Chimney flue

Question

I have been remodeling a house that was built in the 50's for just a short time, and there is a flue that runs into the basement. I was planning on hooking my old woodstove to it, but there seems to be a brick or something stuck about half way up the flue. Not really sure the best way go about getting it out, just need a little advice.

Answer

not sure if that brick fell or was put there so I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have maybe remove it and video scan the flue before you install that stove to be sure it is in good working order and safe, they should be able to help.

Question

I recently had a chimney sweep clean my chimney. Using a digital camera he found two gaps between the liners inside the chimney and said that I must replace the liner. How dangerous is this condition and can I still use my fireplace? Also, is there another, less expensive, way to repair this without putting in a new liner. Can I put in a gas fireplace insert instead? He also told me the crown was cracked and needed to be replaced. Can this be repaired instead of being replaced?

Answer

as far as the lining goes it would be very unfair of me to give you advise on it when i cant see what they were talking about. as far as the crown is concerned its not a big thing to repair it and if its being done right, the old or loose mortar thats up there will have to be removed to fix it properly anyway. if its a single flue chimney(a chimney that has just the oil/gas heating unit running through it)and its not a really hard chimney to work on it should cost no more than $150.00 to fix. and if it has multiple flues(heating flue and fireplace(s)it can cost more.

you did get multiple estimates right???!!! never go with just one, and contact the B.B.B. and/or Consumer Affairs to check any chimney company out first!!!