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12
IO-247A 12/04
CHECK 3 - CHIMNEY CROWN CONDITION.
Damage from condensate usually shows up first in the crown. If
any of the following trouble signs are present, the condition of the
crown is not satisfactory:
a) Crown leaning
b) Bricks missing
c) Mortar missing
d) Tile liner cracked
e) No tile liner
f) Salt staining at mortar joints. (White stains, and mortar
becomes sandy and/or erodes.)
For problems a, b, or c, see Fix 3. If problems d, e, or f are present,
see Fix 4. IMPORTANT: It may be necessary to follow both Fix 3
and Fix 4.
CHECK 4 - DEBRIS IN CLEANOUT
A cleanout (dropleg) must be present such that the upper edge of
the cleanout cover is at least 12 inches below the lower edge of
the lowest chimney inlet opening.
A chimney without a cleanout could become partially blocked by
debris. If no cleanout is present, the chimney must be refined (Fix
4). Remove the cleanout cover, and examine the cleanout for
debris. If significant amounts of any of the following are found:
• Fuel oil residue
• Bricks
• Mortar or sand
• Pieces of the tile liner
• Rusted pieces of the metallic liner - reline the chimney (Fix
4).
CHECK 5 - LINER CONDITION.
If a metal liner is present, it must be checked. It cannot be assumed
that all existing metal liners are correctly installed and in good
condition.
Remove the lowest existing vent connector, and examine the inside
of the elbow or tee at the base of the liner. A small amount of soot
may be considered acceptable, provided the installer vacuums it
away. If rusted pieces of the liner have collected here, the metal
liner must be removed and replaced (Fix 4).
Next, gently tap the inside of the liner with a Phillips screwdriver. If
the screwdriver perforates the liner, or if the tapping does not sound
like metal hitting metal, the liner must be removed and replaced
(Fix 4).
Remember that all appliances must be vented inside the liner.
Venting one appliance inside the liner and another appliance outside
the liner is not acceptable.
Next, use a flashlight and small mirror to sight up the liner. B vent
must be supported so as to not come into direct contact with the
chimney walls or tile liner. If it is not, it can probably be rehung so
as to be acceptable. A thimble or fire stop may be helpful here.
Flexible liners should be hung straight or nearly straight. If it is
spiraled in the chimney and in good condition, it should be rehung.
To do this, break the top seal; pull up and cut off the excess liner
length, and refit the top seal. Use caution when doing this, as the
cut edges of flexible liners may be sharp.
The surfaces of the liner must be physically sound. If gaps or holes
are present, the metal liner must be removed and replaced (Fix 4).
Finally, confirm that the metal liner is the correct size for the
appliances to be installed. Use the GAMA tables and rules.
Termination 10 Feet Or Less From Ridge, Wall or Parapet
Termination More Than 10 Feet From Ridge, Wall or Parapet
CHECK 2 - ANY SOLID OR LIQUID FUEL APPLIANCES VENTED
INTO
THIS CHIMNEY CHANNEL
Solid fuel appliances include fireplaces, wood stoves, coal furnaces,
and incinerators.
Liquid fuel appliances include oil furnaces, oil-fired boilers and oil-
fired water heaters.
Appliances which burn propane (sometimes referred to as LP
(liquefied petroleum)) gas are considered gas-fired appliances.