The Dangers of Cracks, Gaps, and Voids in Your Chimney Liner
One of the most important reasons behind an annual chimney inspection is to check out the condition of your chimney liner. When our certified chimney sweeps from All American Chimney Service, LLC inspect your chimney, we use a video camera to get the best possible look at your liner to see if any cracks, gaps, or voids are present. If damage to the liner is found, our chimney technicians can either repair the liner with the HeatShield repairing and restoring method or replace the liner for your fireplace and chimney system to function properly and safely. We would like to share with you some information from theChimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)about chimney liners and why cracks, gaps, and voids can decrease the performance of your chimney and create a possible hazardous situation.
Why does my chimney need a liner?
The CSIA states that chimney liners are an essential part of your fireplace and chimney system for three reasons:
Liners protect your house from extremely high temperatures.
The National Bureau of Standards tested masonry chimneys that had no liners in both the 1940’s and the 1980’s. During each testing period, they found that heat moved so rapidly up the chimney that woodwork next to the chimney would ignite in fewer than four hours. To prevent a dangerous house fire, your chimney should be lined.
Liners protect the masonry work of your chimney from the corrosive byproducts of combustion.
If you have no liner or have a damaged liner with gaps and voids, toxic gases can penetrate the bricks and mortar of your chimney. Because these gases are acidic, your bricks and mortar can be eaten away and create even bigger holes to allow carbon monoxide to easily enter the living spaces of your home. Cracks, gaps, and voids can even allow smoke and creosote to enter your home and create hazardous health issues.
Liners provide a correctly sized flue for the best efficiency of your heating appliance.
If you decide to upgrade your old fireplace with a fireplace insert or stove, your flue is most likely smaller than your existing firebox, which can cause problems. All American Chimney Service, LLC can professionally install a new liner to perfectly fit your new insert or stove. Without a properly sized flue, you could experience draft and combustion issues such as large accumulations of creosote in wood-burning units and overproduction of carbon monoxide in gas-fueled appliances.
The only way to be sure your chimney liner has no cracks, gaps, or voids is to schedule a professional chimney inspection from All American Chimney Service, LLC.Contactus to schedule an appointment to protect your chimney, your home, and your family.