Removing a Chimney

In this home, Larry Janesky - founder and owner of Dr. Energy Saver, helped a homeowner solve an energy crisis by installing high energy efficient appliances, allowing a removal of the chimney flue from top to bottom. Chimneys are large structures within the home that take up a significant amount of space and typically have large gaps between the frame and masonry – costing you a pretty penny to operate your heating and cooling systems.

With simple appliance upgrades to the old oil furnace and gas water heater of this home, the chimney was no longer necessary, since the upgraded appliances utilize PVC pipes to exhaust air to the outside of the home for ventilation.

Analysis of Chimney Removal

High energy efficient appliances were installed in this home, replacing the old-inefficient oil furnace and gas water heater.

Since these high energy efficient appliances are so good at squeezing heat from the combustion gases; their new source of ventilation to the outside of the home with PVC pipes makes the chimneys ultimate purpose insignificant.

Masonry chimneys are basically an unsealed, hollow column, running from the bottom of the home all the way to the roof. Heat from inside the house warms the masonry and by conduction, warms the bricks above the roof; where, ultimately heat is lost to the outside. Other concerns with chimneys are constant maintenance, air-leakage from framing gaps, water leaks, space loss, and the obstacle from re-roofing.

Removal Process

The upper part of the chimney masonry is taken down to the attic floor to eliminate the thermal issue this home once had.

The hollowed hole in the attic is then professionally sealed with one of our patented products, SilverGlo™ rigid foam board. The area is then air sealed with a one-part foam to eliminate the leaks that this home has had for +80 years.

The attic floor is then insulated with the recommended level of insulation, filling the bare corridors with the correct amount of loose-fill cellulose. After the insulation is installed, the hole on the roof is patched and re-shingled to complete the chimney removal. In the future, the homeowner will be able to take down the chimney breast (runs through the living space), if he wishes to gain additional living space around the home.

Benefits of a Chimney Removal in the Home

With a chimney removal in this home, the new heating system and will now work at top efficiency, because the heated air will stay where it belongs – in the conditioned areas of the home.

This home will now be more comfortable, at a more affordable price, saving this homeowner cash on each and every upcoming utility bill.

To learn more about the many ways to save money, energy and improved home comfort, contact your local Dr. Energy Saver today!