We Reline Chimney, Furnace, And Boiler Flues Throughout Delaware County & The Main Line
You may not give much thought to the inner workings of the chimney system and what is responsible for what, but your chimney liner is one of the most important components with one of the most important jobs. If it’s damaged or if your chimney was built or installed without a liner, your risk of house fire, carbon monoxide, and an inefficient and unpleasant fireside or heating experience is greatly increased. But we can help.
What Is A Chimney Liner?
First things first: what is a chimney liner? According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the flue lining in a masonry chimney is defined as “A clay, ceramic, or metal conduit installed inside of a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.”
Most masonry chimneys in Delaware County are constructed with an inner liner of clay tiles. The purpose of the liner is to keep the heat and flue gases contained inside of the chimney, and vent it to the outside, so that this heat and these flue gases don’t come into contact with the masonry walls of the chimney or nearby combustibles, like the framing or walls within your home.
The liner also works to keep carbon monoxide, moisture, smoke, creosote, and other byproducts of combustion from seeping through the bricks and mortar of your chimney and entering your home.
Is It Time To Reline Your Chimney?
As you can imagine, the flue liner has a hard job, and containing and venting the extreme heat and corrosive byproducts of your fireplace, stove, boiler, or furnace produces can take a toll. Furnace flues are especially prone to damage because of the corrosive effect of the flue gases produced, and when damage is present, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 211 states that the liner must be replaced.
You’ll need to have your flue relined if the following is true:
- The original clay tile liner was never installed
- The clay tile liner cracks, crumbles, or deteriorates as a result of water damage, chimney fire, age, heat, or the corrosive byproducts of combustion
Because the flue liner must be properly sized for the appliance it’s venting and approved for use with the fuel it’s venting, you may also need to reline your chimney if you’re switching out appliances or changing fuel types.
When having a new liner installed, there are several things that you need to consider:
- What type of flue liner will you need? The quality and durability of chimney liners varies greatly, and not all metals are approved for use with all fuel types. Aluminum liners, for example, are only approved for use with certain types of gas appliances (not all), and cannot be installed in a flue that previously vented an oil appliance (like an oil furnace or boiler). These liners are also easily damaged during installation, especially if the chimney has an offset or a long run. Stainless steel liners are a much better choice, but make sure that the liner being installed is UL listed, not just “tested to UL standards.” You’ll also want to make sure it carries a transferable lifetime warranty and that all of the required components are being installed, not just the liner itself.
- What size will you need? Proper sizing is key to the safe and efficient function of a flue liner, which is why all chimneys have sizing requirements that must be met according to the International Residential Code (IRC). An incorrectly sized liner can lead to excessive creosote buildup in wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, performance problems, and the production of carbon monoxide with conventional fuels. Unfortunately, many companies simply install whatever size liner they have in stock, or whatever they can make fit, regardless of whether or not it’s the proper size for the attached appliance.
- Who should perform your chimney relining? There are a lot of specialty skills and tools needed to perform a proper chimney relining, and proper venting of appliances is crucial, which is why it should be done by a qualified chimney professional. The CSIA- certified chimney sweep credential is a good minimum standard to consider when looking for someone to do work on your chimney, and some warranties even require that the installation and annual inspection be performed by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. You’ll also want to look for other industry credentials, and make sure they have proof of liability insurance, and a valid Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor’s License.
We’re Experienced, Trained & Certified To Take Care Of Your Chimney Relining Project
Here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service, we’re proud to reline with quality, UL listed and tested, stainless steel chimney liners and, in some cases, repair and resurface flue liners with HeatShield®, a cerfractory sealant. Our team has relined thousands of chimney flues and furnace/boiler flues in the Philadelphia area, and has the following credentials:
Chimney sweeping is one of the most important and simplest chimney services you can schedule. Call us today to take care of it!