is going on that they would insert an occasional brick into a tile lined, concrete block chimney. That had to take a lot of extra work. Why would they do this? Are you sure it's concrete block all the way up?

It is all the way until it hits the roof. At the roof it changes to brick.
 
Shame he can't get an angle grinder with masonry blade in it down there.

Well, he COULD. Duct tape is your friend. Could even still use the rebar.
 
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It is all the way until it hits the roof. At the roof it changes to brick.
I'm trying hard to figure out WTH the mason was thinking when he did that.
 
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