Your chimney contains many important parts for proper safety and function. Like a human body’s skin, the liner may be the largest part of the system and most overlooked for its importance. The liner serves as a barrier to protect the chimney and masonry.
Three Jobs of a Chimney Liner
Many old masonry chimneys still dangerously remain without a liner. The chimney liner serves three main purposes, all of which affect the home and the family directly.
1. Prevents Heat Transfer
The chimney and masonry become quite hot as a fire burns. The liner prevents the fire’s heat from passing through the masonry and affecting the home. Building materials near the chimney become weakened over time as the masonry heats it. In addition, the high heat can cause a fire, but it also weakens structural materials by applying heat over time. This leads to brittle, dry, and weakened beams and supports.
2. Protect the Masonry
The byproducts of combustion are hazardous to humans and highly corrosive to masonry due to its porous nature. The liner also protects the masonry from the corrosive gases produced by the fire. When tested, industry professionals found that when the corrosive gases penetrate the masonry, it decreases the usable life of the chimney. As the masonry corrodes, the poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide, can escape the chimney system and enter the home, causing carbon monoxide poisoning and other health hazards.
3. Correctly-Sizes the Flue
A flue liner corrects the size of the flue so it is the ideal size for the fire burned in the fireplace, stove, or insert. If the chimney wasn’t designed and built by a certified chimney sweep, then you may deal with a chimney that is too tall or wide to adequately vent your fire. When installing an insert, a new liner is also needed because it is slightly smaller than the pre-existing firebox. If the chimney is too large for the fire, the air will cool and stall. This causes soot and creosote buildup in the flue, smoke and gas being pushed into the home, and an increased risk of fire. The risk of fire also increases due to the hot air rising up the chimney. Laslty, a balance of drafts and heat must be present in order for the chimney to work safely and efficiently.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Your chimney liner is the way out of your chimney. The gases, water vapor, unburned particles, soot, and creosote exit through your chimney liner. A well-maintained one lasts longer, provide the best airflow, and work appropriately for your fuel type. You can have your chimney liner checked during a routine inspection or call and ask one of our chimney experts at Chesapeake Chimney about relining services.
Call us at 410-535-0052 or use our convenient online scheduling tool!
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