Is Your Chimney Liner in Need of Repair? Turn to Northeastern Masonry & Chimney for Chimney Relining Services
Every time you enjoy a fire in your fireplace or appliance, your chimney works hard to contain the heat and byproducts of combustion and to remove these byproducts from the home quickly. But over time, your chimney liner – be it clay tile or metal – can deteriorate or develop cracks and holes. When this happens, the heat of a fire can damage the brick and mortar of your chimney, accelerating the decay of your entire system. These cracks and gaps can also allow dangerous gases to escape the chimney system and seep back into your family’s air supply.
In addition to shortening the lifespan of your chimney and polluting your air supply, a damaged chimney liner can allow the heat from a fire to ignite nearby combustibles, causing a house fire. If you haven’t had your chimney liner inspected recently, give us a call! Here at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we have the skills and materials to properly repair or reline your chimney, so that it can provide you with years of warmth and enjoyment. Contact us at 518-767-9315 or reach out to our team online now.
How Do I Know if My Chimney Needs To Be Relined?
There are a few signs that may indicate your chimney needs to be relined. If you’ve noticed visible cracks or gaps in your liner, excessive creosote buildup, or have experienced a chimney fire, these are clear indicators that the liner may be compromised and in need of repair or replacement.
A less obvious but equally important sign is poor draft, which can manifest as difficulty in starting a fire, excessive smoke in your home, or a slow-burning fire. These issues can arise from a damaged or deteriorated liner, hindering the proper flow of combustion gases.
Additionally, if you’ve recently switched to a new heating appliance or fuel type, such as converting from wood to gas or pellet stoves, your current liner may no longer be suitable for the new heat and chemical conditions. In these cases, a professional inspection is crucial to determine if a relining is necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your appliance.
What Are the Different Types of Chimney Liners?
Chimneys come in many shapes and sizes so when it comes to relining methods, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We have several options for homeowners to choose from depending on the type of chimney system they have and its current condition, including:
The smoke chamber is the part of your chimney system that is shaped like an upside-down funnel and connects the firebox to the flue. It is this area of the system that ushers the smoke and other byproducts of combustion up into the flue and out of the home. Unfortunately, many times the smoke chamber doesn’t encourage smoke up and out quickly enough due to cracks, holes, and other damage that often occurs over time. If your smoke chamber has holes, cracks, or is not parged smooth, you must have it professionally parged smooth and sealed. This will encourage smoke and gases out of the home, protecting your family from poor air quality and the inhalation of dangerous gases and fumes.
If you have an existing chimney that needs relining, or if you are planning on having a chimney built, the M-Flex CB Stainless Steel Flexible Chimney Liner can be an excellent choice. Stainless steel liners are designed to withstand incredibly high temperatures and resist damage that can come from the acidic byproducts of combustion. If you’re looking for an efficient, long-lasting chimney liner, look no further than stainless steel.
If your clay tile liner is still in relatively good structural condition, but simply needs some cracks and gaps filled, HeatShield® Cerfractory Sealant can help! HeatShield® is specifically designed to repair clay chimney liners by filling in and smoothing gaps, cracks, and holes. This high-performance sealant not only restores the integrity of your chimney liner but also enhances its durability and longevity. When professionally installed, HeatShield® comes with a 20-year warranty, providing peace of mind and long-lasting protection for your home.
The chimneys of oil-fired appliances are especially prone to decay due to the acidic nature of oil combustion byproducts, like water vapor. In many cases, the liner walls will begin to spall or flake over time, greatly reducing the safety and efficiency of the entire system. In addition to the usual wear and tear that inevitably occurs in oil-burning chimneys, the newer high-efficiency appliances tend to require smaller flue sizes. Many homeowners are unaware of this and use their new appliance with the same flue liner they used with their previous unit. This can lead to all sorts of problems, allowing byproducts to remain in the chimney longer, where they can settle on the walls in the form of creosote or leak back into the home in the form of carbon monoxide. If your oil-fired appliance needs a new liner, we can install a quality stainless steel or cast-in-place liner that is designed for use with oil fuel.
Gas Appliances in Masonry Chimneys
Many people value gas appliances for their low maintenance and clean burn – but what many homeowners don’t know is that like other fuels, gas produces acidic byproducts and water vapor that can eat away at the masonry of your chimney if the liner is damaged or missing altogether. This not only destroys the chimney structure, but it can also allow dangerous carbon monoxide back into your home and your air supply. Not all liner materials are approved for use with gas appliances, so make sure you have your system inspected and if necessary, relined by one of the experts at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney.
If your chimney was built before 1922, your chimney likely lacks a flue liner altogether. Not only is this incredibly dangerous, as it exposes your home to the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, but it is also inefficient and incredibly destructive to your home and chimney system. Unlined chimneys allow heat and moisture to escape, leading to energy loss and structural damage. Northeastern Masonry & Chimney has extensive experience lining older, unlined chimneys using Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant. This innovative product was specifically designed to seal and line masonry chimneys, without drastically altering the size of the flue. By applying a protective layer of ceramic coating, Thermocrete effectively seals cracks and gaps, preventing heat loss, moisture infiltration, and the buildup of creosote.
Can I Use My Chimney Without a Liner?
Using a chimney without a liner is not recommended and can pose significant risks. Chimney liners are designed to protect your home from heat transfer to combustible materials, prevent toxic gases like carbon monoxide from leaking into your living space, and help reduce the buildup of dangerous creosote. Without a liner, your chimney is much more vulnerable to fire hazards and structural damage. In Albany’s colder months, this risk is even higher, since you’re more likely to use your fireplace more often. For your safety and peace of mind, it’s always best to have a properly functioning liner in place.
How Often Should Chimney Liners Be Inspected or Replaced?
Chimney liners should be inspected annually as part of your regular chimney maintenance. During an inspection, our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified technicians will assess the condition of your liner and check for any cracks, corrosion, or signs of wear that could compromise the safety and efficiency of your chimney. As for replacement, the lifespan of a chimney liner depends on the material – clay tile liners typically last 50 years, while stainless steel liners can last 15 to 20 years or longer if properly maintained. However, damage or improper sizing could necessitate earlier replacement.
Call Northeastern Masonry & Chimney for Chimney Relining Services Today!
For expert chimney relining services in Albany and the surrounding areas, contact Northeastern Masonry & Chimney at 518-767-9315 today. Our team is ready to help keep your chimney in top shape, ensuring your home stays safe and your fireplace functions efficiently. Call us now to schedule a chimney inspection or to learn more about our relining services!
Chimney leaks can cause a slew of problems. When you suspect a problem, reach out to Northeastern Masonry & Chimney to find out about our chimney & masonry repair options.