Long time reader, first time poster...
I have read a ton on this site about the merrits of having a well insulated liner and have come to the conclusion that installing one in my chimney will improve performance and safety. I have a HighValley 2500 insert that is "slammed" into a stone fireplace that then vents up a 11" X 11" (inside dimension) terracotta flue. From the top of the insert to the top of the chimney is 33 feet. The stove outlet is a round 8 inch hole. The chimney runs up the outside of the house.
The chimney has two flues, one for the upstairs fireplace, and one for the one downstairs where the insert is.... with two flues in the chimney, there is a dog leg right above the damper that makes a hard right then goes straight up for about 15 feet then gradually moves back left and then straight up again so that both flues come out the top pretty close together.
I am inclined to do it myself, as it will save a mess of money and I will know what I have but have a couple questions that I am sure someone here can help with. I think that to have this done "professionally" (pay someone to do it) would be about $2000. From what I can see there is less than $1000 in material and several hours of labor. If I can get the advice I need here, then I am ahead.
An 8 inch liner with insullation will fit itn the existing chimney.... but how can I tell that the liner will make it down the dog legs in the chimney and to the top of the stove. I don't want to order $800 worth of stuff to then find out I can't get it down the chimney. I have searched and searched and not found anything to help me determine if the liner can make it through or not.
I will have to break/cut out the existing damper plate frame to allow the liner to fit up through. I understand that there are merrits of blocking off the remainder of the opening. Most say a block off plate is the way to go.... Some stuff the area with insulation. What about the castable refractory stuff. Any chance of that working? I think that by the time I have a hole busted for the liner to get through, a block of plate wouldn't end up being very effective as the hole won't be nice and square and getting it to stay in could be a pain.
What is the best source for the materials? Any watchouts?
Thoughts and advice appreciated. Please don't bash the previous slammed installation as that is what I am correcting.
I have read a ton on this site about the merrits of having a well insulated liner and have come to the conclusion that installing one in my chimney will improve performance and safety. I have a HighValley 2500 insert that is "slammed" into a stone fireplace that then vents up a 11" X 11" (inside dimension) terracotta flue. From the top of the insert to the top of the chimney is 33 feet. The stove outlet is a round 8 inch hole. The chimney runs up the outside of the house.
The chimney has two flues, one for the upstairs fireplace, and one for the one downstairs where the insert is.... with two flues in the chimney, there is a dog leg right above the damper that makes a hard right then goes straight up for about 15 feet then gradually moves back left and then straight up again so that both flues come out the top pretty close together.
I am inclined to do it myself, as it will save a mess of money and I will know what I have but have a couple questions that I am sure someone here can help with. I think that to have this done "professionally" (pay someone to do it) would be about $2000. From what I can see there is less than $1000 in material and several hours of labor. If I can get the advice I need here, then I am ahead.
An 8 inch liner with insullation will fit itn the existing chimney.... but how can I tell that the liner will make it down the dog legs in the chimney and to the top of the stove. I don't want to order $800 worth of stuff to then find out I can't get it down the chimney. I have searched and searched and not found anything to help me determine if the liner can make it through or not.
I will have to break/cut out the existing damper plate frame to allow the liner to fit up through. I understand that there are merrits of blocking off the remainder of the opening. Most say a block off plate is the way to go.... Some stuff the area with insulation. What about the castable refractory stuff. Any chance of that working? I think that by the time I have a hole busted for the liner to get through, a block of plate wouldn't end up being very effective as the hole won't be nice and square and getting it to stay in could be a pain.
What is the best source for the materials? Any watchouts?
Thoughts and advice appreciated. Please don't bash the previous slammed installation as that is what I am correcting.
