Relining A Masonry Chimney That Is Venting A Gas Appliance
More and more homeowners are opting to have their masonry fireplaces converted to gas-burning with the installation of gas log sets, gas fireplaces or gas inserts. The reasons for switching to gas can be many, but some of the most popular reasons are:
- Mess-free fire – Unlike wood- or pellet-burning appliances, gas-burning appliances don’t require any loading or cleaning from fire-to fire.
- Convenience – Chopping, hauling and storing are a thing of the past when you switch to a gas-burning appliance. With a direct fuel-line, gone too are the days of building a fire – simply push a button and relax.
- Clean Burn – Although wood-burning appliances have come a long way, gas is still a cleaner-burning fuel. This can be a particularly great thing for the eco-friendly homeowner.
- Low Maintenance – A gas-burning appliance won’t require a lot of day-to-day maintenance. With no ash to clean out, no wood to haul and no real work involved in the start-up, gas-burning appliances are great for those with a packed schedule.
Unfortunately, because gas appliances provide low-maintenance, mess-free, clean-burning convenience, it’s easy to forget that these appliances and their venting systems are still under constant stress and require regular maintenance. Many homeowners are also unaware of how crucial flue size is in relation to gas-burning appliances. If you’ve had a gas-burning appliance installed in your masonry fireplace, it’s highly likely that your existing flue is too large for the new appliance. When high-efficiency gas appliances vent through oversized masonry chimneys, the acidic gases and vapor have more time to cool and settle on the masonry walls. Over time, this acidic condensation will eat away at the masonry, causing the entire system to suffer in regards to efficiency and function.
If you are venting a gas appliance in a masonry chimney and haven’t had your system inspected recently – give us a call! We can evaluate the compatibility of your gas appliance and flue size, and check for any flue liner damage. If your flue is damaged or we need to reduce the size of your flue, our expert technicians can properly install a high-quality, long-lasting stainless steel liner. Stainless steel is approved to vent every type of fuel and is particularly resistant to corrosion. Plus, when professionally installed, many stainless steel liners come with an incredible warranty.
Call Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, Today!
If you’d like more information on the benefits of installing a stainless steel liner in your gas-venting masonry chimney, please give us a call at 518-767-9315 or click here! We look forward to working with you!
Thermocrete Ceramic Sealant could be the right solution for your older masonry chimney that was built without a liner. We can advise you about whether this is the best option for your situation.