Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Chimney Liner
Chimney liners are relatively new components for residential chimneys. For many years, there was no such thing as a liner, and people had to hope that the bricks alone would protect their home and family from fire and dangerous gases.
Today, chimney liners are required by law in most U.S. jurisdictions.
Chimney Saver Solutions of Richmond, VA, would like to tell you a little about chimney liners and the common signs that a liner is failing and needs to be replaced.
A chimney liner’s job
The purpose of a chimney liner is to contain heat, flames, and combustion gases. When properly built or installed, the liner provides a smooth channel for the drafting of fireplace smoke to the outside of the home.
Type of chimney liners
Modern chimney liners are usually made from one of three materials.
Clay tiles
Clay tile chimney liners are hand-built during chimney construction. Like all chimney liners, they cover and protect the entire inside of the flue.
Cast-in-place
These liners are made from a mortar compound that seals the flue completely.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel liners are ideal for new chimneys and for replacing old liners. The cost is moderate, and installation is fairly straightforward.
Liner lifespans
Tile and cast-in-place liners can last up to 50 years under normal operating conditions. Stainless-steel liners can last anywhere from 15 years to a lifetime, depending on the quality of the material. Chimney fires, acidic damage, and other events can reduce a liner’s lifespan.
Signs of a failing chimney liner
Here’s what to watch for.
- Chunks of tile or mortar pieces in the firebox.
- Drafting problems caused by open areas in the liner’s surface or obstructive creosote building up around broken or jagged parts of the liner.
- Escaping carbon monoxide (a CO monitor will tell you if carbon monoxide is in your home’s air)
- Strong oily odors from excess creosote.
- Trouble getting fires started and keeping them going.
The value of a chimney inspection
A proper chimney inspection will quickly determine the condition of your chimney liner. Chimney technicians use special cameras to see every inch of a liner and spot early and long-standing signs of damage and deterioration.
Almost every fire safety and hearth organization recommends yearly chimney inspections, whether or not you’re experiencing problems. Along with the chimney liner, the inspection will cover all other readily accessible parts of your chimney and fireplace system.
Replacing your chimney liner
There are two primary approaches to replacing an old or damaged chimney liner.
Stainless steel liner replacement
This is a good choice for damaged clay tile, cast-in-place, and stainless-steel liners. A properly installed stainless steel liner will give you many years of solid protection and cost much less than building a new tile or cast-in-place liner.
HeatShield
The HeatShield process is the ideal option for addressing damaged clay tile and cast-in-place liners. With HeatShield, a stable coating is applied to all surfaces of an existing chimney liner, filling gaps, patching holes, and creating a smooth channel for draft.
Is it time to have your chimney liner looked at?
Has it been more than a year since your last chimney inspection? Call Chimney Saver Solutions to schedule one now. If your liner is failing and needs to be replaced, we’ll talk with you about your options and get the issue resolved quickly.
Learn more about our chimney services by calling us or using our contact form.
