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Why Chimney Relining & Flue Repair Is Sometimes Necessary
While it’s true that, for many years, chimneys were built without flue liners, that doesn’t mean a chimney liner is not needed or important. In fact, fire safety organizations all agree that every venting system should be lined for the safety of the home or business and the performance and efficiency of the system.
You see, the chimney liner provides an insulated, smooth, smoke-tight surface and passageway for smoke, gases, and other byproducts of combustion produced by the fire. Heat and byproducts are escorted up through the flue and out of the chimney, to ensure protection against:
- house fire
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- performance problems
- excessive creosote buildup
- smoke
When liners aren’t installed or liners become damaged due to age, stress, wear and tear, creosote, heat, or moisture, they fail to provide that protection. Damage can include:
- cracks
- flaking/spalling areas
- gaps and misalignment between tiles
- erosion of mortar joints
- corrosion and rust (metal liners)
It’s in these situations that flues need to be repaired or relined.
What if you have a metal liner and it’s not even that old. Are there other situations when a relining is needed? Yes.
The flue liner must be sized just right for the appliance or fireplace it’s venting. If the flue is too big or too small, you could experience an array of problems, including smoke problems, draft problems, and poor performance. Flue liners must also be approved for the appliance they’re venting. That’s why relining is recommended when you’re replacing your appliance with an appliance that differs in fuel, efficiency, size, or type.
How Are Flue Liners Repaired Or Replaced?
Not all flue repairs are long-lasting or effective and not all liners are made to stand up to the tough, corrosive byproducts of fire. Make sure your flue is better off after repairs or replacement by leaving it in the hands of the qualified and certified experts here at SirVent STL.
We reline with stainless steel.
Stainless steel liners are considered to be a strong, durable, and resilient relining option. There are many benefits to relining with stainless steel.
- These liners come in many shapes and sizes to fit a host of chimneys.
- They’re resistant to rust, corrosion, cracking, and other damage.
- They’re approved for use with gas, pellet, wood, and oil burning appliances, unlike weaker metals which are only approved for use with certain fuel types.
- When annually inspected and swept as needed, these liners carry a lifetime warranty.
When installing a new stainless steel liner, we insulate the liner to ensure peak safety and performance levels, better draft, and a warmer flue. We’ll make sure everything is done to manufacturer’s specs, so you don’t have to worry one bit.
We repair flues, resurface, and line with HeatShield®.
HeatShield® is considered to be one of the industry’s top options for repairing and restoring deteriorating clay tile or terra cotta liners, but it can also be used to line unlined flues. This system is strong and effective, and will leave behind a smoother, safer flue surface. What are some of the benefits and applications?
- HeatShield® carries a 20 year warranty.
- This system can repair, resurface, or reline terra cotta or clay tile flues, without any demo or tear out work.
- HeatShield® can repair gaps and missing mortar, spalling/cracked flue tiles, and be used to line an unlined brick flue.
- HeatsShield® is highly insulating and protective against heat transfer.
- This system is resistant to moisture corrosion and acid attack, and can withstand extremely high temperatures.
We’re proud to be factory-trained certified HeatShield® installers and we’re happy to be able to offer this flue restoration option to our customers throughout Jackson and the neighboring areas.
Schedule An Inspection Today & Know When/If Repair Or Relining Is Needed
When was the last time you had your flue liner inspected? Has it been a while? Have you made changes to your system or do you plan to in the near future? No matter what’s going on with your chimney system, chimney safety inspections should be a regular part of your maintenance routine. By scheduling one each and every year, you’ll know when repair or relining is needed, and you won’t have to worry about preventable and avoidable dangers like house fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ready to schedule your chimney inspection and flue repair/relining? Give us a call at 573-652-3926 or fill out our online appointment request form. We’re licensed, insured, certified, and ready to bring you the quality service you deserve.
Have you had a chimney fire? You’ll definitely need to have your chimney inspected ASAP so you know whether or not any damage was done to your liner. Give us a call!