Were you, as a chimney owner, aware that your chimney has a liner? Many people aren’t, and yet this is such an important part of your chimney. When you hire an excellent, highly qualified chimney service like Owens Chimney Systems to inspect your chimney, you can be sure that this will be something we are checking.
What is the Lining?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a chimney liner is “A clay, ceramic, or metal conduit installed inside of a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.” In other words, it’s a liner for the inside of your chimney that will direct the smoke up and out of your house while protecting the chimney from the damaging effects of the smoke and fire. When you think about how important your chimney is, you can definitely understand why it’s so important that this liner isn’t damaged.
What Can Damage the Liner?
The first thing your chimney inspector will need to know is what your chimney liner is made of. Traditionally, chimney liners were made of clay tiles. Over time, however, many clay liners were replaced with stainless steel – and that’s a good thing. Stainless steel liners are less susceptible to damage from the corrosive effects of creosote buildup. They can also withstand the effects of a quick heat up from your fire with less damage than clay tiles. Not only can heat and smoke damage your chimney liner, but so can the freeze-thaw cycle damage your clay tile liner.
No Liner?
Some chimneys may not have a liner, especially if the chimney is an old chimney. If this is the case in your home, you are facing a potentially dangerous situation. In fact, according to the CSIA website, it’s almost a criminal situation to let your chimney stand without a chimney liner. A chimney without a chimney liner can cause structural damage to occur.
What To Do?
The first and most important thing for you to do when it comes to your chimney liner is to give Owens Chimney Systems a call. We will give your entire fireplace and chimney a thorough inspection, including looking at the state of your chimney liner. If they determine that your chimney liner is constructed of clay tiles and that these tiles aren’t in the best condition, we may recommend that you replace this with a stainless steel liner. If this is the case, our technicians will be able to do this job in a knowledgeable, professional manner using the highest quality liner. We’ll also be looking to see if your chimney has undergone structural damage, and recommend any needed restorations or repairs. If this is the case, we have the experience and expertise to do the job right! No matter what the circumstances, the best call you can make is to Owens Chimney Systems!