Chimney Relining

[MANIAC]

I have read as many posts on this as I could find but have not found quite the same situation .

I live in an old 1800's house that has 4 old unused fireplaces. I am reasonably certain that neither of two chimneys are lined and I am certain they have not been used in the last 30 years. Exterior of the chimneys look sound, wouldn't hurt to re-point them but they appear sound. Anyway I have been toying with the idea of installing a pellet stove and possibly using an existing chimney. Can a chimney of this age be safely lined using flexible or rigid liner or am I opening up a can of worms. From and aesthetic point of view venting a pellet stove out an exterior wall is just someting I don't want to do.

This is really in the "thought process" right now so I don't think getting into conversations about stove size, freestanding or insert, floorplan layout or how much space I want to heat right now is that critical.

Any thoughts?

 

[jtp10181]

I don't know why there would be any problems dropping a pellet liner down there. Just follow all the mfg recommendations and instructions.

 

[DriftWood]

Just some ideas for you from the HomeSaver® UltraPro™ flexible stainless steel relining pipe manual.

(broken link removed to http://www.fireplace-chimneystore.com/f/Insallation_of_Ultra_Pro_Stainless_Liner.pdf)

How to Determine if a Reline is Needed
A reline is advisable when:

The chimney has missing or damaged flue tiles

The cross-sectional area of the flue is more than three times greater
than the cross-sectional area of the appliance outlet

There are hairline cracks in flue tiles or mortar missing between
flue tiles

The system has a history of repeated excessive creosote buildup

CHIMNEY HEIGHT
The National Fire Protection
Association Standard
211 requires that the
chimney extend at least 3
feet above the highest
point where it passes
through the roof and at
least 2 feet higher than
any portion of any structure
within 10 feet

CLEARANCES
Airspace clearances between the masonry chimney exterior and combustible
materials should be checked to verify whether the chimney is in
accordance with the clearance specifications contained in:
1. NFPA 211
2. Other recognized major building codes
3. These instructions
NFPA 211 states that the minimum airspace clearance between exterior
10'
2' MIN.
HEIGHT ABOVE
ANY ROOF
WITHIN 10 FEET
RIDGE
CHIMNEY
3' MIN.

CLEARANCES
Airspace clearances between the masonry chimney exterior and combustible
materials should be checked to verify whether the chimney is in
accordance with the clearance specifications contained in:
1. NFPA 211
2. Other recognized major building codes
3. These instructions
NFPA 211 states that the minimum airspace clearance between exterior
masonry chimneys (which have the chimney completely outside the exterior
wall of the building, excluding the soffit or cornice area) and combustible
material shall be at least 1".

Wood And Coal Applications
There are three scenarios you may encounter when lining for wood and
coal that will affect your choice of insulation options.
In a case where a masonry chimney is found to have at least 1" clearance
to combustibles the minimum insulation requirements are one wrap of 1⁄4"
foil-face insulation or 1" of HomeSaver InsulationMix or TherMix insulation.
When less than 1" clearance exists between the exterior of the masonry and
the surrounding combustibles, the minimum insulation requirements are
one wrap of 1⁄2" foil-face insulation, two wraps of 1⁄4" foil-face insulation, or
1" of HomeSaver InsulationMix or TherMix insulation.

CONNECTING OTHER APPLIANCES
Do not connect gas or oil appliances to chimneys serving solid fuel burning
equipment.
Do not connect more than one solid fuel burning appliance to a single
chimney flue.

Check your local building codes and contact local
building or fire officials to obtain any required permits. WARNING:
Incorporation of parts or materials not manufactured or supplied by HomeSaver
will not provide a UL Listed system.


2. Inspect the chimney for structural integrity before it is lined.
HomeSaver liner shall be installed in a chimney with a minimum 4" of
solid brick as specified in NFPA 211. Inspect the chimney for loose or eroded
mortar, cracks in the masonry, missing bricks, internal obstructions,
abandoned flue holes, and excessive creosote accumulation. Make necessary
masonry repairs prior to relining the chimney.

3. Clean and remove all tar-glazed creosote and soot found on internal
chimney walls and fireplace smoke chamber before the chimney is relined.
This is important — if not removed, creosote is a fire hazard. It will also
cause an unpleasant smell.

 

[webbie]

Given a pellet stove, you are dealing with a very low temp exhaust. I think your idea is very sound and easily doable.

 

[fraxinus]

Sorry if this is becoming repetitous, but before commiting to a ss liner check out the cost of a poured one. Supaflu is definitely available in your area and is to me a superior way of dealing with old, unlined chimneys.

 

[tkuhe]

What exactly does this mean?

"In a case where a masonry chimney is found to have at least 1” clearance
to combustibles"

"First determine if the chimney you are relining has at least 1" of clearance between its exterior masonry surfaces and combustibles."

I don't get it, what am I looking for/at.