There are lots of reasons a homeowner might be in need of a new chimney liner. It could be due to a change in appliance or fuel type, or perhaps an outside event (like a lightning strike, tornado, earthquake, etc.) did some serious damage that simply can’t be repaired. And sometimes liners just deteriorate over time.
Do you have an older chimney? It may be worth looking into whether or not you even have a liner! If you don’t, getting one installed as soon as possible is a must.
Here at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we have multiple relining options, and we would love to help you figure out which would be best for your unique needs.
Why Is a Chimney Liner Important?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), there are three main functions your liner offers.
1. Chimney liners keep your home protected from heat and flames. Unlined chimneys make your home more vulnerable to catch fire, as there are more pathways for your fires to escape through your brickwork. In fact, some tests revealed adjacent woodwork igniting in only a matter of hours!
2. Chimney liners protect your masonry. As you light fires, byproducts of combustion most up your chimney, where they can easily break your brick and mortar down if there’s nothing there to protect it. And the more your masonry breaks down, the higher your risk is of experiencing carbon monoxide exposure or house fires.
3. Chimney liners enhance efficiency. If your flue is missing, or in some cases not sized correctly, you could experience poor draft, creosote buildup, and other hazards, all of which decrease efficiency and put your home and family at serious risk.
The Benefits of M-Flex or Stainless Steel
So, what makes M-Flex and stainless steel such an appealing option for homeowners?
- They’re durable. It doesn’t get much tougher than stainless steel and M-Flex lining systems are crafted from the highest-quality steel available. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and can withstand extremely high temperatures, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking down anytime soon.
- They’re compatible with all fuel types. Whether you’re using gas, wood, or pellets, a stainless steel liner will work for you. So, if you currently have a wood-burning unit, but may be switching to gas in the future, stainless steel would likely be your best option, and it will save you the hassle of switching liner materials down the line.
- They come with a lifetime warranty. Our UL stainless steel systems come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer – as long as they’re installed by a professional sweep. So, replacing it isn’t something you’ll be stressing about anytime soon!
- They come in rigid and flexible options. Sometimes a rigid liner will be fine for chimneys with a more basic set-up, but if your system was designed a bit differently, we have flexible liner options that can be retrofitted into any type of chimney out there.
- They can be installed relatively quickly. Compared with other relining options, putting a stainless steel or M-Flex liner is quite easy and quick. In no time, your system will be up and running, ready to use all season long!
- They come with insulation options. With stainless steel comes options for insulation. This ensures your flue stays warmer (reducing creosote deposits and the potential for smoke back-up), minimizes cold downdrafts, and it can help you keep your energy bills lower, too.
- They offer a smooth, seamless seal. Once your stainless steel or M-Flex liner is installed, you can rest easier knowing smoke and other fumes will have no easy pathways into your home. They offer a smooth, sturdy wall that won’t have any of those cracks or small openings that clay liners are more known for. This seamless design also makes them easier to maintain.
Do You Have a Historical Fireplace?
One thing we specialize in here at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney is restoring and repairing historical fireplaces. There’s no denying these setups offer homes an incomparable and timeless ambiance, but if they’re not looking and functioning well, they won’t do you much good come burning season.
The unfortunate fact about most of these systems is that, if built before 1922, they likely don’t have a chimney liner in place at all. This can lead to serious damage to your system, and it puts your household at risk, too, increasing the likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure or house fires significantly.
Now, this is one scenario when stainless steel or M-Flex liners are NOT recommended. Fitting them correctly is typically too challenging and it’s often the case that they simply won’t do an effective job in these older set-ups.
Fortunately, we have another solution – Thermocrete. This is a ceramic sealant that strengthens your interior and helps it to withstand the high temperatures your fireplace produces. It’s a reliable solution to relining older chimneys, and it’s a product our experts completely believe in.
Not Sure What You Need? Give Us a Call!
It can be hard to determine what liner options are most appropriate for your chimney, but fortunately for those in Albany and its surrounding cities, our crew is here to help! Along with stainless steel/M-Flex and Thermocrete, we can also reline with HeatShield®, and we have options for relining oil-fired appliances and gas appliances, too.
Ready to get started? Give us a call – we’d be happy to offer our expertise every step of the way!