There’s nothing like a cozy fire when the temperature drops. Fireplaces and stoves are an excellent way to heat your home, but it’s important to maintain your chimney as well as your fireplace. It’s also important to keep your chimney liner in good condition or to have one installed if your chimney currently does not have a liner. Here are some things you should know about chimney liners.
Purposes
Chimney liners in Atlanta keep your home safe in three important ways. The first function of a liner is to keep heat from transferring to materials that could catch fire, including woodwork that surrounds the chimney.
The second function of a liner is to keep flue gases from going into the mortar and brick of the chimney. Fires have corrosive byproducts that can eventually wear away the chimney materials if the gases are able to penetrate these materials. This also increases the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide leaking into the home as the chimney wears away.
The final purpose of a chimney liner is to increase the efficiency of stoves and furnaces. If the liner is an incorrect size, gases won’t escape properly and the draft that aids in combustion won’t be optimal. This can cause creosote buildup and additional carbon monoxide.
Liner Materials
Older chimneys likely have clay tiles to form a liner. They work well and are not very expensive, but there are some disadvantages to clay. It’s more difficult for clay to absorb and distribute heat, which can cause problems in the event of a chimney fire. The tiles will crack, making the liner less effective and requiring replacement.
Stainless steel liners are much more common today for a number of reasons. They are an excellent choice for upgrading or repairing chimneys because they work for any type of fireplace, stove, or furnace. If you need a new liner, we can install a quality stainless steel liner.
Advantages of Steel
- Most companies that install chimney liners recommend stainless steel as a replacement for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most appealing advantage of stainless steel is that it has a lifetime warranty, so it’s obvious that is a durable material
- Another advantage of stainless steel is that it provides the best protection for your fireplace and home than any other material. You can cut costly chimney repairs because the brick and mortar will be protected from corrosive byproducts.
- Since stainless steel liners are installed as one piece, there is no shifting or cracking that could allow dangerous gases to leak into your home.
- Stainless steel liners can be insulated before insertion into the flue, or insulation can be added afterwards. This keeps combustion gases hotter all the way out the chimney, reducing creosote condensation. Cold downdrafts when not burning a fire are also reduced.
Give the Atlanta Chimney Doctors a call today, for your chimney repair and sweep needs. (678) 525-7943
Service areas include: Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Dallas, Kennesaw, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs.