Restore Your Chimney With Professional Chimney Relining Services
Regardless of fuel type, every chimney requires a chimney liner, which works to enclose the byproducts and heat created by the fire and to remove them promptly from the home. Without a chimney liner, byproducts of combustion, dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, and extremely high heat can access nearby combustibles (like framing and insulation) or enter the air supply. Both scenarios can be extremely hazardous to the homeowner.
When Do I Need To Reline?
Although it’s one of the most important parts of the chimney system, chimneys haven’t always had liners. In fact, many historical chimneys were built without them, which is, according to the National Bureau of Standards, “little less than criminal.” If you have an older home, there’s a chance that your chimney falls into this category.
But a missing chimney liner isn’t the only reason to reline. Chimneys are commonly relined for the following reasons:
- Liner damage. Even if your chimney was built with a liner, damage can occur to the liner and render it ineffective at containing and removing gases, smoke, and byproducts. Chimneys are typically lined using clay tile liners or metal liners, both of which are durable, but not invincible. After exposure to water (via a chimney leak), moisture from combustion, creosote, and other byproducts, the liner can begin to wear and tear. Additionally, earthquakes, chimney fires, house settling, and strong weather events can cause cracks and other liner damage.
- Performance issues. In order for a chimney liner to effectively work, it must be appropriately sized for the appliance it’s venting. A liner that is too small or too big for the appliance or fireplace opening is a common cause of many issues, including draft problems, smoke problems, excessive creosote buildup, and poor appliance performance. Anytime you have a new appliance installed, you should have your liner checked for appropriateness and ability to properly vent the new appliance.
- Fuel swaps. Switching from wood to gas or gas to wood? Each fuel type produces different byproducts and levels of heat, and not all liner types are equipped to take the beating of all fuels. If you’re switching fuels, make sure your liner is made of a material that can handle the new job. If it’s not, you’ll need to reline.
What Are My Relining Options & Which Is Right For Me?
Here at Chesapeake Chimney & Co., we specialize in chimney relining services that restore and preserve chimneys of all types and ages. We offer two relining options: stainless steel and HeatShield®.
- Stainless steel liners are a wonderful option for many homeowners because they are incredibly durable and can be used to vent any fuel. Additionally, they are available in rigid and flexible options, allowing them to fit in chimneys that have turns and odd angles. Click here for more information on stainless steel liners.
- HeatShield® is a revolutionary product that can be used to seal cracks, fill holes, and resurface clay tile liners that have been damaged. The product reinforces the liner and can be used to repair small cracks here and there or resurface the entire liner from top to bottom. To learn more about this product and process, click here.
Is it time to reline your chimney? Call Chesapeake Chimney & Co. at 410-535-0052 and schedule an inspection with one of our experienced, Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps. We’ll carefully evaluate your liner and let you know if it’s time to reline. Call or click here to request an appointment today!
Water damage from a chimney leak can get expensive in a short time, so call us right away to schedule an inspection or repair. Find out more about all our chimney and venting services today.