Chimney liners as protecting from creosote fires

[beowulf]

We have a wood burning fireplace and burn our fair share of wood in the colder months. We have a traditional brick fireplace and chimney but use an insert (tight closing glass faced door and blower) which sits inside of and is sealed in the fireplace 'box'. It vents up the chimney. I understand that creosote can build up in these old chimneys and can catch on fire. For those reasons I am considering installing a chimney liner. They sell kits, and there are some decent youtube videos to make it possibly a DIY project. I will also check locally (now that it is off season for fireplaces) to see who installs these and the cost.

Anyway, has anyone installed a chimney liner - DIY or otherwise - and if so, what issues do I need to be concerned about. One issue I am wondering about is a work-around of an open damper since that prevents a straight line drop-in and hook up. Also, some liners are insulated and some apparently not.

Thanks for any input.

 

[ponytug]

One thing you might want to check is your homeowner's insurance. Mine wouldn't sign off on a DIY installation of either an insert or a liner. (I was annoyed at the time, but in hindsight, not unreasonable, given the risks for things like creosote fires)

For any wood burning chimney, it is a great idea to have it cleaned regularly, especially chimneys with inserts which are often set for slow combustion, and lack enough secondary or tertiary air and heat to fully combust the smoke, making them more prone to creating creosote deposits.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Doofy]

Hopefully, liners have improved but not much can survive a creosote chimney fire. That stuff burns like a blow torch and can burn right thru even insulated metalbestos pipe.

Dry wood, hot fires often and a good cleaning routine makes all the difference.

 

[Jstpssng]

After my parents had a chimney fire their insurance company paid for a SS liner. That might be worth looking into.

Years ago a firefighter told me the easiest way to put out a chimney fire is to open the firebox and shoot a fire extinguisher into it... it stops the O2 updraft and smothers the fire.
I had occasion to try it, when I had flames out the top of a 2 story metalbestos chimney and the fire went out immediately. Since then a TBN member has said that a cup of water will accomplish the same thing, but I haven't needed to try the theory.

 

[Midniteoyl]

See if EXCEL makes liners. I used their pipe to replace my chimney. Certified to withstand 3 x 30min 2100* fires.

Excel - Chimney - Northwest Stoves

www.northweststoves.ca

 

[Doofy]

After my parents had a chimney fire their insurance company paid for a SS liner. That might be worth looking into.

Years ago a firefighter told me the easiest way to put out a chimney fire is to open the firebox and shoot a fire extinguisher into it... it stops the O2 updraft and smothers the fire.
I had occasion to try it, when I had flames out the top of a 2 story metalbestos chimney and the fire went out immediately. Since then a TBN member has said that a cup of water will accomplish the same thing, but I haven't needed to try the theory.

I keep several different chimney fire extinguishers handy at all times. One chimney fire that caught the roof on fire way back in 1966 when I was a teenager and home alone was enough to make me forever wary.

 

[beowulf]

See if EXCEL makes liners. I used their pipe to replace my chimney. Certified to withstand 3 x 30min 2100* fires.

Excel - Chimney - Northwest Stoves

www.northweststoves.ca

I checked - they do make liners. I will continue to research all options and try to find a local dealer once I figure it all out. Thanks for the input.

 

[Egon]

Start off by determine what flue diameter you need.

 

[cholland]

No real experience here. However my neighbor has a cinder block chimney and uses an insert. They had a fire early last winter. Fortunately not much damage, but they didn't have wood heat the rest of winter. Pretty exciting night in the neighborhood, fire dept was there most of the night.

I wouldn't think a DIY liner would be tough if you are a somewhat capable DIYer. Its going to be pricey, nothing stainless steel and insulated is cheap. Would likely improve the draft and safety quite a bit.

I clean my stovepipe every fall before the first fire.

 

[beowulf]

For any wood burning chimney, it is a great idea to have it cleaned regularly, especially chimneys with inserts which are often set for slow combustion, and lack enough secondary or tertiary air and heat to fully combust the smoke, making them more prone to creating creosote deposits.

All the best,

Peter

Peter, We have had it cleaned but only twice in 30+ years so very negligent there. When we did it we hired chimney sweep guys but not sure what kind of a job they do - assume they are thorough. I do recall the last time we did it the guy said the chimney was not too bad. But it has been a long time since we did that. Every year I wait too long, the cold weather arrives and the 'sweeps' are too busy. This year I am going to get a jump on it and check out liner options and have it cleaned in the middle of our Summer heat wave. Thanks for the input.