"cheaper or better than clay tile"??? Not this particular abortion of an install but just as a heads-up comparison:
type L, B, or special gas venting or factory chimney are engineered and listed; masonry products are not. This means predictable performance.
these engineered vents have specific tested duty ratings; masonry products do not
these engineered vents have specific tested resistance to corrosion; masonry products do not
these engineered vents are backed by long term warranties by large mfrs.; masonry products are unwarranted
Engineered vents have listed firestops to maintain stated clearances; masonry products rely on 'the other guy', who never firestops according to the code requirements.
Engineered products have step by step installation instructions; masonry products do not
Engineered vents come with terminations tested for performance while resisting animal and rain intrusion; masonry chimneys don't get caps unless the mason feels like it and when they do, they block proper access for inspection and service, do not provide adequate protection against animals & leaves (unless they use metallic aftermarket caps or top dampers which is rare).
vents have tight fitting joints that do not rely on dissimilar materials installed by technicians under unsupervised field conditions; masonry products do
I could go on but you get the idea. Masons cannot construct a masonry fireplace and chimney 100% to the applicable codes. Show me a mason who has any training, certification, and a copy of the current building code who is not associated with the chimney/ hearth industry and I'll buy him dinner. Show me a building inspector who knows ALL the relevant code requirements for constructing a masonry fireplace and chimney and I'll take him and his family out to dinner. So, what about engineered vents and chimneys?----read the listed installation instructions included with the product, cross-check with state and local codes for any requirements that exceed the listing without violating the listing and you're done.
Oh, yes: one man can carry engineered venting under his arm on site and install in an hour or so. Try that with masonry. Yes, engineered venting is usually much cheaper than masonry, too.
Both types have a limited service life. Vents require relatively simple replacement while the other requires major expensive surgery to repair/ replace. If the venting classification or sizing requirements change with new equipment, the vents can be easily changed to meet this need--masonry requires major surgery or abandonment.
Certain vents are approved for positive flue gas pressure from mechanical venting; masonry chimneys are NOT.
These are just a few comparisons btw product categories but you get the idea. ANY product or system installed improperly, misued, neglected, damaged or abused is a problem/ hazard. No system is bulletproof.
HTH,
Bob
(gee, do you think I'm biased just a little?) ;-)
To learn more about these products and their applications, attend training from The F.I.R.E Service
Fireplace Investigation, Research and Education Service - Fire Technology Prefabricated Fireplace or programs sponsored by the International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors at
IAFCI : International Association of Fireplace & Chimney Inspectors : Professional Fireplace, Chimney & Venting Inspectors : Home
