What Is A Chimney Liner?
Your fireplace hosts the fire and the chimney above provides an exit for the smoke and gases produced by the fire. That exit is your chimney liner. It plays a vital role in keeping your home safe from the smoke and hazards at risk. The role of a chimney liner is simple, it is a tube that lines the chimney flue, like an inner shell improving efficiency, preventing the high heat from affecting the surrounding parts of the chimney’s brick, masonry and roof. The chimney liner provides your chimney with an additional layer of protection!
When Should I Replace My Chimney Liner?
– If you begin to notice soot, flakes and creosote falling down from your chimney, this debris is a sign that your chimney liner is deteriorating and needs a sweep. The embers from the fire also creates a risk for a house fire.
– Smoke entering your home is a sign of a damaged chimney liner. The chimney liner isn’t functioning if smoke is not properly directed up and out of the flue. This problem increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, an invisible odorless gas.
– Extreme weather can also contribute to damaging your chimney liner. Whether it be water damage, lighting, fire, these can all negatively affect the condition of your liner.
– If you’ve decided to convert your fireplace to operate from a different fuel source, like gas to fire for example, you’ll need to replace your chimney liner to accommodate your new appliance.
Some homes were built without a liner, especially if your chimney is older and flue is made of clay. Clay lined chimneys unfortunately can deteriorate in as quickly as 5 years. However, you can meet with one of our professional chimney technicians to discuss getting a chimney liner installed to help protect and extend the life of your chimney.
What Types Of Chimney Liners Can I Choose From?
Stainless steel liners. These are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to corrosion. This is a suitable option for all fuel types: gas, oil and wood appliances with a lifespan of 15-20 years.
Aluminum liners. This is a cost friendly option however, have medium efficiency and only an option for certain gas appliances.
HeatShield Flue Resurfacing. HeatShield is a great alternative to replacing your liner. Performed by a HeatShield trained professional, the technician will use Heatshield, a ceramic material, to coat over your existing liner to restore it for use. The material also applies over mortar joints and cracks all throughout the flue to protect and lengthen the life of your current liner. This option requires a proper inspection of your current liner to determine if the damage is minimal enough to be a good candidate for this treatment.
If you’ve recently moved into a new home, selling your home, notice signs mentioned above or due for your annual cleaning, let us help! Our trained chimney technicians will inspect all aspects of your chimney to ensure you and your family a safe, stress-free functioning chimney for the season!
