A chimney liner is a metal pipe which is inserted inside the entire length of the chimney. A liner is an important element of safety in your home whether you burn wood, coal, or pellets. Listed below are some of the reasons you must have a chimney liner installed. Also check out our Chimney Checklist.
Prevents Overheating of the Masonry Chimney and Lengthens Its Lifespan
A chimney liner protects the chimney's masonry and joints from the heat of the exhaust. It also protects the chimney from acidic corrosion fueled by flue gases that emanate from the fire. By preventing overheating and corrosion, a chimney liner ensures a longer life for your chimney. A chimney that does not have a liner installed is constantly exposed to the gases, heat and smoke from the fire. Over time, these components erode the structure of the chimney. A degenerated chimney causes gas leaks, high risk of fire, energy losses and aesthetic deterioration.
Reduces Chances of a Fire
A chimney liner provides a strong lining inside the chimney that forms a barrier between the fire and the chimney and its surrounding elements. All our chimney liners are rigorously tested to make sure they will hold up not only to high heat from an overstoked fire, but they will also hold up to actual fires in the liner itself. Woodwork and other structures in your home can easily catch fire if they are overheated. A chimney liner is therefore vital in the prevention of house fires that occur as a result of overheating in the chimney.
Improves Energy Efficiency
A chimney liner promotes better energy efficiency, because it helps the fire to burn hotter while minimizing loss of heat. Adding manual or barometric dampers in-line helps in maintaining an optimal air flow within the chimney. The need for adding fuel is reduced, and as a result, you can save significant amounts of energy.
Makes Fireplace Maintenance Easier
Chimney liners are much easier to clean and maintain as compared to the brick and mortar of a chimney without a liner. As a result, the chimney is more efficient and clean.
Available in Flexible or Rigid Materials
Metal chimney liners made of quality stainless steel are the best option to ensure safety and efficiency when burning. They are impervious to problems such as cracks and heat damage, which may be seen in clay and concrete chimney liners after only a few seasons.
Prevents Toxic Gases Indoors
A fireplace can produce deadly gases such as carbon monoxide as a result of incomplete combustion. It is very important that you ensure that all such toxic gases are safely routed out of your home. In the absence of a chimney liner, these gases have a high chance of leaking back indoors and causing severe health problems in the inhabitants of the household. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. A chimney liner provides a safe outlet for the combustion gases that are produced as a result of the fire and efficiently exhausts these gases out of your home.
Reduces Soot and Creosote Buildup
A chimney liner effectively reduces the buildup of soot and creosote within the chimney because it allows the fire to burn more efficiently so there is less waste going up your chimney. Flexible chimney liners also tend to collect less soot and creosote because the motion caused by wind and temperature changes helps to shake off buildup. These substances are highly flammable and difficult to clean. Chimney liners thereby further enhance safety and simplify chimney maintenance.
Check out our full catalog of Chimney Liners to keep your home safe and warm this winter.