Chimney flue repair in Lake Dot

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

Why the flue is cleaned before it is judged

A repair product needs a clean, sound surface, and an honest assessment needs a clear view. Soot and creosote hide cracks, fill open joints and keep repair materials from bonding to the tile.

That is why flue repair almost always follows cleaning. If your chimney has been swept recently, tell us when, since it may shorten the preparation. If not, we include cleaning in the sequence and explain what it adds before any repair material goes in. Cleaning is scoped separately so you can see what it adds, and so the repair price is not quietly carrying it.

Masonry between flues in the same chimney

Many chimneys carry more than one flue. Section R1003.13 of the Florida residential code calls for masonry wythes between adjacent flue linings, not less than 4 inches thick and built into the chimney walls.

That masonry is what keeps one flue from leaking into the next. When a tile cracks next to a shared wall, or the wythe itself is damaged, smoke from one appliance can travel into another flue. We check both sides of any crack we find near a partition.

Product terms and our workmanship warranty

Some repair products come with their maker's own terms, which depend on the product being installed as instructed. Those terms are separate from our own promise about the work.

Our workmanship warranty covers the repair we perform, and our 100% satisfaction guarantee applies to every job. We explain what each covers and keep the product details with your record. If a product fails because it was installed wrong, that is on us. If it fails because the product itself did not perform, we help you work through the maker's terms with the installation record in hand.