Here are some solutions you can try:
- If the cracks are minor, you can use a sealant to fill them in. ...
- Clean out the flue thoroughly. ...
- If the flue is too large for a brush to fit inside, use a vacuum cleaner with a creosote attachment. ...
- Install a chimney cap. ...
- If you are still experiencing problems, it may be time to call a professional chimney sweep service.
Full Answer
How do you repair a broken chimney flue?
How to Repair a Broken Chimney Flue. Step 1 – Clean the Chimney. The first step in repairing the chimney is to clean the chimney flue itself. This will help you to avoid being covered in ... Step 2 – Remove Damaged Bricks. Step 3 – Replace the Bricks. Step 4 – Finishing.
What to do if you have a chimney fire?
If you have had a chimney fire or haven't had your annual chimney inspection and cleaning, you should call a certified chimney sweep company to get your chimney checked before building your next fire. If your flue is damaged you shouldn't build a fire in your fireplace until the flue is repaired.
Can a chimney crack a flue tile?
Storm damage such as a tree striking a chimney can break flue tiles but the most common damaging event is from chimney fires. Chimneys fires crack flue tiles through thermal stress. Clay flue tiles are designed to contain the products of combustion, not fire.
Why is it important to clean your chimney flue?
A clean, proper functioning chimney flue will not only work better, but it will be safer and reduce the possibility of an unwanted chimney fire in your home.
How do you repair a chimney flue?
0:032:56How to Re-Line a Chimney Flue | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere's your water heater flue that's going to sit right up there like that fireplace flu will beMoreHere's your water heater flue that's going to sit right up there like that fireplace flu will be next to it we'll extend that just a little bit okay and attach the stainless steel single flue cap.
Can you repair a flue?
If you have several cracked tiles in your flue, but the majority of them are still in good condition -- with no missing tiles or pieces -- the tiles can be repaired. The entire chimney is smoothed with new mortar that seeps into any cracks or voids.
How much does it cost to repair a flue?
Fixing cracked tiles in your flue costs anywhere from $65 to $100 per square foot. However, repairing a cracked flue liner is only a temporary solution. Eventually, it will need replacing. Installing a chimney flue liner costs most homeowners $2,500, but could cost as much as $7,000.
Can you repair a flue liner?
A stainless steel liner is the most effective and affordable approach to repairing a damaged flue liner. To properly install a liner, your chimney sweep needs to take accurate measurements to ensure proper sizing of the liner.
Can a cracked chimney flue be repaired?
If your flue liner is cracked, this is the solution: a stainless steel insert. It's placed down the entire length of the flue, sealing the old liner. It's a job that can be done by a professional in just a few hours.
Can you use a fireplace with a cracked flue?
House Fires A flue liner is so crucial for fire prevention that you should not light the fireplace or heating stove if it's damaged. Most chimneys have clay tile liners. It is inexpensive, durable, and effective, but cracks are especially common with clay liners.
How much is a new chimney flue?
Average Cost To Install Chimney LinerNational Average Cost$2,500Minimum Cost$625Maximum Cost$7,000Average Range$1,500 to $4,000
How much does it cost to replace a fireplace flue?
Replacing a chimney flue averages $3,000 to $7,000. This is one of the most expensive chimney repairs. It is rare for flues to need replacing because they can usually be relined or resurfaced to cover damages. However, a replacement might be needed if the flue is extensively damaged.
What does chimney repointing mean?
What is Repointing? When a masonry wall or chimney develops damaged joints, allowing moisture entry, it is recommended to remove the damaged portions and replace them with proper materials. This repair is known as “repointing”.
Can I install a chimney liner yourself?
Yes it can - and will! While having your chimney liner professionally installed can be more convenient but ends up being costly, averaging anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. With our DIY Chimney Liner Kits you will have all the components needed to reline your chimney and you wont break the bank!
How much should a chimney liner cost?
A chimney liner cost averages $625 to $7,000, with a national average of $2,500. Chimney relining costs are primarily based on the type of material you choose to install, the size of the chimney, the roof pitch, the chimney's condition, labor, and permits.
How do you tell if your flue is cracked?
Most Common Signs of Chimney DamageEfflorescence. Have you ever seen an unusual white stain across the brick of a chimney? ... Cracked or Deteriorated Mortar Joints. ... Spalling Bricks. ... Cracked or Melted Crown. ... Shaling Flue Tiles. ... Deteriorated Flashing. ... Wallpaper & Paint Damage Near Your Chimney.
Can you repair a boiler flue?
You'll need to strip down the flue and make repairs if possible. However, these are symptoms of an old faulty boiler and it may be time to make a boiler change.
How much does it cost to replace a fireplace flue?
Replacing a chimney flue averages $3,000 to $7,000. This is one of the most expensive chimney repairs. It is rare for flues to need replacing because they can usually be relined or resurfaced to cover damages. However, a replacement might be needed if the flue is extensively damaged.
Can you replace chimney flue?
