Your chimney has an important job to do, and there are many working parts make that job possible, one of which is the chimney liner. And in order for your chimney to properly vent heat and potentially harmful gases out of the home, it needs a reliable, well-fitted chimney liner installed. Without one place, your home, family, and even the chimney itself will be at risk!
Why Is the Liner Important?
Your chimney liner has a few important functions that help to keep the chimney working safely and efficiently.
- The liner protects the masonry. The gases and materials the fire produces are corrosive to masonry. Creosote, especially, can corrode the masonry over time. Your liner provides a protective barrier that safeguards your system from any soot, buildup, and harmful gases. It also keeps heat from transferring through the masonry and weakening your building supports and the woodwork around it.
- The liner protects the house. When there’s no barrier in place, the heat that rises up the chimney can transfer to building materials including beams, floors, and ceilings. If this wood is exposed to heat for too long, it will become weakened and brittle, which can eventually lead to damage or house fires. The chimney liner protects your family and your property from this direct heat.
- The liner protects the household from dangerous gases. The gases vented through the chimney are hazardous and can lead to injury, respiratory illness, and can even be fatal. The liner directs these gases safely out of your home and away from your family. If a liner is missing or becomes damaged, toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide, can work their way into the home and create some serious risks for those inside of it.
Basically, picture your chimney system as a knight that’s guarding your home and family against dangerous enemies (i.e. flames, exceptionally high heat, debris buildup, and dangerous gases).
If your chimney is a knight, then its flue liner is its armor, buffering it against those attackers and keeping it strong no matter what it faces. Which means, using a chimney with a damaged, ill-fitted, or missing flue liner is essentially like sending a knight into battle without appropriate armor. It won’t be equipped to do its job properly, and chances are, it won’t survive very long.
You Might Need a New Liner If…
At Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, we frequently see outdated chimney liners that need to be replaced or repaired. Our chimney experts recommend a relining for the following reasons:
- Damaged Clay Tiles: If you find flakes or pieces of a clay tile inside of your fireplace, this usually means your clay tile liner has joint damage, voids, or other issues that will affect performance. Unfortunately, these are known to crack, fall off, or begin spalling, and the masonry joints between them can crumble, erode, and degrade, too. In some cases, that damage can be repaired, but if it’s considerable, replacing the liner may be the safest option.
- Hot Masonry: If your masonry is hot to the touch, then something isn’t right, and chances are you’ll need a liner replacement or repair to ensure the heat stays inside the chimney. A chimney expert can determine what the problem is, and may be able to repair the liner instead of a complete replacement.
- Switching Fuel Types: Converting from a wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert to a gas appliance? Clay tile liners may not be the best choice for use with gas systems, as they can produce condensation that will break them down. Stainless steel and cast-in-place liners are appropriate for all fuel types, so this is definitely something to consider if you’re switching fuel types.
- Switching Systems: If you’re upgrading to a new stove or insert, you may need to resize your flue with the help of a liner in order to meet the new capacity of your unit. For instance, if the liner is too large for the new appliance, efficiency will drop and you’ll have trouble keeping a fire going. You may also experience improper draft, moisture damage, downdrafts, and more if things aren’t sized correctly.
- Missing Liner: In some older or historic homes, chimneys were built without a liner at all, which can lead to some big and dangerous issues. If your chimney doesn’t have a liner, Mr. Smokestack can install one, giving you peace of mind as you enter into each new burning season.
Is HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant Right for You?
HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant is an industrial product made of ceramic and refractory material that makes it ideal for lining repairs and resurfacing. Through a fairly simple process, a certified technician can apply this sealant to repair joints, resurface a clay tile liner, or line a flue completely with a CeCure® Sleeve.
HeatShield® is long-lasting, appropriate for use with all fuel types, and is typically a much more affordable option if your system qualifies for it. Schedule an appointment with our crew today to see if this could be the right fit for you!
Reach Out Today for Quality Care
Not sure where you stand? Call us in for a chimney inspection where your liner will be checked over and assessed for any potential damage or issues. A damaged liner can go unnoticed for years, so don’t neglect this regular care! Trust us – an affordable inspection now is much better than having unseen damage result in a fire, gas leak, or costly repairs/restorations.
When you hire us, our experienced team of experts discuss options with you that fit your appliance type, fuel type, specifics needs/wishes, and budget.
Basically, if you’re concerned about your liner, haven’t had it inspected in the last calendar year, or want to change fuel type, Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service is the company to call. Don’t wait – reach out today!