Flue covering

[Michael J. Ashburn]

I ran into this today. What type of covering is it? Is it asbestos?

Thank you.

[Buck Hartley, CMI]

Looks like it, have it tested to be sure.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

It's not a covering, it's the actual vent. It is called Transite and it does contain asbestos, although that's not an issue.

These vents will crack over time. Even minor cracks can allow heat and/or exhaust to escape. For this reason, you should always recommend replacement of these Transite vents with modern steel B-vents.

There's no need to recommend "further evaluation" or "testing" of any sort - just replacement.

[gbeaumont]

Originally Posted by jpope

It's not a covering, it's the actual vent. It is called Transite and it does contain asbestos, although that's not an issue.

These vents will crack over time. Even minor cracks can allow heat and/or exhaust to escape. For this reason, you should always recommend replacement of these Transite vents with modern steel B-vents.

There's no need to recommend "further evaluation" or "testing" of any sort - just replacement.

Agreed, it's a cementatious product, as long as its in reasonable shape no big danger but as Jeff recommends it should be removed.

Regards

Gerry

[Louis Cannizzaro]

I've heard about products that may encapsulate this type of chimney in attic space if it truly is asbestos containing material.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Again. The asbestos is not the issue. The issue is cracking of the vent. The vent pipe should be replaced, not modified.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by jpope

Again. The asbestos is not the issue. The issue is cracking of the vent. The vent pipe should be replaced, not modified.

Replace the transite vent pipe as Jeff reccomended.

[mthomas2]

Jeff,

Do you have a cite for the prevalence of cracks in Transite vent pipes?

Thanks

[Brian E. Kelly]

Just the age of the vent pipe and that it is single wall is enough to have it replaced.

In cold climates with these vents from the 1950's era, the real hazard is not so much asbestos fibers as the dangerous obstruction of the vent/flue by the deterioration of the interior of the pipe. The transite flue vent becomes swollen and deteriorated due to condensation of the water vapor in the combustion gases being vented. The acidic flue-gas-condensate combined with the effects of frost in cold climates causes a delamination and swelling and blockage of the transite pipe chimney-flue. A blocked or constricted flue vent pipe can cause production of dangerous or even fatal carbon monoxide gas in the building

http://www.inspect-ny.com/sickhouse/asbestoslook7.htm

[Michael J. Ashburn]

Thank you Jeff, and All for your input. I recommended that it be replaced.