lining double brick chimneys

[shakey]

I just acquired a used Quadrafire Isle Royale.

My chimney was cleaned and inspect by some chimney sweeps a few years ago and it did not take them long. I asked them what I needed to do to prepare the chimney for venting a wood stove. They said nothing, it's double brick and in good condition, just drill a hole above the fireplace mantle, run the stove pipe into the hole and seal it up with refractory cement.

My house has a huge 3-flue brick chimney in the middle of the house and it is in fact double brick, but without a fireclay liner. The house was built in 1906 in Detroit. The fireplace's flue (the one to drill into) is double brick.

The manual for the Isle Royale specifies a fire clay liner in a masonry chimney, but says nothing about double brick. Here is the language:

• The masonry wall of the chimney, if brick or modular block, must be a minimum of 4 inches (102mm) nominal thickness.
• A chimney of rubble stone must be at least 12 inches ( 305mm) thick.
• The chimney must have a fire clay flue liner (or equivalent) with a minimum thickness of 5/8 inch (16mm) and must be installed with refractory mortar.
• An equivalent liner must be a listed chimney liner system or other approved material.

The whole manual:

(broken link removed to http://hearthnhome.com/downloads/installManuals/250_5763.pdf)

I don't want to spend money on something I don't need. Do I need to line the chimney with one of those flex stainless steel liners?

 

[branchburner]

Yes.

Not only for safety/code/insurance, but also for optimal stove performance (great stove, BTW). Without even knowing the flue dimensions, I can assure you it is too large for best results.

Your sweeps must have been old-school, because code requires clay or ss, and modern stoves need right-sized flues. The liner can be run up the flue from the fireplace (easier and more commonly done), or by drilling the hole as mentioned.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[bholler]

Actually if it is lined with fire brickThat is an acceptable liner material but like branch burner said i am sure it is over sized so regardless you will need a liner and you should insulate it as well

 

[northwinds]

Will you be burning this winter? Have seasoned wood? (less than 20% moisture reading on fresh split).

 

[shakey]

Will you be burning this winter? Have seasoned wood? (less than 20% moisture reading on fresh split).

I have some split and seasoned but not much, maybe 2 face cords. Next winter I will be much better prepared.

 

[northwinds]

The Isle Royale is a great heater, but you will get much better performance with an properly sized insulated liner and well-seasoned wood. Otherwise, any modern wood stove is going to give you some frustration, poor draft, creosote, and not much heat.