Your chimney is designed to remove hot air and gases out of your chimney as quickly as possible. However, without a protective barrier called a chimney liner, some of the hot air and gases produced in your fireplace could affect your home. At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of having a functioning chimney liner. That is why we want to explain to you how a chimney liner functions, as well as some common signs that you need your chimney relined.
Why are chimney liners important?
A chimney liner is a lining, usually clay, metal, or ceramic, inside your chimney that protects the inside chimney walls from heat and other products of combustion. If you’re like us, it isn’t uncommon to have a fire in your fireplace for more than a couple hours. However, did you know that testing has shown that, without a chimney liner, if you have a fire that lasts longer than 3 ½ hours, the woodwork surrounding your chimney can get hot enough to start on fire? In fact, in the 1980’s, researchers at the National Bureau of Standards stated that installing a chimney without a liner was ‘little less than criminal”.
How do I know if my chimney liner is not functioning correctly?
First, you want to make sure that your chimney has a liner installed. Chimney liners became required with all chimney installations in the 1940’s. If your home was built before the 1940’s you will want to make sure you have a chimney liner installed.
There are a couple of signs that your chimney liner may not be functioning correctly. If you notice little flakes of clay or ceramic in your fireplace, your chimney liner is crumbling. Another thing to watch for is any hotspots on your walls adjacent to your fireplace. Hot walls mean that your chimney liner is not functioning correctly. If you do find a hot spot, put out your fire immediately and call your fire department.
There aren’t always obvious signs that your chimney liner needs repair. The best way to determine if you have a chimney liner installed and that it is functioning properly is to have a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technician inspect your chimney. A CSIA certified chimney inspector will be able to determine if you need to have your chimney relined
We can help!
At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, our CSIA certified chimney technicians are experts in chimney relining. Although we can replace your chimney liner, we can also use a sealant to repair and strengthen your current chimney liner. If you think that you would like to have your chimney liner inspected, call Northeastern Masonry & Chimney at 518-767-9315 or visit us online to set up an appointment with one of our expert chimney technicians today!