ISOKOAT

This ISOKOAT flue coating and renovating system developed by ISOKERN, has been used by thousands of installers in Europe since the 1950's. The system has demonstrated its simplicity and reliability and given many an old or leaking chimney a completely new lease of life.

Product details

In old chimneys the mortar joints between the bricks or stonework fail. The mortar becomes porous, turns sandy and crumbles away. Then poisonous fumes, tars and condensation can all leak out of the flue into the home.

ISOKOAT is applied under pressure and forced into the cracks and fissures, sealing them, re-pointing the joints and strengthening the flue wall. Mineral fibre reinforcement in the ISOKOAT ensures that the wet material will not pour or leak away through larger cracks, but will be forced into and fill and bridge them.

The coating is built up usually using between 2 and four applications to provide a smooth, gas tight flue which will withstand the effects of flue gases for years to come. The flue is fully repaired and sealed with virtually no reduction in size; very important if the correct flue size is to be maintained for the appliance served by the chimney.

The Isokoat repair process

A hand cranked winch assembly, A, is temporarily secured to the top of the chimney. At the bottom of the flue being repaired, the pulley wire, B, is secured to a special steel bristled brush, C, which has been cut to dimensions larger than the chimney flue shape, whether round or rectangular.

The steel bristled brush supports first a heavy duty sponge section, D, and then a hessian, or similar membrane, E. As the assembly is drawn up the flue, measured quantities of the unique ISOKOAT filling material, F, are systematically poured into the top of the flue and rests on the membrane, E. The weight of the ISOKOAT filler, combined with the pressure exerted onto the wall of the flue by the upward moving brush and former assembly, forces the ISOKOAT into any cracks, gaps or fissures in the flue wall. The procedure is repeated until the installer is satisfied that the chimney is fully repaired.

The process is designed just to fill any gaps, and leaves flue wall materials intact, so retaining the original chimney size and shape.

The materials used for the ISOKOAT system consist of two special cement powders and a liquid which are bonded with a mineral fibre. Subject to the appraisal by
the ISOKOAT approved installer, they can be used to repair the flues in all types of masonry constructed chimneys where the flue internal dimension does not
exceed 350mm, (14”). Whilst the system is designed for repairing and filling gaps in the chimney flue, as with any type of relining or repair process, ISOKOAT does not strengthen the chimney to the extent that it can be used as a substitute for mechanical repair or bracing of chimneys which are structurally unsound.

Before the chimney is repaired, the approved ISOKOAT installer will thoroughly clean the flue, a may use a video camera to determine the degree of flue damage. The data will also determine whether there is a need to provide interim break-in locations in the chimney wall from which further inspection as well as repair functions can be administered. ISOKOAT can often be applied without having to open the walls of the chimney. Whether or not this is possible depends upon several factors but primarily the angles of any offsets in the flue. It is at the discretion of the installer whether openings will need to be made to apply the ISOKOAT.

After the process has been completed, a video camera inspection will be made of the chimney flue by the installer, to ensure that the flue has been correctly repaired.

The ISOKOAT system is very robust and has a proven ability to accommodate the high flue gas temperatures associated with the use of wood and solid fuels. However, sustained excessive temperatures caused by chimney fires and over firing of combustion equipment has the potential to damage ANY chimney system. The material temperature limitations will normally permit an ISOKOAT repaired chimney to be classified under the European chimney designation category of T450 N2 S D 3

The ISOKOAT chimney renovation system is listed by HETAS. As such the system can only be installed by
technically trained and competent personnel. Schiedel Chimney Systems are responsible for the training of companies and installers registered to use the
ISOKOAT system. Details of approved installers can be obtained from Schiedel Chimney Systems.
The ISOKOAT approved installer scheme is accredited by HETAS, who will be in receipt of details of all completed installations, and who are, via Schiedel Chimney Systems, responsible for regular checks on random installations to ensure that the systems are being installed to the high standards set by the ISOKOAT approved installer training process.
On completion of the installation, a certificate is issued to the customer by Schiedel Chimney Systems.

Conditions
It is a condition that the chimney/flue is correctly dimensioned for the appliance which it serves,
and that normal appliance and chimney maintenance and cleaning is carried out regularly. In the
event of an ISOKOAT process failure, Schiedel Chimney Systems. will repair the system free of charge, depending upon the structure and structure prevailing at the time of initial application. Although flues are correctly sized, environmental conditions may cause problems. Positive proof of purchase date must be presented with an eventual claim to the approved installer.

Limitations
Consequential damage resulting from ISOKOAT failure is not covered by this guarantee. Failure due to misuse, faulty workmanship and/or installation procedure will not be the responsibility of Schiedel Chimney Systems. The effects of products of combustion other than from normal fuels i.e. solid fuel, wood, peat, oil and gas (excluding condensing boilers) are not covered by the guarantee. Exceeding the temperature limits set by Schiedel Chimney Systems, or the injection of
water or other fluids into a hot flue, will invalidate the guarantee.

ISOKOAT is guaranteed for ten years against functional failure provided that the installation has been carried out by an approved ISOKOAT installer. Installation must be carried out in accordance with application and installation instructions by Schiedel Chimney Systems and as per the agreed HETAS approved process.

Natural volcanic pumice

Pumice is a natural insulator. This is the unique property that separates pumice from all other chimney materials. The insulating properties of Pumice allow the flue gases in the chimney to quickly reach their optimum temperature enabling the heating appliance to reach its optimum performance shortly after lighting.

It also keeps the chimney warmer longer as the heat output of the appliance decreases – once again aiding performance and reducing the likelihood of condensation and soot build-up.

RESISTANT TO TEMPERATURE CHANGE

Pumice has very little expansion and contraction with temperature change. This reduces the possibility of cracking and structural damage.

HIGH INSULATION PROPERTIES

Pumice is a natural insulator, able to maintain the temperature of flue gases when other products have allowed the temperature to fall below the dew point.