Why Do You Need A Chimney Liner?

The chimney liner is what contains and vents all of the gases, smoke, and byproducts created by the attached fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove, or furnace. Having a quality, properly sized, and damage-free liner is the key to safely enjoying a fire in your home.

Most chimneys are lined with terra cotta clay flue tiles, each stacked one on top of the other from the foundation to the chimney top. While terra cotta liners can do a great job, over time, these tiles become weakened due to the acidic nature of the vented gases, the extreme heat of fire, and the shifting and settling of the house and foundation. Clay tile liners can also weaken and deteriorate as a result of absorbing the moisture (from rain, snow, and ice) that makes its way into the chimney. But what’s the real harm?

Weakened and deteriorating clay tile liners will shed or spall, crack, and split. And when this happens, not only will pieces of the liner fall down into the chimney and fireplace (sometimes causing flue blockages and smoke problems), but the gases, hot ash, and smoke from the furnace, fireplace, or stove can seep into cracks and holes in the liner and make their way out of the flue itself.

If these escapees come into contact with the masonry of the chimney, they can cause damage to the brick and mortar joints. If they come into contact with nearby framing and walls, they can spark a house fire. And if they enter your air supply, they can cause respiratory health issues and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Restore The Safety Of Your Chimney With A Long-Lasting Stainless Steel Liner

Unfortunately, it’s not easy or cost-effective to replace a damaged portion of a clay tile liner, but thankfully, there’s a better option for full liner restoration, no matter how great the damage may be: stainless steel liners.

Stainless steel liners are stainless steel sleeves that are slipped into the existing liner and run all the way from the appliance or fireplace to the top of the chimney. By connecting to the fireplace, stove, or furnace, these liners ensure that all smoke and gases produced by the fire remain contained and properly exit the chimney, instead of leaking through the cracks and holes in the damaged flue tiles.

Graphic of tech lining red chimney

But a damaged liner isn’t the only reason to reline. Here are a couple of additional reasons you may also need to reline your chimney:

  • You’re installing a new appliance and your existing liner isn’t approved to vent the fuel it burns or isn’t the right size for the new appliance.
  • Your chimney is older and was built without a liner.

Here at Ceaser Chimney Service, we primarily reline with National Chimney Supply’s M-Flex liner, which is a flexible liner made from 316/Ti Titanium. Because of its flexibility and strength, the liner can make turns to accommodate the shape of just about any chimney, while withstanding temperatures upwards of 2,100 degrees F.

These liners are approved for use with all fuel types, so whether you rely on gas, oil, pellet, or wood to keep your home warm, a stainless steel liner can safely vent your furnace, fireplace, or stove. And when installed by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney technician, these liner kits come with a lifetime, transferable manufacturer’s warranty, which means you get quality that lasts and lasts — guaranteed.

Trust Your New Liner To The Experienced Pros Here At Ceaser Chimney Service

Is it time to have your chimney relined for a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable fireside experience? Call Ceaser Chimney Service at 603-518-5773 today or fill out our online appointment request form. We serve our neighbors throughout Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Chester, and the neighboring communities, and we’re here to provide total peace of mind, one flue at a time.

 

A complete fireplace makeover will bring new life to any fireplace and increase your enjoyment for years to come. Find out more about this chimney and fireplace repair service today.