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Chimneys & Fireplaces
Does my log burner need a liner inserting in the chimney.
I had a log burner fitted, and a plate installed just above it. however when I use the log burner, the whole chimney breast gets very hot and I can hear cracking noises. Does it need a liner and if so, what are the signs. Is it safe to use in the meantime.
7 Answers from MyBuilder Chimney & Fireplace Specialists
Best Answer
Woodhall Spa • Member since 30 Jul 2008 • 7 jobs, 100% positive feedback
People have been using chimneys for hundreds of years without using Flue liners! You have to determine the condition of the inside of the chimney; maybe the mortar in the brick joints is shot, then maybe a liner would be a good idea.
The chimney breast should never get "very hot", just warmish. Sounds to me it needs a good clean.
Also what are you burning? use seasoned logs or smokeless fuel and NEVER leave the bottom ash-pan door open and forget about it!
Was the soffit plate properly sealed? it could be drawing air through there, hence lack of control of the air flow up the chimney.
Answered 18th Feb 2011
Pawlett • Member since 8 Feb 2009 • 6 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Yes, I agree people have been burning open fires for hundreds of years without liners. With an open fires 80% of heat goes straight up the chimney and warm the cold and sometimes damp brick chimney. Wood burners send 25% of the heat up the chimney and 75% to the room. The volume of gas is much less, but exits the burner at more than twice the temperature of an open fire. Sounds like you could have secondary fire in the chimney itself.
I had to get a liner fitted to my own chimney as when I bought the house someone has fitted a stove with just a debris plate with cleaning hatch, you just would smoke myself out of the room trying to get the chimney warmed. The other advantage of a liner is peace of mind. You have far less chance of a leak of dangerous combustion gases into a room above or loft space, less chance of a chimney fire
Did you get a Building Control Certificate from your installer? Without one your're probably no longer insured for fire. Did the installer also fit a sealed CO detector, these became mandatory from October 2010?
Answered 19th Feb 2011
Whitley Bay • Member since 23 Sep 2010 • 46 jobs, 93% positive feedback
With a multi fuel burner the burn a lot hotter than a normal fire ,you must get your chimney swept and a flue installed.new regs require also carbon tester fitted http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADJ_2010.pdf
follow the link and find out more to keep you safe hope this helps David
Answered 19th Feb 2011
Cheltenham • Member since 29 Oct 2008 • 34 jobs, 100% positive feedback
If its getting that hot I would have a twin wall stainless steel liner fitted, may also consider vermiculite insulation.
Best get a Hetas registered installer to check and advise.
You can now purchase a fan that is made of some form of alloy, it sits on top of stove, no leads etc, when heat transfers through the blades, it causes the fan to spin, sending the heat out, similar to a convector, good bit of kit.
Answered 17th Feb 2011
Leigh On Sea • Member since 6 Jun 2008 • 146 jobs, 100% positive feedback
You really need to get a sweep round asap to evaluate the condition of your chimney and i would not use it until this is done
Answered 17th Feb 2011
oatley bricklaying and building service
Wells • Member since 10 Feb 2011 • No feedback yet
i would certainly have a flu liner put in as your chimney breast should never be too hot.this may be because the joints are weak in the brickwork or it may need a sweep!!
But as plumbing concepts have said it is the peace of mind if you have one fitted.
Answered 22nd Feb 2011
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