Do I Need a Chimney Liner? All About Chimney Flue Liners

Safety

Generally, a chimney fire happens when the flue has been neglected and an abundance of creosote has built up on the walls of the chimney. After a chimney fire has occurred, terra cotta flue tiles are very susceptible to cracks. The slightest hairline crack can cause creosote and carbon monoxide to leak through the chimney. If a crack is found in the terra cotta flue, it is important to reline the chimney before the next fire. A stainless steel chimney liner is water and air tight, ensuring no creosote leakage. Stainless steel chimney liners can handle multiple chimney fires over 2000 degrees. The smallest crack may not look like much harm, but it is hazardous the home and household.

In addition to clay tile cracks, missing mortar joints can allow creosote and carbon monoxide to leak through the chimney. Mortar joints deteriorate when natural gas and oil fuel emissions cool down rapidly and produce condensation. Over a period of time, the acids from condensation eat away at the mortar joints, causing them to be obsolete. The condensation can also cause water damage to the home. If you notice water entering the chimney, and the chimney rain cap is in good condition, it is most likely from flue gas condensation. Using a stainless steel chimney liner to shrink the size of the flue will keep the flue gasses hotter and will eliminate the condensation.

Overall, chimney liners increase safety by:

• Reducing chance of chimney fire
• Reducing risk of carbon dioxide leak
• Reducing chance of water damage

Efficiency

Clay terra cotta chimney flues are often far too large for the specifications of the appliance. They are also poorly insulated, which causes inadequate draft for the appliance. Newer and more efficient heating appliances require a much smaller venting size. If the current flue size is 2 to 3 times larger than the recommended area of the vent, the appliance is not going to run to the specifications that are advertised. The added stress on the heating appliance is going to use more fuel, making the high efficient appliance less efficient. The more area there is in the flue, the longer it will take the flue to heat up to induce the draft. Using a stainless steel chimney liner will reduce the flue size to the manufacturer's specifications, improving the efficiency of the appliance.

Overall, chimney liners increase efficiency by:

• Maintaining optimal air flow
• Reducing the amount of fuel needed
• Inducing the proper draft

Installing a flexible, stainless steel chimney liner to vent your heating appliance is a smart choice to protect your home from harsh emissions and give you peace of mind. To learn more regarding chimney liners, please read our other articles located under Articles & Info. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us toll-free at 866-708-2446.