Liner Installation & Replacement
What is a Chimney Liner & Why Does Your Chimney Need One?
Chimney liners are a critical part of a chimney. They line the inside of your chimney to contain the heat from your furnace or fireplace. A liner also serves to contain Creosote residue, smoke, and carbon monoxide which are natural byproducts of burning a fuel source such as gas, wood, charcoal, etc., and preventing them from becoming a danger.
A proper liner helps to contain and vent these byproducts and keep them from entering the living spaces in your home. Many older homes built prior to 1940 do not have clay tile liners or no chimney liners at all. This often leaves these homes susceptible to home fires, carbon monoxide leakage, and rapid decay. Other homes may contain clay tile liners. These liners were a good solution at the time, but they are still susceptible to fatigue and failure. The newer stainless-steel liners provide excellent protection for your chimney and your house overall. These steel liners have become the industry standard in modern times.
common chimney liner issues
Chimney liners can deteriorate over time through use, age, or a lack of maintenance or cleaning. A proper liner is essential for the health and safety of your home and fireplace. Damaged, deteriorating, or nonexistent chimney liners can put your home at risk of…
Draft problems
When your chimney liner becomes damaged or deteriorates over time, it can lead to several draft-related problems. One of the common issues is insufficient draft, where the flow of air up the chimney is restricted. This can occur when the liner develops cracks, gaps, or other structural flaws, disrupting the smooth passage of smoke and gases.
Insufficient draft caused by a deteriorated chimney liner can have detrimental effects on your fireplace or stove’s performance. It can result in poor combustion, inefficient heating, and increased smoke or odor in your living space. Moreover, it can also lead to the buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide gas, posing a serious health risk for you and your family.
Carbon Monoxide entering your living spaces
A chimney liner acts as a protective barrier within your chimney, providing a vital defense against the entry of carbon monoxide into your living space. Over time, chimney liners can deteriorate due to various factors, including age, weather conditions, and corrosive byproducts of combustion. These deteriorations can lead to cracks, gaps, or even a complete breakdown of the liner, allowing carbon monoxide to escape into your home. It is recommended to have your fireplace serviced by a qualified technician every year.
Smoke venting issues
A damaged liner can disrupt the proper upward movement of smoke, causing it to stagnate and enter your living space instead. This can lead to unpleasant odors, soot accumulation, and even potential health hazards.
Additionally, a deteriorating chimney liner may result in a reduced flue size. When the liner loses its structural integrity, the inner diameter decreases, hindering the smooth passage of smoke. This restriction can create backdrafts, forcing smoke to flow back into your home rather than escaping through the chimney top. This situation not only affects air quality but also poses a risk of carbon monoxide exposure, which can be deadly.
An inefficient Fireplace
An inefficient chimney liner can hamper the heat transfer process, resulting in reduced heat efficiency. The liner’s primary function is to insulate the chimney, allowing the heat generated by your fire to be efficiently transferred into your living space. A deteriorating, inadequate, or nonexistent liner can impede this process, leading to a significant loss of heat and money through energy wastage. Keep your home ready for winter by installing a chimney liner.