Local chimney flue repair in Alafaya

The kinds of lining the code accepts

For ordinary residential appliances, Section R1003.11.1 of the Florida residential code lists four acceptable flue lining systems. Any repair or replacement we propose has to leave your flue inside one of them.

When a proposed fix does not clearly land in one of these categories, we say so and explain what that means for using the fireplace.

• Clay flue lining complying with ASTM C315
• Listed and labeled chimney lining systems complying with UL 1777
• Factory-built chimneys, or chimney units, carrying a listing for use inside a masonry chimney
• Other approved materials that hold up against flue gases and condensate to 1,800 degrees F without corroding, eroding, softening or cracking

Reaching damage in the middle of the chimney

Damage partway down a flue is the hardest to repair locally. Sometimes the only way to replace a broken tile there is to open the side of the chimney, remove the section and rebuild the wall.

That is a real repair method, but it is invasive and not always practical, especially where the chimney runs inside the house. We weigh it against resurfacing and relining and give you the tradeoffs in writing, including what each one means for the finished chimney.

Protecting the room during flue work

Flue repair creates dust and loose debris that falls toward the fireplace. The room below needs protecting, and the fireplace opening is sealed while the work goes on.

We lay protection over the hearth and nearby floors, seal the opening and clean up before leaving. If you have furniture or rugs near the fireplace, we ask before moving anything. Air can also pull fine dust into the room while work goes on above, so the opening is sealed on all sides, not just covered. We check the room again before leaving and remove every sheet we put down.

How long the fireplace stays out of use

The time a fireplace is out of use depends on the repair and the product's curing instructions. A section replaced at the top may be ready sooner than a resurfaced flue.

We give you the expected return date in writing before starting, so you can plan around it. If the weather or a finding changes that, we tell you. Plan around that date rather than a hopeful guess. Lighting a fire early can crack a coating or a fresh joint before it has set, and then the repair has to be done again.