Stainless-Steel Chimney Liner
Now that warmer weather has arrived, many homeowners are making necessary chimney repairs and replacing worn components, like the chimney liner. Stainless steel chimney liners are a popular flue liner replacement. You may have noticed its long steel tube being installed in your neighbor’s chimney.
What is a Chimney Liner?
A chimney liner is installed in the flue to prevent the heat and flames in the fireplace from spreading to nearby combustible structural materials. It also shields the masonry from corrosive gases created during combustion that can damage the chimney’s structural integrity. There are several types of flue liners with clay tile being the most prevalent due to its low cost. However, clay tiles are prone to cracking and require frequent repairs to replace broken tiles. Other types of flue liners include cast-in-place cement, aluminum and stainless-steel.
Stainless Steel Liner Benefits
Whether you are lining your chimney for the first time, or are replacing a worn liner, installing a UL-listed Stainless-Steel chimney liner offers many advantages.
Simpler, More Affordable Installation
Steel liners are flexible tubing installed directly through the flue opening, making installation more straightforward than other types of liners. It is cut to the size of the flue, ensuring an accurate fit. An incorrectly sized flue liner can cause safety and performance issues, and many homes have liners that do not meet the size requirements for their heating appliance. To avoid safety and performance issues, choose a local chimney professional with experience in metal flue liner installations.
Longer Life Span
A stainless-steel chimney liner is more durable than many other types of liners and can provide up to 25 years of reliable performance before requiring replacement.
For Use in Both Wood-Burning and Gas Fireplaces
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), stainless steel liners can be used with both wood-burning and gas heating appliances. On the other hand, aluminum liners can only be used in certain gas fireplaces with medium heating efficiency.
Safety
Stainless steel liners do not crack, which is common with clay tiles and, even to some extent, with a cement liner, which can increase the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure. A steel liner provides a smooth, seamless surface around the flue masonry, increasing the venting efficiency of toxic fumes.
Easier to Clean and Maintain
The flue gases are corrosive and can stain and damage clay tiles requiring more frequent cleaning and repairs. Since stainless steel liners are naturally resistant to corrosion and rust, the fumes exit the flue without damaging the liner, making it easier to clean and maintain.
More Energy Efficient
Cold chimney downdrafts can make it more challenging to start and maintain a fire. An inefficient fire due to a cold flue increases the amount of soot and creosote residue in the chimney. A stainless-steel liner is available with insulation that will reduce cold drafts while retaining more heat, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the fireplace.
Chimney Liner Inspection
Flue liners are essential to your fireplace’s safety and performance, so schedule an annual chimney inspection with a professional chimney sweep today. The technician will conduct a complete visual review of the chimney and fireplace, including the flue liner. If the flue liner requires repair or replacement, they will recommend the best solutions for your heating appliance.
