Fireplace and Chimney Products
A flue liner moves smoke and gases, created by a fire's combustion process, safely and efficiently from a home's fireplace. To do this effectively over the life of a home, the flue liner must be able to withstand excessive heat, chemical attack, thermal cycling and thermal gradients. Sandkuhl Clay Works' flue liners easily endure temperatures in excess of 1500°F. They are unaffected by the acids and other chemicals created by the combustion process. Exposure to harsh outdoor conditions at the top of a flue is no problem for Sandkuhl Clay Works' flue liners because the materials are engineered for less than 2% water absorption. This prevents spalling due to freeze-thaw cycles. Many materials cannot with stand temperature differences between inner and outer surfaces (thermal gradients) without failing. Ceramic flue liners are designed specifically with this in mind.
A quality ceramic clay flue, installed properly, exceeds the demands of this challenging environment. Alternate materials, like metal pipe, are far less suited for these severe conditions, resulting in a much shorter life when compared to clay flue linings.
Square/Rectangular Flue Liners
Square and rectangular flue liner sizes are based on outside dimensions. The following tables list the size designations and typical cross sectional dimensions. The common length of a flue liner is 2 ft (607mm), however 1 ft (305mm) lengths are also available.
Round Flue Liners
Round flue liners use the inside diameters for the size designation. Round flues liners offer several advantages over the more popular and traditional square configuration.
• Round flues provide a more uniform draw by eliminating cold outside corners.
• The flues connect together by way of a tight fitting, self-aligning male/female joint.
• Because of the tight fitting male/female joint, staining compounds cannot leak into the face brick of the chase.
• A smaller flue (cross sectional area) can be used if it is round rather than square/rectangular because of more efficient draw.
• Wood stoves and other appliances attach easily to round flue liners by way of an optional factory cut hole and saddle thimble.
Round flue liners are available in various sizes which are listed in the following table. The common length of a round flue liner is 2 ft (607mm), however lengths of 1 ft (305mm) are also available.
Offsets
In a multiple flue chimney, according to code, one of the flues must to be angled by not more than 30°; from vertical by way of a mitered connection. Sandkuhl Clay Works supplies a one piece pre-manufactured unit to create the proper 30°; angle-no tedious cutting and fitting of angled flues on the job site.
Available Sizes for Offsets
8"x8"
81/2"x81/2"
8"x12" side or end
81/2"x13" side or end
12"x12"
13"x13"
13"x18" side or end
6" Round
7" Round
8" Round
10" Round
12" Round
Rectangular offsets are designated as either side or end. A 'side' offset moves the flue channel in the direction of the long dimension of the flue. An 'end' offset moves the flue channel in the direction of the short dimension.
Flue Liners with Precut Holes, Saddles and Thimbles
All flue liner sizes manufactured by Sandkuhl Clay Works, Inc. are available with a precut hole designed for connecting appliances such as furnaces, wood stoves and water heaters to a chimney by way of a saddle or thimble. Saddles and thimbles serve the same purpose of creating a T connection. The difference is that a saddle fits against the outside of a round flue with a precut hole and a thimble fits into a square flue with a precut hole (see drawing).
Never hook into a flue or flue connection (saddle/thimble) that is smaller than the appliance's vent.
Thimbles with inner diameters (ID) of 6", 7" and 8", are available in lengths of 6" ,9", 12", 15", 18" and 24".
Saddles with inner diameters (ID) of 6", 7", 8" and 10", are available in length designations of Long (18") and Short (9").
Sandkuhl Clay Works, Inc. manufactures a full line of hand made chimney tops designed to elegantly terminate a chimney flue.
All masonry fireplaces require fire brick be used for the construction of the firebox. A quality light duty fire brick that conforms to ASTM C-27-70 should be used.
Fire Brick are available in various colors contact us for further information about colors other than white.
Type
Dimensions
Standar d
2 1/2"x 4"x 9" (57 mm x 102 mm x 229 mm)
Split
1 1/4"x 4"x 9" (32 mm x 102 mm x 229 mm)
Proper installation of fire brick in a fire box requires that the brick be laid down-not stood up. The bricks should be mortared together using a very thin joint of a high temperature mortar or fireclay/mortar combination.
Heat Stop® Products are ready to use high temperature mortars designed specifically for residential fireplace construction. This refractory cement/mortar is specified by building codes because it can withstand fireplace operating temperatures in excess of 800⊦dm; F. The following Heat Stop® products are available.
• Heat Stop® -premixed
Water soluble and ready to use as a regular refractory cement. Available in 15 lb can or 50 lb pail.
• Heat Stop® II -Dry Mix
Non-water soluble mix for firebrick and flue installations. Sets fast and resists flue joint washout. Ready to use with the addition of water. Available in 10 lb pail.
• Heat Stop® 50 -Dry Mix
Same as Heat Stop II only in a 50 lb bag
• Heat Stop® "Flue Glue" -Dry Mix
Non-water soluble mix designed specifically for the maintenance and repair of existing masonry such as clay flues and firebrick. "Flue Glue" is stronger, less porous, and more water and chemical resistant than any other refractory mortar for residential and commercial service. This product works particularly well for replacing broken firebrick, refilling old mortar joints, repairing broken or chipped clay flue lining. "Flue Glue" is available in 5 lb pails.
Fire Clay is sometimes used as a component to make a refractory mortar using the following or similar formula:
1 part Portland cement
4 1/2 parts Sand
1/2 part Fireclay
Please note that most building codes require a commercial premixed refractory mortar for fireplace construction. Check with local building code.
Fire clay is available in 50 lb bags.
Fresh air inlet kits should be included in all fireplace installation. The function of a fresh air inlet kit is to replace the air consumed by a fire's combustion process. This unit is a safety feature that prevents dangerous carbon monoxide buildup or oxygen deficiency inside the home when a fire is burning.
A fresh air inlet kit installs easily on the floor of the firebox by replacing a single firebrick. The kit comes complete with the firebox assembly, an exterior vent and 6' of aluminum expandable connector pipe.
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