Questions to Ask Before Buying a Chimney Liner
Homeowners typically buy a replacement chimney liner after being informed by a chimney sweep that it’s needed. Liners are expensive, and, really, it’s good practice to be wise about any spending to be done. So, it’s recommended that you don’t just blindly agree to buy a new chimney liner. Ask the following questions to gain assurance that you’re making the right decision.
Ask yourself, can I trust the person advising me to get a liner?
There are plenty of legitimate chimney companies providing honest, professional services. Unfortunately, the chimney sweep industry is plagued by scammers. People with ill intentions are drawn to chimney sweeping because it’s an unregulated industry.
There are many times when homeowners are given deep discounts on basic services only to be told that expensive work is required. An upfront deposit is usually coaxed out of homeowners, who later find out that they’d been duped. The “chimney person” took the money and ran or recommended unneeded services that they didn’t know how to provide, anyway. All that being said, consider who it is telling you that you need a chimney liner. If you haven’t done extensive research to verify that the company is qualified, licensed, insured, etcetera, that should be the first thing you do. If you determine that you probably should not trust that individual, get a second opinion from a reputable chimney company.
On the other hand, if trained experts like the chimney specialists at Chimney Saver Solutions recommends a liner, they will provide assurances, if asked. There is an excellent chance they will have a video of the chimney liner, and they can show you the damage. With the various certifications and licenses that Chimney Saver Solutions maintains, you can rest assured that they have made a commitment to deal honestly with customers at all times.
Why does my damaged liner need to be replaced?
Chimney liners are crucial safety components in the venting system. Liners prevent dangerous house fires because they protect combustible parts of the home from the intense heat inside the chimney. Liners also prevent deadly toxic gases from leaking into the home and endangering unsuspecting occupants. The original liner in most chimneys is made with clay tiles. Clay tile liners are durable and have life expectancies of up to 50 years. However, they can deteriorate more quickly under various conditions.
Why can’t my liner just be repaired?
There is now a way to restore clay flue liners instead of having to have an expensive new stainless-steel liner installed. HeatShield® is a chimney flue repair system that may be the right solution for you if you have any of the following conditions in your flue:
- Cracked clay flue tiles
- Holes and gaps between the clay flue tiles
- Deteriorating mortar between the tiles
- Flue tiles or clay liners that have eroded or have begun to break and flake off, which is known as spalling
The chimney technicians at Chimney Saver Solutions in Richmond, VA, are professional HeatShield Installers. You can schedule an appointment for chimney liner repair with HeatShield by the chimney experts at Chimney Saver Solutions by calling 804-440-5000.
What are my options for a replacement chimney liner?
Stainless-steel replacement chimney liners with lifetime warranties are virtually always recommended by chimney professionals. When stainless steel liners are installed, they should be surrounded by insulation from top to bottom. Your chimney professional will explain which stainless-steel liner to have installed and the reason for that recommendation.
What is the top benefit of a new chimney liner?
When you follow the recommendations of your chimney specialist at Chimney Saver Solutions to have a new chimney liner installed, you can enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your heating appliance is safe to use.
