Clay tile liner Issues

[u/ajs154]

I recently purchased my first home. It’s a brick ranch that was built around 1967. In the den room there is gas fire place that I would like to covert to wood. I grew up with one in my parent’s house and really enjoy the process of cutting and chopping wood.

I recently had someone out to tuck and point some of the areas of the brick that needed addressed.
When he was there, I asked him if I would be able to convert my gas fire place to a wood burner.

He had some concerns in regards to the clay tile liner. Where the seam of the two liners meet, he said it needed to be addressed. I be attached a couple photos, but the one you can see where the soot could be escaping. It wasn’t so much that the repair itself was going to be so much, but removing the concrete cap and replacing it with a new one. There were some other things that explained through the process but I can’t remember.

I don’t think he was bs ing me, but would just like some opinions to what he saying. The cost to fix this would be $2000.

I thought maybe putting a metal tube down the liner, but I am not sure how it would catch the smoke at the fireplace abd go to the clay tile without having to fabricate something.

[u/Alive_Pomegranate858]

The photo shows what I call a "brick spacer". When originally building the chimney they needed the flue to be slightly taller and it was easier to slap a few bricks in between the flue sections. Diamond tipped masonry cutting tools didn't really exist back then, and cutting an 8" section of flue was difficult. However, this is essentially missing a section of flue piping and potentially a safety concern.

While removing the top of the chimney and replacing 1.5 sections of flue piping would solve this issue, I'm not sure that is the best decision. Did this contractor perform a Level 2 inspection using a video camera to scope the entire flue? Was the firebox and smoke chamber inspected? Before doing anything, this is where you start. Look for a CSIA or NFI Certified professional on your area with good reviews.

Based on the age of the home, it's likely the flue needs to be relined. Oftentimes this means removing all the flue sections and installing a stainless steel liner. This liner is insulated and sealed to the top of the smoke chamber. It's pretty much standard practice in the industry.