Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use?

[Chimney Tennessee]

This morning I went to inspect my terracotta chimney flue. The house is from 1978. Inside dimensions are 7x7" and depth is 18ft . A wood stove is connected to it in the basement.

I didn't noticed any built up and it looks pretty good to me. However I have noticed I could pass my fingers through the first junction gap, I couldn't reach any deeper, some junctions appears to look offset . Is it normal? I don't know the standards of the 70-80s.

I would assume a chimney is designed to last forever.

I have attached some pictures.

Does anyone have the same situation?
Is it safe to use daily ?

I'd not or to improve is there any DIY If a repair is necessary? I've seen a product called Rutland pré mix refractory mortar

Any constructive answers, experiences would be highly appreciated!

 

[begreen]

It happens. Gaps in the mortar are not good. Also, there is some glaze building up.

 

[Chimney Tennessee]

It happens. Gaps in the mortar are not good. Also, there is some glaze building up.

Thank you. Is it safe to use?

 

[begreen]

I would have it inspected fully for other issues before using. Does the chimney have wood framing touching it?

 

[Supersurvey]

You could perhaps have it cleaned and have a liner installed.

 

[MRD1985]

looks to be a fair amount of glossy creosote build up. I would have the chimney lined
If it was my house.

 

[Chimney Tennessee]

looks to be a fair amount of glossy creosote build up. I would have the chimney lined
If it was my house.

Would you install a liner over the current condition?

 

[begreen]

Would you install a liner over the current condition?

No, the creosote must be removed first and even then one doesn't know if it's seeped through the cracks to the surrounding brick.

 

[bholler]

This morning I went to inspect my terracotta chimney flue. The house is from 1978. Inside dimensions are 7x7" and depth is 18ft . A wood stove is connected to it in the basement.

I didn't noticed any built up and it looks pretty good to me. However I have noticed I could pass my fingers through the first junction gap, I couldn't reach any deeper, some junctions appears to look offset . Is it normal? I don't know the standards of the 70-80s.

I would assume a chimney is designed to last forever.

I have attached some pictures.

Does anyone have the same situation?
Is it safe to use daily ?

I'd not or to improve is there any DIY If a repair is necessary? I've seen a product called Rutland pré mix refractory mortar

Any constructive answers, experiences would be highly appreciated!

View attachment 319466 View attachment 319467 View attachment 319468

Clay liners have a projected lifespan of about 30 years definitely not designed to last a lifetime.

Liners of any sort are the first line of defense between the exhaust gasses and potential fire and your home. Yours are now compromised and should be replaced. I can pretty much guarantee that when the liners are broken out you won't be able to tell the difference between the inside and outside both will be pretty dirty