Chimney lining is one of the most important parts of the chimney yet it is often the most overlooked; out of sight, out of mind. It is a good idea to have your chimney inspected on a regular basis. By having a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep inspect and clean your chimney, you can trust that you’ll know when it’s time to replace your liner. This lining can be costly to replace, and anytime you are making a major investment in your home it is good to understand why it is so important.
Chimney lining, or flue, is usually made of clay, metal, or ceramic and installed inside your chimney. This layer protects the chimney walls from heat and erosion and directs smoke and gasses up and out of your home. Most types of chimney liner eventually deteriorate, which can be a major safety hazard for using your fireplace. Relining a chimney means having a new flue liner installed.
A crumbling, cracked, or damaged chimney liner can be very dangerous. You risk the building material of your chimney catching fire. Not only is it a fire hazard, but if your chimney is blocked by deteriorating liner, smoke or harmful gasses can enter your home. This is potentially dangerous for any residents, but particularly bad for those with asthma or other breathing problems.
Many lining options are available in terms of materials. Clay tile, cement liners cast directly into the chimney, and metal liners are all fairly common in the fireplace industry. I can help you choose which type of liner is best for your particular fireplace and chimney.
Having a properly sized liner is extremely important. Many companies will install whatever they have in stock or whatever they can force to fit into your space. All chimneys have sizing requirements, and require a correctly sized flue for proper performance and maximum efficiency. An incorrectly sized liner can lead to additional creosote buildup and production of carbon monoxide, which is a huge safety hazard.
Call me for a consultation if you’re unsure whether the flue in your chimney is doing its job. We’ll schedule a consultation for a time when you can ask me any questions you may have about your chimney and I can take the time to answer them effectively. If I see any problems right away I will let you know so that we can make plans to fix them before the fireplace and chimney are used again.
Schedule your annual chimney cleaning and inspection about the same time each year so you don’t forget it. Treat it as a special holiday of sorts so you’ll remember the date. Mark it on your calendar or set the date on your smartphone. The annual cleaning and inspection are extremely important steps to ensuring the health of your fireplace and chimney system.