The chimney liner is one of the most important components of a chimney system. When it becomes damaged, it can be one of the most dangerous components in your entire home.
American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share a little about chimney liners, including the different types, signs that they’re failing and how to address damage.
Types of Chimney Liners
All masonry chimneys are required by law to be properly lined. Liners are typically made of one of three materials:
- Stainless steel
- Terracotta tiles
- A poured-in-place compound
All styles can suffer damage after years of fireplace use. If the liner material is cheap or if the installation wasn’t done by professionals, problems may occur sooner rather than later.
Does Your Chimney Liner Need Attention?
Common signs of liner damage include the following:
Pieces of tile falling into the firebox
This means that individual tiles are cracking and falling away. If a few tiles are doing this, it probably won’t be long until most or all of them fail.
Drafting problems
If a chimney liner begins to crack or split, it can cause sluggish drafting.
Carbon monoxide monitors going off
A damaged liner will allow smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to escape and possibly filter into living spaces in the home.
Bad smells
The smells aren’t the damage sign, but if the smells are coming from excess creosote, which is highly acidic and can eat away at chimney liners, it may point toward deterioration in the future.
Chimney Repair, Relining and Resurfacing
Some chimney liner issues can be repaired. But once a cycle of damage begins, it’s usually best to look into replacing the liner or resurfacing the flue.
Stainless-Steel Chimney Liner Installation
When replacing a damaged stainless-steel liner, a new liner of the same material is most often the best solution. The liners we use are UL-listed and sturdy. Our crew installs stainless-steel liners in chimneys of all sizes and configurations.
Chimney Flue Resurfacing and Repair with HeatShield
The best solution for damaged clay tile liners and many poured-in-place chimney liners is the HeatShield process. This innovative treatment can repair or resurface.
Repairs are made with a foam blade that pushes the HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant into cracks and gaps in and between individual tiles. The result is new strength and consistent smoothness.
Resurfacing involves placing a plug at the bottom of the flue, pouring in the HeatShield compound, and then using a winch to drag the plug upward, evenly coating all sections of the flue.
Liner Work Begins with an Inspection
Before we do any work on your chimney liner or flue, we’ll inspect the chimney closely, using our own trained eyes as well as a video camera. After we understand what’s happening and why it’s happening, we’ll consult with you and explain the repair, replacement or resurfacing option that will be the most beneficial for you.
Solve Your Chimney Liner Issues
American Chimney & Fireplace is a family-owned, family-run chimney company that’s been helping homeowners in Louisville, KY, and surrounding areas with chimney liner issues since 2007. We can solve your issues and provide you with a chimney liner that’s built for safety and efficiency.
Speak with a chimney expert by phone, or reach out through our contact form.
Based in Louisville, KY, our certified technicians serve Pewee Valley, KY, Anchorage, KY, Clarksville, IN, Brandenburg, KY, Fisherville, KY, Glenview, KY, and other communities in the greater Louisville region.
