According to the CSIA, problems in your chimney’s flue can present serious risks to your home and family, because it’s no longer able to perform its primary function: to safely contain and vent the products of combustion to the outside of your home. If your current liner was installed improperly or is deteriorating, it is highly recommended that you either have a new one installed by a licensed professional or have your current liner repaired (if possible). There are several different relining options, depending on both the type of flue liner you currently have and the overall condition of your flue.
CLAY TILE LINERS
Not sure if your chimney needs to be relined? Call us for an inspection!
The majority of older homes with chimneys don’t have liners (it wasn’t required by building codes at the time); those that do have liners are most likely ones made of clay. It’s commonplace to repair or replace them with new clay tile liners, although switching over to either a stainless steel, Thermocrete or HeatShield is an option. Clay tiles can withstand extremely high temperatures without damaging or hindering the performance of the liner itself; they also hold up quite well against the corrosive materials that are burned in and pass through the system.
STAINLESS STEEL LINERS
The vast majority of newer homes have chimneys with stainless steel chimney liners already installed. These liners come in two different forms: rigid and flexible. The type your technician will choose ultimately depends on the shape of your chimney. A huge selling point for stainless steel liners, in general, is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. They resist rust and easily hold and move heat and smoke up through the house and out into the atmosphere.
THERMOCRETE CERAMIC FLUE SEALANT
Thermocrete is a ceramic flue sealant that works to coat the interior of the chimney and seal cracks and gaps. The product is sprayed onto the masonry surface in layers, and is designed to:
• Stand up to high levels of heat
• Strengthen the chimney
• Resist damage from the corrosive and acidic byproducts of combustion
• Increase efficiency by providing a smooth surface
We typically use this product for historical chimneys that have clay liners in need of a little TLC. We are trained in the application of Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant and guarantee all of our work.
HEATSHIELD SYSTEM
When it comes to economical alternatives, the HeatShield flue relining system is at the top of the list. If it is learned that you have a few minor cracks in your current liner, completely relining it could prove to be quite costly. Instead, restoring the current liner’s integrity with HeatShield’s patent pending joint repair system just might be the way to go. It is installed similarly to a cast-in-place liner and restores your chimney to its original peak level of safety and efficiency.
If your chimney was built without a liner or your clay liner needs a little restoration work, call the experts at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney! There are many reasons you may need to reline your chimney, and you have several options available to you. Our CSIA-certified technicians will be there with you throughout the entire process. If you suspect there may be a problem with your liner, call us at 518-767-9315 or schedule your appointment online today!