The flue liner of your chimney isn’t just a helpful tool, it’s actually a vital safety component that protects your chimney, fireplace, and home from dangerous effects like overheating. Regular inspections by a chimney repair team can keep your home safe from damage due to a bad flue.
Without a good working flue, combustibles can burst, moisture can leak, soot can spread, a fire can break out, and more. One of the most vulnerable areas of your chimney is the flue liner. Many factors can damage it, and fixing this is one of the most common types of chimney repair in Dallas.
This winter, don’t let your flue break down. Before you’ll need to call for chimney repair, take note of the following common causes of flue liner damage.
Poor Construction
If your home was poorly built or the chimney was a rushed addition to your house, it may deteriorate quickly, especially if it wasn’t built to provide a good seal. If the lining was the wrong size for the appliance, then buildup of gases can actually break down the flue liner.
Cheap chimneys are often made of tile-based flues, which break down quickly and are more difficult to replace. A tile flue liner can be so hard to fix that a chimney leaks repair team may have to partially tear down or tear open the chimney.
Flue Gas Corrosion
Acidic flue gases can actually break down mortar joints. Their acidic components can eat away at metals and other materials. Creosote is a common cause of deterioration. When it mixes with moisture in the air or that has settled on surfaces, it can speed up deterioration processes.
Signs of Flue Damage
If the flue liner is damaged, you may not notice this right away. However, there are common signs of damage to the flue liner, including broken masonry and debris scattered in the firebox. But your best bet is to call a chimney leaks repair experts to inspect the flue liner annually. They can determine the extent of the damage to the flue, if any, and then recommend repairs.
How to Fix Damage
The best way to prevent the dangerous effects of using a chimney with a damaged flue is to replace the flue liner with a superior stainless steel product. Stainless steel flue liners resist corrosion, are durable, and need fewer repairs. They’re also better at protecting your home from fires and other disasters. They even protect your masonry so your hearth stays looking elegant for a long time, even if you use for your fireplace often.
Clean-looking and smooth, they’re a popular alternative to old, tile-based flue liners. When the liner is placed, insulation will be installed for extra protection between the chimney walls and flue liner. This also helps the fireplace operate better.
Just make sure you hire a professional to install the new flue. As said previously, one of the most common causes of flue liner breakdown is poor installation work or the use of bad materials.
For more advice on chimney repair in Dallas, contact Atlanta Chimney Doctor’s local team of chimney inspection and repair experts.