Your chimney system is made up of many important parts that keep the chimney working and the family safe. The chimney liner is like human skin–it has many vital functions, but is often overlooked. When your chimney becomes damaged, or is the improper liner for your fuel type, it can be a recipe for disaster.
The Liner Keeps the Fire in its Place
The liner is designed to reach from the bottom of the flue, to the top, keeping the heat in the chimney and preventing it from transferring to the home. Prolonged exposure to heat can make structural portions of the home (beams, etc) brittle over time, weakening the support, and even catching fire.
The Liner Protects the Masonry
The byproducts produced by a fire (soot, creosote, water vapor) is corrosive to the masonry and can damage it over time. The flue gases are also acidic and damage the masonry with every contact. A proper flue liner extends the overall life of your chimney, keeping it working better for longer.
The Liner Keeps Poisonous Carbon Monoxide Inside the Flue
Without the liner in its place, the hazardous gases produced by the fire are able to seep into your home. As the masonry is damaged and corroded, carbon monoxide can enter your home and poison your family. Additionally, particulate pollution (smoke) can enter the home in small amounts unnoticed and lead to respiratory issues.
Without a Liner
When you light a fire in a fireplace, but have no liner in the flue, you are setting up your home and family for possible disaster. At West Texas Chimney and Air Duct, customer safety is our top priority. Respiratory illnesses, carbon monoxide poisoning, and injury from fire are very real risks when you don’t have a chimney liner. Installing a liner also protects your property. Your home and chimney are an investment and one that can become quite damaged due to an unexpected fire. Avoid this risk by installing a proper flue liner, and raise efficiency and safety right away.
Types of Flue Liners
Traditionally, masonry chimneys have been equipped with clay tile liners. These are the most common flue liners. They perform well, and are affordable. Unfortunately, clay liners crack and break when too-hot (like during a flue fire) and must be repaired and replaced. They also are not appropriate for gas appliances because they cannot contain the water vapor they release as they burn.
When clay tile liners become damaged, they can be repaired through a relining process using HeatShield®. West Texas technicians assess and address liner problems, and are trained and experienced using HeatShield® products.
When a flue liner is damaged and the homeowner wants to change fuel types, upgrade, or may change in the future, a stainless steel liner is the way to go. We can install a stainless steel liner that will last the life of your chimney–and help that life to be long, safe, and efficient.
Contact Us Now
You don’t have to worry about the unseen parts of your chimney system when you have a proper liner and when you schedule routine maintenance with a trusted chimney professional.
Call West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions today at (806) 358-0817, and ask us about re-lining.
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