Selkirk Metalbestos

Hi everyone,
Has anyone had or seen a metal chimney rot out from using coal?
Where does it rot? At the inside seams and joints from acid condensation seeping in? Does the pipe just get thin?

I am installing one in my home this comming weekend and I'm woundering what I can do to make the chimney last longer. What do you guys think of High Temp Silicone on the inside of the pipe, not a lot just enough to fill the seam then wipe off any excess. Then I could damp swab the chimney at the end of the season with baking soda...
Or would different parts of the Silicone break down then traping water in.

Someone hear posted that the life span of the lower grade SS will last 5 to 7 years. The pipe is $400 so thats $60 to $80 a year. Thats really not a lot of money considering what I may save on Fuel Oil but I'd like the pipe to last as long as possible.

Thanks

There have been several suggestions from experienced forum members on this subject.

In addition to wiping down with baking soda, it has been suggested to stuff the pipe ends with wads of newspaper to absorb moisture from the humid summer air.

If the pipe is assembled like for a wood chimney, any moisture will drain back into the pipe at the joints. The male end of the pipe faces down, so there shouldn't ever be any moisture in the joint. The silicone is still a very good idea.


Greg L

i havent seen where this has happened where i work. i just hooked up a supervent in my pole building so well see how long it will last.