Do I Need a Chimney Liner?
There are scenarios in which you could require the use of a chimney liner: First, as a result of the absence of a clay tile chimney liner in your chimney (older chimneys were often not lined when built). Second, the chimney liner made of clay tiles has been damaged as a result of shifting, fire damage, age-related damage, or damage caused by use; A new home equipment, such as a furnace, stove, or water heater, is getting its venting done through a brick chimney as part of the installation process.
For readers located in the metropolitan area around Washington, DC: In order to be in compliance with the current WSSC requirements, gas or oil-fueled heaters of any kind, including water heaters, are required to have a metal liner attached to them. Our experienced chimney sweep will do a Level 2 inspection on your chimney, which will include a video scan to observe the interior of your flues, in order to assess the state of your chimney liner and decide whether or not a replacement liner is required.
In the event that the present liner sustains damage, it will lose its capacity to hold smoke components such as creosote, carbon monoxide, and soot. To put it another way, it cannot provide an acceptable level of protection for either the chimney or your residence.
When you ask a sweep for advice, keep in mind that the usual combustion process in gas-fired furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters results in the production of enormous volumes of water vapor. Oil and gas furnaces emit acidic exhaust, which practically eats away at the flue lining, in addition to the substantial moisture load that they already produce.
When a furnace liner is offset, it leaves gaps at the flue seams, which produces conditions that are conducive to the start of a fire. This is because escaping heat can travel to combustible structures, and dangerous gases can enter the residence. In addition, a liner that is flawed in any way, such as having gaps or fractures, can allow exhaust moisture to seep into the surrounding structure of the chimney, which can eventually cause the brickwork to deteriorate from the inside out.
Instructions for the Installation of the Chimney Liner
The efforts involved in relining are often quite simple:
To begin, the members of our reliner crew will safeguard your flooring and furniture by placing drop cloths in the work area (typically extending a distance of three feet all the way around the fireplace or appliance). During the process of breaking out of the room, any breakable or ornamental things that are perched on the mantle or dangling above the fireplace are removed. This keeps them from breaking or dropping during the procedure. During this step of the process, our reliners will also remove the fireplace doors, grate, and damper plate.
The masonry chimney will next be cleaned to remove tar glazing and creosote, and it will be inspected for loose or missing bricks, mortar, or other materials that might impede the right installation of the chimney lining system. Finally, the chimney will be relined.
Before installing the stainless steel liner in masonry chimneys that vent wood-burning stoves, the damaged clay liner will first need to be removed from the chimney. The term “breakout” refers to this particular phenomenon. The flawed clay liner will be shattered and dismantled with the help of a high-powered drill equipped with specific rods by one of our trained reliners. During this step, the opening of your firebox will be covered with plywood and cardboard so that any debris that may be there won’t be able to enter the living space.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Hathaway Pines and other affordable services.
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