A Different Kind of Flue Season
Winter is fast approaching, and it is the time of year for utilizing our fireplace. If you love the warmth of a fire, it is important to understand some of the maintenance involved with a fireplace or wood stove. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that chimneys burning solid fuel such as wood, coal, or pellets be inspected yearly and cleaned as often as needed. This helps to maintain structural integrity, identify defects that may allow deadly combustion gases to vent into living spaces, and to prevent chimney fires caused by the build-up of creosote which is a natural byproduct of burning wood.
It is important to note that the same maintenance rules apply to those who only use their chimneys to vent gas or oil-fired furnaces and boilers. The byproducts of burning gas and oil are just as dangerous as solid fuels.
Facts on the Flue with an “E”
The flue within your chimney needs to properly lined. Combustion byproducts also deteriorate a flue liner over time and often upon inspection it is determined that a flue liner needs to be replaced.
Common examples of how to reline a chimney:
1. reconstruct clay tile flues with new clay tile liners
2. reinforce the chimney to create new flues with poured cement liners
3. reline existing flues and run new ones with metal flue liners
For more information on chimney maintenance:
The National Fire Protection Association
Visit This Old House for their chimney safety checklist
*image credit Lola-Stoned Chimney