Problem with chimney or fire, help please!

[Martyndj]

I went to clean my chimney today, which I do annually and noticed that the top half of the chimney had virtually rotted away. This was only put on late last year and although I live aboard, due to serious illness, was away from the boat for at least half of the winter so the fire, a squirrel, was only used for a limited time. What concerns me is the heat that must of been generated to cause this cannot be normal. Has anyone else experienced this or have any suggestions as to the cause, many thanks.

[magnetman]

When you say top half do you mean the external bit which sits on the collar? If not stainless steel these rot away quite quickly, not really related to heat and irregular use of the fire may make it rot quicker.

[dave moore]

The pipe from the stove to the cabin top, or the pipe that sits on it on the collar? If the latter, many modern chimneys are flimsy affairs with a relatively short life. To help, we need to know which is affected.

 

Dave

[Martyndj]

Sorry, yes the external part, I normally have to replace mine every year but as it wasn't used the normal amount I assumed that there must be a problem.

[valrene9600]

Chimneys don't last long outside. Best invest in a stainless steel one. Mine has been gutted 6 years with no sign of rot, good investment.

[1agos]

If you can afford a stainless, get one.

[WotEver]

Mine has been gutted 6 years...

Really upset is it?

[dave moore]

Every year? God's truth, ours has done 16, including winters where I've had the back cabin range burning 24/7 for weeks. You may want to invest in a decent non chandler chimney, cheaper in the long run. There is a specialist chimney maker afloat on the cut, he was around the Hopwas area a few weeks ago, makes stainless steel stuff to what looks like a good standard. If you want something more traditional I may be able to help, I know folk who make these.

Dave

[MtB]

Chimneys rot, this is life.

 

I don't think there is anything supernatural or creepy going on. Chill.

[valrene9600]

Really upset is it?

I think my brain meant fitted although the fat fingers had other ideas. Perhaps though the chimney was a bit gutted sentenced to 6 years in all weathers with no sign of a reprieve..

[Mike Tee]

If you are concerned about the fire burning too hot, get one of these - but remember they are only for single skin flues

 

https://www.thestovesite.co.uk/prod/Cleaning-Maintenance/Stovax-Stove-Pipe-Thermometer?utm_source=googlemerchant&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googlemerchant&gclid=CObO9bqsys4CFcGdGwodWaEJZA

[valrene9600]

Link not working for me.

[Mike Tee]

It seems fine to me so I can't improve it!

Google 'Stovax stove pipe thermometer'

[cuthound]

Every year? God's truth, ours has done 16, including winters where I've had the back cabin range burning 24/7 for weeks. You may want to invest in a decent non chandler chimney, cheaper in the long run. There is a specialist chimney maker afloat on the cut, he was around the Hopwas area a few weeks ago, makes stainless steel stuff to what looks like a good standard. If you want something more traditional I may be able to help, I know folk who make these.

Dave

He is the Little Chimney Co, and is usually in the section ofvthe Coventry Canal between Fradley and Atherstone. However he is currently on his way to Shackerstone on the Ashby Canal.

 

http://www.littlechimneycompany.co.uk

[Richard10002]

I think it's acid or some other chemical in the fumes that causes the rot. Stainless steel is lasting for me.

[bizzard]

If anyone's worried about their stove ever roaring away out of control keep a bag of salt handy ''cheap to buy in bulk'' If your frightened to open the door pour it down the chimney to dowse it. Never ever chuck water on red hot coals it will blow up and blast back in your face.

[magnetman]

This is true. When I was about 17 and bit hammered with a friend of mine on his parents boat (which he lived on - a carribean GRP broads cruiser) we started to get to warm in the boat which had a Squirrel stove. Anyway it was discussed with beer in hand and he decided to pour a glass of water down the chimney from outside.

 

This is something one does not forget

Edited August 18, 2016 by magnetman

[bizzard]

This is true. When I was about 17 and bit hammered with a friend of mine on his parents boat (which he lived on - a carribean GRP broads cruiser) we started to get to warm in the boat which had a Squirrel stove. Anyway it was discussed with beer in hand and he decided to pour a glass of water down the chimney from outside.

 

This is something one does not forget

Flash steam, vely plowerflul.