The chimney is lined in both flues. I had a chimney co. come today and
after looking over the chimney they recommend a cleaning, cap, and some
kind of sealant spayed on the outside to stop water from absorbing
through the brick. While looking in the ash cleanout they noticed that
the brick was soaking wet, even above the highest point the water rose,
that's why they are recommened the sealant.


wrote:
grodenhiATgmailDOTcom wrote:
The chimney is on the side of the house and has two flues, 1 for wood
burning fireplace, the other for oil boiler. It is a brick chimney
about 50 years old. The outside appears in very good shape (from
ground up anyhow).


wrote:
grodenhiATgmailDOTcom wrote:
We did have the home inspected but due to snow on the roof they could
not perform an inspection of the chimney from above. All they could do
was inspect it from inside the house (they said it needed to be
cleaned) and from the outside using binoculars (saying a couple bricks
on top needed repointing). I am having a chimney co. come to clean and
cap (was going to have this done anyway), and then inspect the chimney
for the source of water. Is this problem common? Easily diagnosed by
a pro?

wrote:
Bob M wrote:
On 7 Jun 2006 17:10:01 -0700, "grodenhiATgmailDOTcom"
wrote:

The bottom of the clean out (or top of the ash, don't know how deep the
ash is) appears to be about 3-6 inches from the bottom of the cleanout
door in the basement. How deep should the clean out be?



What uses does the chimney do furnace, hot water tank, woonburner?
others?

you need to have a interior camera inspection get a videotape!

how old is the house?

I don't know how deep it should be, I just cleaned it out to the bottom. I'd
guess maybe 6 inches. Ours was packed solid to above the door. If it went much
higher it would start blocking the flue. We had furnace guys come in regularly
to clean the furnace, but never had a chimney cleaner. Guess I thought the
furnace people would look at that ash box once in a while.

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Remove "not" for return address.

no matter what the cause I would add a chimney cap metal cover so
animals birds and rain cant get inside.

my guess is the top of the chimney is cracked, did you have the home
inspected before buying?

Be certain its a lined chimney for future safety, camera inspection is
critical....

Most chimney troubles are in the part at or above roofline.