Tag: chimney relining services

When Should A Chimney Be Relined

Replacing the lining on your chimney is important once it starts to deteriorate. Even though you are looking at a costly replacement, but it cannot be ignored at the same time. Since it is a costly process involving chimney contractors and you are going to pay for a new flue as well, it is necessary that you are aware of the type of liners available. Let’s take the discussion ahead and see why and when should a chimney be relined.

What Is Chimney Relining?

As mentioned earlier, chimney liner or flue begins to deteriorate over time, which can turn hazardous for people living inside the house. The reason liners are important is because they direct both heat and gasses up through the chimney top and prevent the combustible materials around the chimney from catching fire due to heat.

Therefore, if you observe that your chimney lining has some cracks, you should know that it is time to reline your chimney before you can use your fireplace. If you are skeptical about relining the chimney, you should consult an expert who will use special camera equipment to show you a view from the inside.

Why Is It Important?

Part of what makes the chimney relining process necessary is the fact that some chimneys were not built right in the first place. Liners not only provide a seamless and smooth surface but insulation as well. Back in the day, chimneys were purged with mortar to line the flue and these were termed the best-quality chimneys.

Although clay tiles have been a standard since the 1990s but even today, some properties have chimneys that are without a liner. This is because builders and contractors do not keep up with the standard practices and expect the owner to pay for it in the future.

Keep in mind that the a chimney flue liner will need to be replaced and you will have three options in hand: clay tile liners, cast-in-place liners, and metal flue liners.

Clay Tile Liners

Traditionally, the majority of homes feature clay tile liners. These are undoubtedly the favorite of many since it does not catch any heat and does not corrode easily. A well-built clay tile liner can easily offer a lifespan of 50 years or more with very little maintenance. However, you will need to regularly clean it to ensure that it does not need to be replaced for years to come.

At the same time, if you were opting for rectangular or square flue tiles, you should know that the natural flow of smoke spirals upward in a helical pattern through the flue. Considering the flow, experts suggest opting for round flues as they are more efficient.

In addition to that, clay tile liners are relatively cheap but you will be paying for expensive intensive labor. Retrofitting clay liners on an existing chimney can be slightly tricky, especially if it isn’t straight. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to find someone who can get the job done right in some areas.

Cast-In-Place Liners

If using new clay tiles is not an option, it is possible to use several poured-cement processes to create a new flue inside a damaged chimney. Cast-in-place liners offer additional benefits as compared to clay tile liners as they are hardly affected by acids, heat, and condensation.

Plus, the temperature inside cast-in-place liners happens to be high due to their insulation properties. As a result, they burn cleaner and reduce the accumulation of creosote as well. Additionally, cast-in-place liners can be less labor-intensive as compared to reconstructing clay flues but there are several ways of doing it. With that said, the overall flue liner cost will depend on the technique and method used by the professional to install the new liners.

Metal Flue Liners

According to most installers, metal flue liners are the easiest to install as they are less labor-intensive and are readily available in different shapes and sizes to suit wood stoves and fireplaces. However, the problem is old-house restorers come across an overwhelming number of types and options and it becomes hard to select the best option.

On the other hand, the good news is that most metal flue liners come with a kit that makes them even easier to replace. Overall, opting for metal flue liners can be a wise decision but only if you are able to find someone expert enough to get the job done the right way.

Final Word

Considering the fact that chimney liners can turn harmful, it is important that you keep a lookout for flue replacement when needed. Remember, relining the chimney can be a labor-intensive process. Therefore, you should forget about doing it yourself and hire chimney relining services Columbia MD for the task.

What Is A Chimney Flue And Flue Liner

When you look at the chimney you feel that it is a fairly simple construction. You see the fireplace, dampers, and chimney. But there is more to it than meets the eye. Let’s talk about two commonly confused components of a chimney which should also be on your list during chimney inspection. The chimney flue and the flue liner.

What Is The Flue Liner?

Here the answer is pretty simple. First, you need to understand what a flue is. Right above your firebox, where you light our fire is the smoke chamber.

This is the place where the smoke enters and is then funneled out of the chimney. The smoke is compacted as it makes its way up through the chimney, with the help of the flue. Then it passes through the chimney crown, and then through the cap, and disperses in the air outside.

Chimney flue is usually made up of clay tiles or metals in some cases.

Earlier homes didn’t have flue liners, but after the 1940s it was normal to have them installed. Since flue liners are an integral part of your chimney’s functioning process, therefore, many states have made it obligatory for all chimneys to have flue liners.

Different Types Of Flue Liners

As mentioned above, typical chimneys have their flues liners made of clay tiles. This is the same clay that your backyard flower pots are made of. Clay chimney liners are by far the best way to offer protection against the chemicals found in smoke. They protect your chimneys from deteriorating owing to the aforementioned factors.

Over time these clay tiles will need to be replaced as they crack and deteriorate. Also, if there is considerable creosote build-up and your chimney catches fire, your clay tiles will crack from the heat and fire.

A useful option to line your chimney is to get a stainless-steel chimney liner. They offer sound protection against heat and smoke and can last you for a handsome two decades. The biggest advantage of stainless-steel liners is that they are durable and don’t crack nor corrode. After its installation, you only need to get it inspected once a year.

What Is Chimney Flue?

Chimney flue is the chamber through which the smoke and hot toxic gases make their way outside. The chimney is the visible standing structure that surrounds the flue. It provides insulation, which reduces the risk of fire hazards. A chimney can have several flues, as many fireplaces can be connected to the same chimney. There is an assortment of sizes and styles for chimney flues, but they require regular maintenance for optimal performance and safety.

Flues are usually made from high-quality heat resistant materials because the emitted gases can be very hot. The surrounding chimney structure gives it an additional fire resistance, and also helps in reducing the heat loss, as the bricks of the chimney heat up when gases and smoke pass through it outside the building.

Tiles, bricks, and ceramics are commonly used in the construction process of chimney flues. Although there is a possibility to use metals also for this purpose.

Why Its Used?

The main objective of the flue is to provide exhaust to the combusted materials so that they may not occupy the room. Usually, the flue emits harmful gases, with minimum heat loss, so that the fireplace remains warm for the people indoors without posing safety threats for them.

As far as the structure is concerned, flue liners are upright and they provide the best outlet for the uninterrupted flow of combustible gases and smoke outside the chimney. As with all construction materials, chimney flue will also deteriorate over time. It will get clogged due to the creosote buildup. In addition to compromising the efficacy of the flue, these materials also pose a serious fire hazard. If they get ignited by sparks, they will result in serious chimney fires which can be very dangerous. For this purpose, they need to be regularly cleaned to avoid any buildup and also to prevent fire hazards.

The flue liners need to be replaced after a couple of decades because the heat and smoke deteriorate the materials. You can call in chimney relining services Columbia MD to replace the flue liners.