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  1. #1
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    Default Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Not a question. I just have never seen anything like this before. The fireplace was in the middle of the house and the chimney came out of the top of the fireplace, but there was no chimney in the rooms or attic above. It turned nearly horizontal under the house and ran to the rear.

    The
    house is on an upslope lot. So, the top floor is full width of the house, but the bottom floor was half crawlspace. Looked like a regular masonry fireplace from the interior. No throat damper. Fiberglass insulation stuffed into the base of the chimney. When I walked around the exterior, looked like a regular (old, decrepit) masonry chimney. But, there was this big room above the fireplace that had no chimney. I initially thought the chimney had been dismantled, but when I got into the crawl, I found the chimney extending out at a shallow angle toward the rear exterior. Just too weird.

    I love this job!


    P6190128.JPGP6190129.JPGP6190192.JPGP6190186.JPG

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    The metal plate at the top of the firebox tells you that it does not draw properly.


  3. #3
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    That is so bizarre! I do my own chimney sweeping. I can only imagine the creosote in THAT one.


  4. #4
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    One quick question. In the second pic, does the rear of the firebox appear to have been partially dismantled or do you think it was built that way? There is no damper.

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  5. #5
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist View Post
    One quick question. In the second pic, does the rear of the firebox appear to have been partially dismantled or do you think it was built that way? There is no damper.
    It's hard to say since this thing is a mess. I suspect it was built that way.


  6. #6
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Reinmiller View Post
    It's hard to say since this thing is a mess. I suspect it was built that way.
    Thanks Mark,

    Since it looked like a brick was missing, I assumed it had been partially dismantled (possibly to put in a wood-burning stove) and then got chewed-out by the seller who said I was wrong. Looking back at the pic, I am beginning to think it was built that way.

    But, yes. I still have concerns.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Reinmiller View Post
    It's hard to say since this thing is a mess. I suspect it was built that way.
    Thanks Mark,

    Since it looked like a brick was missing, I assumed it had been partially dismantled (possibly to put in a wood-burning stove) and then got chewed-out by the seller who said I was wrong. Looking back at the pic, I am beginning to think it was built that way.

    But, yes. I still have concerns.

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  7. #7
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Gunnar, you are in California so you should know this. That's access for a handicapped Santa Claus.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  8. #8
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    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    Gunnar, you are in California so you should know this. That's access for a handicapped Santa Claus.
    I keep waiting for someone to post this, and John came close:

    Dude, it's California. We have earthquakes here. If I build the chimney horizontal ... it can't fall on anyone. Know what I mean, Man.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  9. #9
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    Mar 2007
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Yeah but you have to use Smart Smoke...

    Keep the fire in the fireplace.

  10. #10
    Ashley Eldridge's Avatar
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    Thumbs down Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Harper View Post
    Yeah but you have to use Smart Smoke...
    Good luck with that one Bob. I would guess the operator would have to be just the opposite. There is no way I would recommend that anyone consider using this fireplace. It could hardly have been built worse. Your best bet is to recommend complete removal before there is loss of life or property, in my opinion.

    Ashley Eldridge
    CSIA Director of education
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  11. #11
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Slope is required.
    1/4" for every 1 foot.

    Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
    Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
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  12. #12
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Quote Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG View Post
    Slope is required.
    1/4" for every 1 foot.
    For connectors. This is a chimney.

    Keep the fire in the fireplace.

  13. #13
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    Default Re: Horizontal Masonry Chimney

    Thanks!
    My mistake. I thought is was lined.

    Recommend an masonry chimney installer evaluate the installation.

    It ain't no chimney.
    Chimney; the vertical channel that conducts smoke and combustion gases up from a fire place / box or furnace and "typically" through the roof of a building but not always.

    Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
    Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
    Our Motto; Putting information where you need it most, "In your hands.”

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