What Are The Differed Types Of Chimney Liners

What Are The Differed Types Of Chimney Liners

Home & Garden

Since decades it has been deemed necessary to include chimney liners inside the chimneys. Still some old chimneys still do not have a liner. But what is a chimney liner and why is it important to get chimney lining or relining from a chimney contractor if your chimney liner is old or doesn’t exist at all?

What Is A Chimney Liner?

A chimney liner is a lining in the interior of the chimney which protects the masonry of the chimney and its components and also is a guard against the combustible products.

What Is The Purpose Of A Chimney Liner?

A chimney liner serves three major purposes:

  1. Its major purpose is to protect your home from catching fire. Statistics prove that around 80% of unlined chimneys got a house fire. The heat from the burning fire can cause the combustible to catch fire and also the wood can easily catch fire and burn.
  2. The by-products of burning wood are smoke, fumes and other dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide which is an invisible and odorless gas. These gases penetrate the masonry and brick and mortar of the chimney and can lead to deterioration of the masonry components of the chimney. This causes the chimney life to decrease. When the masonry is affected then the gases will leak inside the home which is dangerous for health.
  3. If the chimney is used to vent other appliances then the exact size of the chimney liner is extremely important. If the lining is not properly fixed then there will be excessive production of carbon monoxide and hence more production of creosote which can further lead to deterioration of the masonry and the mortar joining the chimney even if regular chimney cleaning is done.

Types Of Chimney Liners

Since a long time clay liners were used for chimney lining because they were affordable, easy to fix and last around 50 years which is quite a long time. But now due to innovation in technology metal liners and cast-in liners are also used.

Clay Liners

The most cost friendly option out there is clay liners. They have been used for decades and they even last for decades. Clay us an environment friendly material and can be made with any type of chimney. Clay does not corrode but does deteriorate with time due to flue gases and other factors. The only problem with clay liners is that if a crack appears or the need to reline the chimney arises then you will need to break the chimney and build a new lining. So in the long run you cannot reline easily but a lot of manual labor and cost will be required.

Metal Liners

Metal liners are made from aluminium or stainless steel. Stainless steel is a much preferred option as it works with all mediums of fuel like gas, oil or wood burning and can sustain heat well. A stainless steel chimney liner is installed once and mostly lasts a lifetime. Aluminium is used for medium efficiency gas systems. They both need high temperature insulation mounted on the underside so that there is no fire or heat related disaster. Metal liners mostly come in use when replacement liners are required or when reclining is needed.

Cast-In Place Chimney Liners

A cast-in place chimney liner is a cement type material but lighter. It is the best option out there because it can be installed in any type of chimney structure whether old or new and can even be used for relining. It does not need the movement of the whole chimney but is constructed with the pouring method and then hardens. It is naturally insulated and also is a smooth and sturdy surface that is also heat proof and can sustain high temperatures. If cast-in place chimney liners are installed in an unlined old chimney or used for reclining then it gives structure and proportion to the whole chimney.

To see which liner will be best for your weather, temperature, area and material of the chimney then you need a chimney expert to tell you which type of chimney will work best for you. When you know that, get quotes from multiple chimney relining services Columbia MD to see which one suits your budget and requirements.

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