Why Do I Need a Stainless Steel Chimney Liner?
By: Tim McGirl
A chimney liner is a duct present on the inside of the chimney to prevent the combustion products from escaping the chimney. Since a lot of heat is generated inside the chimney, it is exposed to heat and corrosion which can be prevented by regular chimney cleaning and installation of chimney liner. Before 1940, chimney liners were not the standard but now all new chimneys required to have a liner. Chimney liners are often a neglected feature but are very essential to every chimney in a home.
What Does A Chimney Liner Do?
Wear and tear of chimneys can occur with regular usage over time. The heat inside the chimney can cause gasses to move through the chimney walls and cause the surrounding woodwork to catch fire. With a fireplace liner in place, you can enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace without any risk of heat transfer.
Moreover, the acidic gases as a result of combustion can cause damage to bricks of the chimney which can reduce its useful life and leak the gases into the living room. With a liner in place, the byproducts of combustion can flow through the flue and escape through the proper route.
One of the most potentially hazardous situations involving chimneys with; no liner, an old ceramic liner, or a poorly sized liner occurs when creosote in it’s liquid for is released from the fireplace during burns. This liquid creosote can leak into mortar cracks and begin to build up. The built up creosote can then be ignited by the high temperatures in the flue during burns, causing the flue to actually catch on fire.
Different appliances such as wood stoves and wood burning fireplaces require a correctly sized flue liner for efficient operation. Specific fireplace liners and wood stove liners are available that function properly with the appliances they are designed for.
Benefits Of Stainless Steel Chimney Liners
Stainless Steel Chimney Liners are U.L. tested and listed, and make chimneys very safe to use if properly installed. Stainless steel liners can be efficiently used in chimneys that burn wood, gas and oil at different temperatures. These chimney liners are available in flexible and rigid forms which can be chosen based on the shape of your chimney. If you have a straight chimney without any bends, a rigid liner would be better. In case of curved chimneys, flexible chimney liners with diameters varying between 2 and 10 inches, and corrugated surfaces are suitable.
When you are considering a chimney reline in old furnaces, stainless steel chimney liners are cost effective as they are easy to install and A&T Chimney Sweeps keeps most sizes in-stock. Moreover, stainless steel liners are easy to clean as they cause less creosote buildup in chimneys.
You should opt for a stainless steel chimney liner when:
- Your existing chimney does not have a liner and combustion fumes are posing a hazard for your chimney.
- Your existing chimney is lined but requires chimney repair due to cracks or damages.
- Oversized chimney flue liner causes smoke spillage and excessive creosote formation that leads to chimney fires.
- You existing chimney is cooled by air which cause updraft, spillover of smoke and creosote buildup.
Contact our chimney professionals today to take a look at your chimney for the best stainless steel liner option for your chimney. You can then make efficient use of your fireplace, stove or furnace and keep your family safe!
A&T Chimneys of Northern Virginia
(703) 659-1699 or Schedule an Appointment Online