New insert, what to do for liner

[JSplit]

Hello! I hope this question has not been over asked, but I'm hoping I can get some quick guidance. Im really excited about installing a Lopi medium flush. I have a short (14 ft) exterior chimney. The flue is 8 by 12. I am using the wood insert as a supplemental heat source and aesthetic. I might burn 1 cord a year. I definitely want the liner insulated, however my chimney sweep guy is very skeptical I will get a 6in liner down the flue. The fireplace company where I bought the insert and installing my liner told me that if that can t get the 6in liner in, then they will put in a 5.5 in insulated liner. They do not remove tiles, which I would prefer as I have a very old chimney and don't want to mess to much with the structure. My question-if the 6 in doesnt fit, will the 5.5 be good enough (even if it requires more cleaning)....OR...do I find someone else to install my liner that can snip out some tiles.

Thank You!

 

[begreen]

The insert requires a 15 ft liner. A shorter 14' liner that is also smaller in diameter is not the best start. It might work, but it'll be on the edge, especially in milder weather. An insulated oval liner is another option. Or get someone that can knock out the tiles and then install the 6" liner.

 

[kborndale]

Knocking out tiles to fit the liner is pretty common practice. If your installer can not do this I would be pretty skeptical about their ability to do the other parts of the install correctly.

 

[JSplit]

Thanks for your reply. Follow up question...if the 6 in insulated liner does not fit, could i just go with the non insulated liner than do a pour insulation or is it better to pay more for the insulated liner

 

[Whitenuckler]

Knocking out tiles to fit the liner is pretty common practice. If your installer can not do this I would be pretty skeptical about their ability to do the other parts of the install correctly.

I am surprised those clay liners can be removed with out disturbing the brick. When they build it (I have one here, and had 25% of one removed at my last house) they mortar it all together don't they? The clay liner is part of the structure I thought? Maybe there is an small air gap, and just dabs of mortar. I guess the mortar would not really bind to the smooth clay anyway.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

As mentioned above, oval liner or break out. Proper breaking out of the clay flue should not damage the chimney. You mentioned the chimney is old. That should not matter unless in poor condition. In which case, that would need to be addressed.
Don’t fall for the info that you get told by some hearth companies. A number of them are hacks or a bit shady in my experience. The info you get here is free and we don’t have an interest in your wallet, so take your time, gather information from this site and then make an informed decision about your insert set up.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

I am surprised those clay liners can be removed with out disturbing the brick. When they build it (I have one here, and had 25% of one removed at my last house) they mortar it all together don't they? The clay liner is part of the structure I thought? Maybe there is a small air gap, and just dabs of mortar. I guess the mortar would not really bind to the smooth clay anyway.

If you watch a video on it, the clay ideally get broken into small bits a little at a time from the top down. The tool that is used can potentially damage the brick of the chimney but used correctly a pro should be fine. I’m not a pro, but I had this done to my chimney after I was very dissatisfied with the previous install of the insert in my house. The newer install broke out the clay. They set up a plastic enclosure to keep the dust down.
I would think a reputable company would offer this. Otherwise I don’t know how they’d convert anyone’s chimney to be able to accept a stainless liner for an open fireplace.

 

[begreen]

Thanks for your reply. Follow up question...if the 6 in insulated liner does not fit, could i just go with the non insulated liner than do a pour insulation or is it better to pay more for the insulated liner

No, that is not better and likely not code. An ovalized, insulated liner can be done by a competent installer. DuraVent DuraLiner also offers this as a preinsulated option.

 

[bholler]

Thanks for your reply. Follow up question...if the 6 in insulated liner does not fit, could i just go with the non insulated liner than do a pour insulation or is it better to pay more for the insulated liner

No because pour in insulation actually needs more space to meet code than wrapped liner. Your options are either remove the clay or go with an oval liner

 

[bholler]

I am surprised those clay liners can be removed with out disturbing the brick. When they build it (I have one here, and had 25% of one removed at my last house) they mortar it all together don't they? The clay liner is part of the structure I thought? Maybe there is an small air gap, and just dabs of mortar. I guess the mortar would not really bind to the smooth clay anyway.

If built correctly no the clay liners are not mortared in at all. I remove clay liners all the time. Generally not a big deal at all.