Problems with chimney relining
Hi all — We had a cracked chimney liner and had fumes coming in through the chimney on the parlor floor. So we had it relined on Wednesday. Well, the guys who did it got soot all over the house. And we still have fumes (but not as bad). We have started to put in…
Hi all —
We had a cracked chimney liner and had fumes coming in through the chimney on the parlor floor. So we had it relined on Wednesday.
Well, the guys who did it got soot all over the house. And we still have fumes (but not as bad).
We have started to put in a claim with our insurance for the soot. Does anyone have any advice about what to do about the soot, the insurance claim, and why we might still be having fumes and what to do about it? Something about the connection, maybe?
This took 1/3 of all our savings, I think I might faint or go insane. I’m ready for a brand-new condo now, but can no longer afford one.
Was the clay liner removed entirely? Or, did they put the stainless inside the clay? If they used flex, what was the gauge? If there is 40+ feet of liner and they did not open the chimney, hopefully it was a straight shot. How did they determine there was a crack in your clay liner if they never opened the chimney? Are you sure there was a clay liner to begin with?
Sorry for all the questions, but all necessary variables.
The owner says he wants to send one of his guys over to inspect. I don’t know what to do.
Is it possible an inspection could miss something, such as pinhole in the liner?
Bessie, yes, we have an oil burner. It smelled like exhaust. Now it’s less exhaust-y but still vapor-y.
So sorry. This sounds awful. How did you know you had fumes? Could you smell something?
5 bucks says that they tore the liner
Pig Three, one other thought. They did not break open the chimney at any point. Thank god. But — I guess what you are saying is that could have ripped a hole in the liner.
It’s the liner that goes to the basement boiler. We have three levels above that. Everyone keeps saying the chimney is very small. They used an 8-inch ovalized liner.
Pig Three, I do not know, but this is very helpful and I will ask them. Any more ideas welcomed.
Bob, you are right. But I think it’s too late. They already did 1/3 of the job, whereas the chimney guys weren’t available until Monday, oh my goodness.
Rigid or flex stainless? Straight run or one of the flues that has a curve? If curve, did they “pull” past the curve or break open the chimney and feed past curve up and down? Point is, they might have put a hole in the liner? Just a thought if you are having fumes.
Unfortunately I think you’d be best off postponing the clean-up until after the chimney people are finished. Soot is bad, but carbon monoxide is far more serious.
I can’t believe they didn’t tent their work area–what slobs!
Thank you everyone for your help and ideas.
The chimney people did not tent the work area in the basement, nor cover the cracked chimney. Hence soot everywhere.
We’ve already filed a claim and the restoration people are cleaning now. It’s a huge job. I think it’s going to take them four days.
Meanwhile, as I was saying, we still have vapors coming in through the cracked chimney and I think somewhere else too — the cellar, maybe.
Our boiler people inspected, and there is nothing wrong with the boiler. We had a clay liner, and now we have stainless steel.
The chimney company said they are coming Monday — but I’m afraid to have him here, I don’t want to make more soot while the restoration people clean — or when they’re done.
Yet we must fix this problem.
I’m also mystified how the chimney co could be so sloppy. They’re licensed and insured, been in business forever.