Flue through brick chimney

[John Gromkoski]

I often come across heating system flue pipes which penetrate through the side of a brick chimney, usually in a basement. Many times the flue does not appear to be properly sealed at the penetration point or is the sealant is deteriorated. Of course I have no way of seeing how/if the flue is connected to a liner inside the chimney wall. My question is, what is the proper method or sealant to install a flue through a chimney wall. Thanks.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

I often come across heating system flue pipes which penetrate through the side of a brick chimney, usually in a basement. Many times the flue does not appear to be properly sealed at the penetration point or is the sealant is deteriorated. Of course I have no way of seeing how/if the flue is connected to a liner inside the chimney wall. My question is, what is the proper method or sealant to install a flue through a chimney wall. Thanks.

Mortar is fine.(that one needs patching)
Most of the old time chimney"s around here have cleanouts.

You could always light a match to check for draw around the edges.I do not observe any efflorescence on the brick in your shot so at least that is going for ya.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

I often come across heating system flue pipes which penetrate through the side of a brick chimney, usually in a basement. Many times the flue does not appear to be properly sealed at the penetration point or is the sealant is deteriorated. Of course I have no way of seeing how/if the flue is connected to a liner inside the chimney wall. My question is, what is the proper method or sealant to install a flue through a chimney wall. Thanks.

99.99% of masonry chimney flue entries I see are incorrectly done.

The best way is to have a 7-10"+ piece of flue pipe material (stainless steel is best for this little job due to its longevity) mechanically fastened to the supporting brick structure and extending into the flue. The outer end (male or female end out depending on the fuel) should extend outwards for 3-5" and be mortared/sealed to provide an airtight connection to the flue/chimney.

Then the flue pipe can be connected to this extending "breech pipe" and attached securely with 3 equally spaced sheet metal screws.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by Brian A. MacNeish

99.99% of masonry chimney flue entries I see are incorrectly done.

The best way is to have a 7-10"+ piece of flue pipe material (stainless steel is best for this little job due to its longevity) mechanically fastened to the supporting brick structure and extending into the flue. The outer end (male or female end out depending on the fuel) should extend outwards for 3-5" and be mortared/sealed to provide an airtight connection to the flue/chimney.

Then the flue pipe can be connected to this extending "breech pipe" and attached securely with 3 equally spaced sheet metal screws.

I do not see it done that way the majority of the time unless a multi-family building.
You are correct but I would not bother adding that info to a report.

[John Gromkoski]

Thanks guys.