Chimney relining

[VTwood]

I cleaned our chimney last month and found cracked ceramic flue tile at the thimble. Apparently we had a chimney fire without realizing it, and need to get it repaired in the next month or two. Brick chimney, 6.5" x 10" i.d. tile, 24' high from slab to chimney cap, 20' thimble to cap. Phoenix hearthstone woodstove w/6" pipe transitioning to 8" thimble. Cleaned yearly with a tight-fitting wire brush.

A chimney sweep recommended by a trusted local mason quoted $2875 for a 5.5" uninsulated steel liner. The tech said that the undersize liner would avoid any installation issues if the flue tiles were offset (they don't appear to be) and the air space around it would give sufficient insulation.

Another outfit came back with this:
"For roof access, flue knockout, and installation of an insulated stainless steel smooth inner wall liner = $5,275-$5,575 (depending on the length of the tail to the clean out door).
We entertained ovalizing the liner to fit within the existing clay flue tile. Given the glazed creosote in the existing flue we advise against that tactic as the heat radiating from the liner will liquefy the creosote and cause other problems like leeching and odor. "

I assume "flue knockout" means they would bust up the flue liner and remove it through the cleanout door to provide adequate clearance for the new insulated liner.

What do you recommend? I want to do this right and only once. Would a 5.5 " liner provide adequate draft? Is it likely to cause more problems with the existing tile than we had without the liner (basically none)? Do I need an insulated liner?

 

[bholler]

I cleaned our chimney last month and found cracked ceramic flue tile at the thimble. Apparently we had a chimney fire without realizing it, and need to get it repaired in the next month or two. Brick chimney, 6.5" x 10" i.d. tile, 24' high from slab to chimney cap, 20' thimble to cap. Phoenix hearthstone woodstove w/6" pipe transitioning to 8" thimble. Cleaned yearly with a tight-fitting wire brush.

A chimney sweep recommended by a trusted local mason quoted $2875 for a 5.5" uninsulated steel liner. The tech said that the undersize liner would avoid any installation issues if the flue tiles were offset (they don't appear to be) and the air space around it would give sufficient insulation.

Another outfit came back with this:
"For roof access, flue knockout, and installation of an insulated stainless steel smooth inner wall liner = $5,275-$5,575 (depending on the length of the tail to the clean out door).
We entertained ovalizing the liner to fit within the existing clay flue tile. Given the glazed creosote in the existing flue we advise against that tactic as the heat radiating from the liner will liquefy the creosote and cause other problems like leeching and odor. "

I assume "flue knockout" means they would bust up the flue liner and remove it through the cleanout door to provide adequate clearance for the new insulated liner.

What do you recommend? I want to do this right and only once. Would a 5.5 " liner provide adequate draft? Is it likely to cause more problems with the existing tile than we had without the liner (basically none)? Do I need an insulated liner?

Yes you need an insulated liner and yes you need to get all of that creosote out of the chimney. I would have them clarify why type of smooth wall liner they are proposing?

 

[stovelark]

Also do not believe Hearthstone would allow a 5.5" liner for the Phoenix, downsizing the flue size. Only company I know of that puts it in the manual was Regency at one point, not sure if they still do or not. Best option is listen to bholler's advice. Good luck.

 

[VTwood]

Does the mid-$5k estimate sound reasonable for removing the clay tile and installing an insulated SS liner? What details should I be asking about?

The manager said they use a "crossover" smooth inner wall liner.

 

[EbS-P]

Does the mid-$5k estimate sound reasonable for removing the clay tile and installing an insulated SS liner? What details should I be asking about?

The manger said they use a "crossover" smooth inner wall liner.

Did they mention an insulated oval liner?

 

[VTwood]

Did they mention an insulated oval liner?

As mentioned in my first post, they considered an ovalized liner but decided against it. "We entertained ovalizing the liner to fit within the existing clay flue tile. Given the glazed creosote in the existing flue we advise against that tactic as the heat radiating from the liner will liquefy the creosote and cause other problems like leeching and odor. "

Wouldn't a round insulated liner the same diameter as the stove inlet be the best solution?

 

[bholler]

Does the mid-$5k estimate sound reasonable for removing the clay tile and installing an insulated SS liner? What details should I be asking about?

The manager said they use a "crossover" smooth inner wall liner.

Crossover is Olympia's mid weight liner. Its a good product

 

[Whitenuckler]

Crossover is Olympia's mid weight liner. Its a good product

landing

www.olympiachimney.com

Looks like a good supplier. First time I've heard it mentioned.

 

[bholler]

landing

www.olympiachimney.com

Looks like a good supplier. First time I've heard it mentioned.

They are one of the largest in north america

 

[Ctwoodtick]

As mentioned in my first post, they considered an ovalized liner but decided against it. "We entertained ovalizing the liner to fit within the existing clay flue tile. Given the glazed creosote in the existing flue we advise against that tactic as the heat radiating from the liner will liquefy the creosote and cause other problems like leeching and odor. "

Wouldn't a round insulated liner the same diameter as the stove inlet be the best solution?

The quote sounds a bit high but the fact that they are showing some diligence about the issue of the remaining creosote is a positive sign about that company overall.