What were old chimneys made of?
Chimneys in ordinary dwellings were first built of wood and plaster or mud. Since then chimneys have traditionally been built of brick or stone, both in small and large buildings. Early chimneys were of simple brick construction. Later chimneys were constructed by placing the bricks around tile liners.
How do I know what kind of chimney I have?
You can generally identify these units by simply looking inside the fireplace itself. They will be constructed of sheet metal, and usually 1-3 walls made of a ceramic material with a brick or stone pattern. Some units will have louvred faces for a blower to be used, but most do not.
Why did old houses have chimneys?
The chimney breasts and flues in older properties were built in traditional brickwork and lime mortar and were built up as the walls of the house were raised. The main reasons for this were that it was a practical size for the efficient escape of flue gases and it was also the standard length of a brick.
Are unlined chimneys safe?
The tests revealed that unlined chimneys were so unsafe that researchers characterized building a chimney without a liner as “little less than criminal”. Chimney liners serve three main functions: Protecting the house from heat transfer to combustibles.
Does a chimney flue have to be lined?
Chimneys should be lined. The National Fire Code states that a liner can be built of brick, clay or steel. Most homes built in the past 50 years have a clay liner for a wood-burning appliance. Well, the fire code requires that a chimney be repaired or replaced if it constitutes a fire hazard.
Can you fit a flue liner from the bottom?
You can install your flexible liner either from the top or bottom of the brick chimney stack. You will need two people to install your liner successfully, one at either end of the chimney stack. The person on the roof should be safely attached! From the top of the roof, start to push the liner, down the stack.
Can I fit my own flue liner?
Can I fit a flue liner / chimney system / stove myself? Yes. Installing a flexible chimney liner or complete twinwall system is a larger job and may involve ladders or scaffolding if external access to your roof is needed but is still technically straightforward.
How much does it cost to install a stainless steel chimney liner?
The average cost of a stainless steel chimney liner is around $1,980 when installed by a local chimney professional. For do-it-yourself homeowners, expect to pay around $625 for a ready to install, 6″ x 25′ foot flue liner kit and DIY installation.
How much does it cost to install a real fireplace?
Fireplace Installation Cost Calculator
| National Average | $2,319 |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $882 – $3,773 |
| Low End – High End | $150 – $7,936 |