If there are some, you can remove them and replace them with mortar. However, if the broken parts are deeper in the chimney, then the best thing to do is install a metal liner. Uncoil a flexible metal liner on the roof – measure from the top of the chimney to the thimble or damper.
How much does it cost to replace a furnace flue pipe?
Your furnace uses flue pipes to exhaust gases outside your home. The average cost to repair or replace a flue pipe is $400–$800.
How do I know if I have a chimney flue problem?
There are several signs that indicate you may have a problem with your chimney flue. Some common symptoms include: smoke coming into the home, soot...
Why is it important that I fix my chimney flue problem?
If left untreated, there can be significant problems caused by a damaged or clogged chimney flue. Some common issues include: carbon monoxide poiso...
What are the steps I need to take to fix my chimney flue?
There are several steps you need to take in order to properly fix a chimney flue: inspection, cleaning, and repairs (if necessary). You will need t...
What is involved in fixing my chimney flue?
In most cases, fixing a chimney flue involves cleaning and repairing the damaged areas. This might include removing soot, replacing brick or mortar...
Can I fix my chimney flue myself?
There are some temporary fixes that you can do yourself, but it is important to contact a professional chimney sweep if damage is significant. This...
What should I expect when hiring someone to fix my chimney flue?
When you are looking for someone to fix your chimney, there are some things that you can do in order to find the right person for the job. First, m...
Inspecting The Clay Tiles
There are 3 basic places to check when inspecting your chimney. First, the mortar joints between each section of clay tile can erode over time leav...
Chimney Flue Repair - Clay Tiles
The clay tiles located near the top of the chimney are usually the first ones to fail since they are exposed to the greatest temperature changes. T...
Overall - Chimney Flue Repair
While some chimney flue repair can be completed yourself, you should have an experienced professional inspect your chimney to make sure it's free f...
How long is a clay tile?
The clay tiles are typically square shaped and 24'' long. If you can safely stand on your roof, inspect the upper sections of the tile for damage and check the mortar joints. Since you won't be able to reach very far down into the chimney, you'll only be able to access the top 1 or 2 clay tiles but these are usually the first ones to fail. ...
What causes a clay lining to flake?
Spalling occurs when moisture or corrosive chemicals cause the inside clay lining to flake apart from the inside out.
What are the advantages of stainless steel liner?
One of the biggest advantages of a stainless steel liner is their ability to bend and accommodate an offset chimney. You can purchase stainless steel liners in either a rigid or flexible model.
Why is it important to have a chimney?
A properly maintained chimney not only functions better, it dramatically reduces the possibility of harmful fumes entering your home or even worse, a deadly fire. As a fire burns, the combustion process creates carbon monoxide, creosote and other chemicals that need to be vented outside your home.
What is added to the space between the bladder and the existing flue?
Cement is then added to the space between the bladder and the existing flue.
What causes mortar to fall apart?
Excessive heat, moisture and chemicals can all cause the mortar to break down and eventually fall apart.
Where does the flue liner run?
The flue liner runs through the center surrounded by air space and then the exterior brick.
How to prevent mortar from crumbling?
You can apply a layer of caulk over the surface of the mortar in order to prevent any more mortar from crumbling away.
What is the purpose of articles being reviewed?
To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
Do you need to repair a chimney flue?
If you are living in an older house with an aging chimney flue, then you may find that you need to repair the flue before you start using it with a stove or a log fire. Repairing a flue is usually done by an expert, as toxic gases are produced during the heating process which can harm people in the living room.
Can you repair a chimney yourself?
If there are serious flaws on the inside of the chimney, then you should definitely not repair it yourself, and you may need to consider taking down the structure, and replacing it with a good chimney.
Step 1 – Clean The Chimney
- The first step in repairing the chimney is to clean the chimney flue itself. This will help you to avoid being covered in soot and dust when you are moving the bricks, and also allow you to see the full extent of the damage. You should now examine the chimney, and assess whether you will be able to repair the chimney yourself, or whether you will n...
Step 2 – Remove Damaged Bricks
- You will only be able to remove the damaged bricks from the outside of the chimney, rather than anything in the inside, so using a hammer and chisel, knock out and damaged bricks, and place them to the side. You should keep any bricks that you can, possibly even dividing the bricks so that the damaged half can be thrown away.
Step 3 – Replace The Bricks
- Once that is completed, you will have to replace the bricks with some new ones. Try and find bricks that match the color of your original chimney as closely as possible. Using a layer of mortar, position the bricks as tightly together as you can, remembering that gases should not be able to escape through any gaps. Once you have completed the brickwork, you should cover all …
Step 4 – Finishing
- Before you finish the project you will have to check the rest of the brickwork to ensure that there is no more damaged mortar in the surrounding area. Old mortar might chip and crumble, so look out for mortar which crumbles under pressure from your fingers. You can apply a layer of caulk over the surface of the mortar in order to prevent any more mortar from crumbling away.