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I would like to see if it is possible to remove and replace an existing masonry chimney with a steel chimney. All the new homes around here (Chicago suburbs)use some kind of steel flue, mounted inside a “faux” chimney typically covered in vinyl siding.
Is there a “zero clearance” steel chimney available?
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There are double and triple-walled stainless steel flue pipes available. Some with little or no clearance required. Double-check with both manufacturer's installation instructions and your local inspector.
I considered this for a earthquake damaged chimney in a Seattle house we rent out. We didn't because 1) a lot of the $12,000 quote was for removal of the damaged brick chimney, 2) SS and the associated framing and siding wasn't a whole lot less expensive (which surrised me), 3) concerns about property values and maintaining the look of the 90-year-old house in the nieghborhood, and especially, 4) a permit to replace with something else is a bigger hurdle in terms of cost, time to review, and possible required upgrades. R&R brick is a lower level of permitting (in Seattle). -David
*Also check on the temperature ratings of the ss before committing. In the diameter we would have needed (based on the opening of the firebox), the best ss pipe wasn't rated as much as code required. Missed by about 300 degrees. Unless you have a really big opening it won't be an issue, but it'll pay to check the numbers ahead of time. Sorry, can't find the code book since I cleaned up in here.Jim
*Just for clarity, this chimney is for the gas boiler and hot water heater, not for a wood burning fireplace.The boiler is about 30 years old, the hot water heater is about ten years old. It is not the intent (currently) to replace these with super efficient direct-vent types.thanks Scott
*My bad.
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I would like to see if it is possible to remove and replace an existing masonry chimney with a steel chimney. All the new homes around here (Chicago suburbs)use some kind of steel flue, mounted inside a "faux" chimney typically covered in vinyl siding.
Is there a "zero clearance" steel chimney available?