13
Check 7 - Complete the Installation
If Checks 1 through 6 have been satisfactory, and the liner is
an acceptable size as determined by the tables in the latest
edition of the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1,
then the clay tile liner can probably be used as a vent for the
gas appliances. However, the installer must keep in mind the
following factors which may render the tile liner unsuitable
for use as a vent:
•
Extremely cold weather
•
Long vent connectors
•
Masonry chimneys with no air gap between the liner
and the bricks. (In practice, this can be difficult to
detect.)
•
Exterior chimneys (The tables in National Fuel Gas
Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 - latest edition)
If, in the judgment of the local gas utility, installer, and/or local
codes; one or more of the above factors is likely to present a
problem, the chimney must be relined (Fix 4).
Fix 1 - Liner Termination
Any cap or roof assembly used with a liner must be approved
by the liner manufacturer for such use. The liner and cap/roof
assembly must then terminate above the roof in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
In some cases, a shorter extension above the roof may be
possible with a liner than would be required with a masonry
chimney.
For further information on relining, see Fix 4.
Fix 2 -Change Venting Arrangements
If the masonry chimney has more than one channel, it may be
possible to vent the gas appliances into one channel and vent
the solid or liquid fuel appliance(s) into another channel(s).
Do not vent an 80+ Furnace inside of a metal liner with other
appliances vented outside the liner.
Alternatively, the homeowner may agree to discontinue use
of the fireplace (solid fuel appliance). If so, the tile liner must
be cleaned to remove creosote buildup. The fireplace opening
must then be permanently sealed.
If oil-fired appliance(s) are being replaced by gas-fired appli
-
ance(s), the tile liner must first be cleaned to remove the fuel
oil residue.
If none of the above options is practical, the furnace may need
to be vented vertically with a B Vent.
Under some conditions, a 90%+ furnace could be installed
rather than an 80% furnace. The 90%+ furnace can be vented
horizontally or vertically through PVC pipe.
Fix 3 - Rebuild the Crown
If the chimney crown is damaged, a qualified mason must re
-
pair it in accordance with nationally recognized building codes
or standards. One such standard which may be referenced is
the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel
Burning Appliances, ANSI/NFPA 211.
Remember that all appliances must be vented inside the liner.
Venting one appliance inside the liner and another appliance
outside the liner is not acceptable.
Next, use a flashlight and small mirror to sight up the liner. B
vent must be supported so as to not come into direct contact
with the chimney walls or tile liner. If it is not, it can probably
be rehung so as to be acceptable. A thimble or fire stop may
be helpful here.
Flexible liners should be hung straight or nearly straight. If it
is spiraled in the chimney and in good condition, it should be
rehung. To do this, break the top seal; pull up and cut off the
excess liner length, and refit the top seal. Use caution when
doing this, as the cut edges of flexible liners may be sharp.
The surfaces of the liner must be physically sound. If gaps
or holes are present, the metal liner must be removed and
replaced (Fix 4). Finally, confirm that the metal liner is the
correct size for the appliances to be installed. Use the GAMA
tables and rules.
If a metal liner is not present, a clay tile liner must be present,
or the chimney must be lined (Fix 4).
Use a flashlight and small mirror at the cleanout or vent
connector to inspect the clay tile liner. If any of the following
problems are present:
•
Tile sections misaligned
•
Tile sections missing
•
Gaps between tile sections
•
Signs of condensate drainage at the cleanout or vent
connectors
•
Mortar protruding from between tile sections
• Use of sewer pipe or drainage pipe rather than an
approved fire clay tile reline the chimney (Fix 4).
Next, measure the size of the liner. It may be possible to do
this from the cleanout. The liner must be at least as large as
the minimum size established by the tables in in the latest
edition of the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1.
If the liner is too small or too large, then the chimney must
be relined (Fix 4).
Check 6 - Dilution Air
If gas-fired appliances are to be vented into a clay tile liner, a
source of dilution air is required.
Dilution air cannot be obtained through:
•
Induced draft appliances
•
Natural draft appliances with vent dampers
Sufficient dilution air can ordinarily be obtained through the
draft hood of a natural draft appliance only if the appliance’s
vent connector does not include a vent damper. If dilution
air will not be available, the chimney must be relined (Fix 4).
