Did you know that chimneys were never designed to be deconstructed. or taken apart and then put back together. But that’s exactly what we used to do when installing a new stainless steel flue liner to meet the manufacturers requirements. On top of that, when extracting the flue tiles, we had to take them through your living room. It’s a very loud, dangerous and invasive process that no one wants in their home. That’s why we recommend the #1 preferred method of chimney relining restoration, HeatShield®.
Why Should You Consider a Revolutionary Lining Repair Method
- If you are going to build a fire in your home and vent it through a system built by someone else 50-100 years ago, don’t you want to make sure it’s a good system?
- Chimneys systems are constructed with intentional adherence to mathematical sizing. The HeatShield® Method does not compromise this and there is no requirement for downsizing.
- There are few if any issues with this product.
- There is no demolition on or in your home.
- Similar methods of repair have been made in Europe for over 30 years and have just become available here in America over the past few.
- Company’s also have to meet strict standards to be approved for HeatShield® application so you know American Chimney & Fireplace has been vetted and trained.
HeatShield® is formulated specially as a “Cerfractory®” sealant that helps restore the integrity of a chimney flue. Your chimney will vent hazardous gases from your home without the danger of gas and debris venting out the gaps and cracks as well as prevent spalling for years to come. The smoke chamber will most likely need repair as well during the process due to the same wear and tear found in the flue. By using either the Repair System or the CeCure® Sleeve Relining System (depending on the defects found) your chimney will be restored to its original peak level of safety and efficiency.
Joint Repair
When the joints of the ceramic flue tiles get misaligned or come out of alignment, we use one of two methods. The first is a Joint Repair System used for chimneys that simply require the repair of defective mortar joints. These are the joints that hold the flue tile together. The second is called the Resurfacing System and is used when mortar joints as well as additional minor defects in tile lined flues need repaired. With Heatshield® (patent pending) Joint Repair system, your chimney is fixed right the first time.
A special foam applicator blade is custom made to fit your chimney. The applicator tool and blade are then plunged down your chimney and positioned below each gap or void mortar joint. The HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant mixture is added. Each defective mortar joint in your flue is filled as HeatShield® mixture is extruded into the gap by the tool. Your repaired joint is then made smooth as the blade passes over the filled void as the tool is pulled upward. The repair is immediately looked at with a specially designed video camera that is attached to the bottom of the applicator tool. Our professional HeatShield® installers will verify that each gap or void has been properly repaired as it is immediately viewed on the cameras monitor.
Resurfacing System
When a chimney has a cracked or spalled flue liner that is otherwise functional and sound, the Resurfacing System is used. With this system a coating is applied over the entire flue. Cameras are used to verify these repairs as well. Resurfacing the interior is the perfect way to restore the integrity of the entire flue liner. A custom-made foam applicator plug is lowered to the bottom of the flue and attached to a winch that is placed on top of the chimney. A “tie coat” material is poured into the flue and applied to the walls as the plug is pulled upward by the winch. The “tie coat” cleans any remaining dust in your flue and acts as a primer for the HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant. Once the tie coat dries, the material is poured again into the flue and applied onto the inner wall at a thickness of about ¼”. The foam plug makes sure the material is smooth as it is pulled upward by the winch. This method is known as “slip casting” or “slip cast extrusion”. Your professional HeatShield® Installer then verifies that your newly-restored chimney is completely sealed and smoke-tight by video scanning your completed repair. Call American Chimney & Fireplace at 502-435-2364 or request an appointment online.
