Creosote Location

[Berner]

Everyone always says creosote forms at the top of the stack. Makes sense flue gasses start hot from the stove and then cool traveling to the top. Has anyone seen the opposite? I clean top down and I notice far more creosote at the bottom in the T and directly above than I do at the top.

A very knowledgable Woodstock employee told me that it could be my T isn't air tight. Or some connection is loose down low. This is would cause cold room temperature air leaking into and causing creosote down low. I checked all my connections and they seem tight.

Just wondering if anyone else had this problem and found a solution?

 

[BrotherBart]

He is right. Cool air is leaking into the tee. No question about it. Maybe somebody will come along with a good way to seal it.

 

[webby3650]

Single wall pipe I assume? I find if the flue is straight up, or near straight anyway, then it's dirtiest at the top. If it's a T system with single wall pipe then it often has more build up than the top. Results can also differ between class A and masonry flues.

 

[Berner]

Single wall pipe I assume? I find if the flue is straight up, or near straight anyway, then it's dirtiest at the top. If it's a T system with single wall pipe then it often has more build up than the top. Results can also differ between class A and masonry flues.

It is a hybrid liner that runs up an exterior chimney. It is a T connecting into a flex liner that has one small bend at the two foot mark and then the last 15 feet is a straight shot.

 

[webby3650]

So the snout and Tee are single wall and uninsulated correct?

 

[Berner]

So the snout and Tee are single wall and uninsulated correct?

Yes all single wall and uninsulated. You think they are drafty too?

 

[webby3650]

If you have a clean out door, is it sealed up good? Preferably stuffed with insulation.

 

[Berner]

If you have a clean out door, is it sealed up good? Preferably stuffed with insulation.

No clean out door just a fireplace install. I do have a custom T but it seems tight.

 

[begreen]

Why uninsulated in an exterior chimney?

 

[bholler]

It is a hybrid liner that runs up an exterior chimney

That is not a hybrid liner it is 2 ply light smooth wall stuff. Hybrid liner is a Olympia product and is totally different. Honestly if it was me this time when you switch that liner out i would demo that back wall some so you can run a standard tee. As far as the creosote goes are you sure the liner isn't compromised where you have all of that damage? If it is that would allow air in and cause problems

 

[Berner]

That is not a hybrid liner it is 2 ply light smooth wall stuff. Hybrid liner is a Olympia product and is totally different. Honestly if it was me this time when you switch that liner out i would demo that back wall some so you can run a standard tee. As far as the creosote goes are you sure the liner isn't compromised where you have all of that damage? If it is that would allow air in and cause problems

Are there advantages to a standard T over the custom T besides the cost? I think I would rather pay the extra $100-150 for a custom T than demo some of my fireplace.

I'm pretty sure the liner is still a closed system. I haven't burnt anything since my last cleaning when I discovered the failing liner.

 

[Berner]

Why uninsulated in an exterior chimney?

Terracotta tiles are 7X11. Didn't have room on the first liner but looking to ovalize it and insulate it for my next go around.