The chimney of your home may appear to be absolutely fine from the outside. But, is it okay from the inside? The chimneys that are installed much earlier are not good for venting the more energy-efficient appliances of today. Hence, it can pose danger to your home and the lives dwelling inside.
Primary functions of the chimney liner:
The chimney liners stop the heat transfer to combustible components that are surrounding the chimney. The heat of an unlined chimney can make the adjacent woodwork catch fire in approximately 3 ½ hours. A tiny crack in the liner can trigger a fire.
The gases generated from burning the combustible materials present in the fireplace are acidic in nature. Hence, they can ruin the chimney mortar. Thus, the heat coming from the chimney can get transferred to the nearby combustibles and lead to a devastating fire. The eroded mortar can lead to harmful gases like carbon monoxide that can leak into the room.
When a gas furnace or a wood stove is installed, it must be checked if the flue is appropriate in size for the appliance. If the size of the liner is not correct, it can lead to excessive creosote buildup and hazardous carbon monoxide production.
A chimney inspection is necessary:
During the chimney inspection, the expert inspector recognizes the issues with the chimney liner. According to the problem, he/she suggests relining or replacing. He/she will let you know how to spot the basic requirements of the chimney liner and its maintenance.
Types of chimney liners:
Metal liners:
These liners are made up of aluminum or stainless steel. The installers prefer stainless steel liners and the fire protection experts recommend them. These are usually the most costly type of liners. They are appropriate for all applications concerning oil, gas, and wood. Aluminum is not costly and is okay for a few gas appliances that have medium efficiency.
Cast-in-place liners:
These liners are generated by pouring a product that is like cement along the outer chimney walls. The relining offers a well-insulated flue that can boost the structural integrity of the chimney. These liners assist the fireplaces to burn cleaner furthering to less creosote buildup. The professionals can install these liners perfectly.
Clay tile flue:
The new homes are giving preference to the clay tiles flues. Proper installation can take the longevity of these flues to cross five decades. Regular cleaning is necessary. The flue tiles can bear the heat and the corrosive byproducts’ deposits. Replacement of these flues is difficult. But, it is extremely important to install a new liner when mortar joints present between the tiles, or, the tiles themselves start to erode. The tiles are not must expensive, but relining is costly due to the installation charge.
The older chimneys don’t consist of clay liners. Cracks may be found in the clay liners or few pieces may be missing for them. Added to it, the bricks and the mortar can be falling or becoming loose. Again, creosote and carbon monoxide may be destroying the family members living in the home with the damaged chimney liner.
However, chimney with clay tiles is labor-intensive to be relined. The mechanic has to break through the walls of the chimney for the removal of the old flue tiles and do the installation of new tiles.
After relining the chimney flue, you can safely burn the fireplace or wood stove. You can be sure that your home and the family members are from a house fire and dangerous gases.
No matter what kind of chimney liner you are using, it is crucial to check, maintain and repair it from time to time. If you do regular maintenance, you will be saved from costly reinstallation or relining. But, if you ignore it the first place when the damage is not severe, you will end up in spending much more for the relining purpose. Always call a chimney sweep agency to avail the expert check-up. An annual inspection is a must.
Remember, a well-working chimney keeps your home safe. You will get to enjoy the warmth of the fireplace and utilize it for various occasions without worrying that the produced byproducts and gases are not returning in your home and is smoothly passing out through the chimney.