This morning I went to inspect my terracotta chimney flue. The house is from 1978. Inside dimensions are 7x7" and depth is 18ft . A wood stove is connected to it in the basement.
I didn't noticed any built up and it looks pretty good to me. However I have noticed I could pass my fingers through the first junction gap, I couldn't reach any deeper, some junctions appears to look offset . Is it normal? I don't know the standards of the 70-80s.
I would assume a chimney is designed to last forever.
I have attached some pictures.
Does anyone have the same situation?
Is it safe to use daily ?
I'd not or to improve is there any DIY If a repair is necessary? I've seen a product called Rutland pré mix refractory mortar
Any constructive answers, experiences would be highly appreciated!
![Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use? Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/319/319495-b66f8db1f2569e52a23b55a7431ee5be.jpg)
I didn't noticed any built up and it looks pretty good to me. However I have noticed I could pass my fingers through the first junction gap, I couldn't reach any deeper, some junctions appears to look offset . Is it normal? I don't know the standards of the 70-80s.
I would assume a chimney is designed to last forever.
I have attached some pictures.
Does anyone have the same situation?
Is it safe to use daily ?
I'd not or to improve is there any DIY If a repair is necessary? I've seen a product called Rutland pré mix refractory mortar
Any constructive answers, experiences would be highly appreciated!
![Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use? Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/319/319493-a0c883d3905e8f84b870919e66c908e4.jpg)
![Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use? Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/319/319494-97f89273ad9035d141e98b33070b02a9.jpg)
![Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use? Gaps in the terracotta flue in my new house is from 1978. Is it safe to use?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/319/319495-b66f8db1f2569e52a23b55a7431ee5be.jpg)