According to the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America), 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, not sized properly, 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 chimney relining options, depending on both the type of flue liner you currently have and the overall condition of your flue. A CSIA Certified Technician can properly inspect your chimney and recommend the appropriate chimney flue liner for your home.
Terracotta Liners
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 terracotta. It’s commonplace to repair or replace them with new terracotta liners. However, many clients prefer switching over to either a stainless steel or cast-in-place liner is an option.
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.
Cast-In-Place Liners
As chimney liners go, this option offers the highest levels of safety, thermal efficiency, and longevity of any liner available. Cast-in-place liners are installed by pumping a concrete-like material around a former, which is inserted down the full length of the chimney. After the lining sets, the former is removed, giving you a smooth, seamless, and extremely well insulated chimney liner. This type is ideal for applications in deteriorated chimneys that need structural support. They are rated to withstand a higher temperature than either the clay or stainless steel liners.
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.
There are many reasons you may need to reline your chimney, and you have several options available to you. The CSIA-certified technicians at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County will be there with you throughout the entire process. If you suspect there may be a problem with your liner, call us at 410-590-4800 or schedule your appointment online today!