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Chimney Relining Is Now More Affordable Than Ever
In the good old days – which in this case has not been that long ago – when you needed to repair a damaged clay or terracotta chimney liner, you either 1) replaced it, 2) decided just not to use your fireplace, or 3) took your chances (which was never a good choice). Today with the introduction of a product and system called HeatShield®, you have an affordable option to repair the clay liner and get it back in great working order.
Of course, there are times when the liner is beyond repair with extensive gaps, breaks, and flaking when we still recommend replacement with a stainless steel liner. We like these liners because they come with a lifetime warranty – as long as they are installed by a certified chimney sweep.
If your chimney inspection reveals a chimney liner that’s too far gone to save, you can count on the team at Ashbusters Charleston to find the right solution for you. Call us today at 843-595-4927 or schedule an appointment with us online.
What Is a Chimney Liner?
Chimneys may look like basic structures at first glance – you burn a fire, the smoke exits through the chimney, and everything’s fine. That’s straightforward enough, right?
The reality is that chimneys are complex systems with several components that have to function properly – and in unison – for your fireplace to be safe to use. When a fire burns, it produces potentially lethal gases, like carbon monoxide. Brick is strong and can withstand high temperatures, but gases can escape through the pores on its surface and get into your home. One of the most important defenses against this is a chimney liner.
A chimney liner extends the length of the chimney and acts as a barrier against acidic and poisonous gases. It can be made of several materials including stainless steel, clay, aluminum, and terracotta. When the liner is damaged by standard wear and tear or a sudden event, like a chimney fire, it can no longer safely expel toxins out of your home.
What Are the Signs of a Damaged Chimney Liner?
The liner is located on the interior of your chimney, so it’s not always easy to tell when something isn’t right. More often than not, awareness of liner problems comes up during chimney inspections. But there are signs that you can keep an eye out for that could spell trouble for your liner:
- Debris in the firebox. With the exception of ashes, there shouldn’t be anything in the firebox whether or not your fireplace is in use. Puddles of water are a common sign of a chimney leak, but if you see fragments like shards of clay or rusted bits, it may be due to a deteriorating liner.
- Creosote buildup. Creosote is one of those harmful byproducts of wood fire burning. It’s a highly flammable, tar-like substance that coats the walls of the chimney. Creosote that is building up faster than normal could point to a liner that isn’t functioning properly.
- Cracks on the chimney exterior. If you have a masonry chimney system, cracks can form for a lot of reasons and an underlying problem with the chimney liner is a common cause for masonry cracks.
- Visible cracks and gaps. Depending on the makeup of your chimney, you may be able to grab a flashlight and get a good look at your liner. If you can see cracks or gaps, bring in a certified chimney professional to give your chimney a thorough assessment.
Why a Chimney Liner Makes a Difference
Many old houses were built without chimney liners and have to be retrofitted to meet today’s building codes. The reason liners have become so important is that they contain the smoke and poisonous carbon monoxide gases that are emitted naturally from a wood fire. Without this containment, these materials can enter your home through worn brick and stone or cracks that allow them to enter the attic to be circulated back into your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors or monitors can let you know once the amounts are at dangerous levels… but a well-maintained and working flue liner keeps this source going out into the atmosphere where it can be dispersed naturally.
We find these problems more often by conducting level two inspections. This level comes with a 360° video inspection up through the entire chimney appliance from firebox to crown. If we find any issues that need to be addressed, pictures are taken that can be shared with the homeowner, and we will work with you to come up with the best solution that is safer and most affordable.
Please take a minute and schedule an appointment with Ashbusters Charleston today to have your appliance inspected. It’s better to be sure and safe than lacking confidence and worried. Let’s make sure your chimney is working the way it was built to work. Give us a call at 843-595-4927 or inquire online.
How Long Does a Chimney Liner Last?
The lifespan of a chimney liner isn’t set in stone. The biggest factor in its longevity is how you take care of your chimney. Clay tile liners have the longest lifespan at about 50 years, but they’re prone to cracking and need to be inspected regularly. If you have a habit of skipping annual inspections, there’s a good chance that damage will go undetected.
On the other hand, if your liner is a low-grade stainless steel, but you keep up with annual inspections, you have a better chance of finding problems early enough to get them fixed before it impacts your fireplace’s performance.
The type of fuel you use can also impact the liner’s durability. Wood-burning fireplaces create more creosote, which can affect the liner differently than propane or natural gas. Again, maintenance becomes a looming factor as you can reduce creosote levels with regular chimney cleanings.
Don’t Just Listen to Us
There are two institutions that are on the forefront of consumer safety – the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Both of these organizations have stated that cracks, gaps, and other damage to the flue liner should result in removal and replacement or relining of the flue for safety and structure reasons.
The NFPA deals with fire safety issues having to do with chimneys and other problems that could lead to a fire. The CSIA deals with certifying and educating individuals for chimney and dryer vent safety. All of our chimney technicians hold certifications from both institutions and can change out or repair chimney liners of all types.
5 Things We Look For
- Has the clay mortar eroded or broken down in any way?
- Do we see cracks in the liner itself?
- Are the walls of the clay liner flaking; sometimes known as spalling?
- Do we see gaps between the flue tiles?
- Are the flue tiles cracked?
If any of these issues are seen, then we discuss with the homeowner the choices they will have from replacing to repairing. If opting to repair, here are the details of the HeatShield® system. You will note that this can be a great way to restore a clay or terracotta liner to full functionality.
If it is determined that the liner is not one that can be restored then we will go over the replacement procedure so you can make an informed decision. Again, we highly recommend the stainless steel liner in these cases as it will not rust and has a lifetime warranty – and is the best material available for the job.
How Much Does Relining a Chimney Cost?
Each chimney is different and we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to chimney repairs at Ashbusters Charleston. The best course of action for your chimney depends on its condition, location, and the material needed to restore it to working condition. We value safety, honesty, and transparency, and we don’t feel comfortable giving you an estimate until one of our CSIA-certified chimney technicians can inspect your chimney in person and assess any damage.
If you would like to get a better idea of the cost before your inspection, reach out to our customer service team for the full list of services we offer and how we can help you.
Don’t Risk Using Your Fireplace With a Faulty Chimney Liner
A damaged chimney liner is a huge safety concern. If you think something is wrong with your chimney – even if it’s a different issue from the liner – don’t hesitate to get in touch with Ashbusters Charleston. We’re here to make sure that your family is as safe as possible and that you can use your fireplace whenever you want to without worrying.
Call us to schedule an appointment now at 843-595-4927 or book with us online!
Relining your chimney with HeatShield® may be the right solution to your chimney repairs dilemma. Ask us for details.