Gaps and Voids in the what?
If you have ever had a chimney and fireplace inspection, you might have seen those words. What does it mean?
It means you have a fireplace and chimney made of bricks or blocks with a clay tile pipe (a masonry chimney). The clay tile pipes are between 12 and 24 inches high. They are usually oval in California; however different architectural designs may dictate a different shape. The tiles that form the pipe are stacked one on top of the other. They are sealed together with mortar.
Over the life of chimney and flue pipe, creosote and rain water combine creating an acid that eats away the mortar between the tiles causing “Gaps and Voids” in the joints. As the fireplace is used, the smoke, heat, ash, sparks and gases move up the flue pipe exiting the first opening of least resistance which is supposed to be at the top of the chimney. But gaps and voids make it possible for the heat, smoke, ash and poisonous gasses to escape through the gaps and voids into your home. That is why gaps and voids are a fire and health hazard.
There are solutions. The best Boston Brick & Stone has found for flue repair is Fireguard. Check out this link: www.firesafeinc.com/firegaurdgallery.html
July 15th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
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July 16th, 2010 at 6:11 am
At least I won’t have to normal water the garden now especially with this hose pipe ban in the north west employing a watering can is laborious
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