CHIMNEY-TECH CHIMNEY RELINING
The flue lining is arguably the most important safety component in a chimney. Prior to about the 1930s, a lining was not required in U.S. Chimney relining a process often used to restore the integrity and safety to damaged flues in masonry chimneys. In fact, the codes in most localities require that chimney liner tiles be replaced if the original flue liner is broken, cracked or has pieces missing. This also applies if the chimney flue never had a liner one must be installed to meet local codes and regulations.
WHY CRACKED TILES NEED TO BE RELINED
Even when a chimney is built with a flue, there are times when the chimney lining is improperly built and therefore unsafe. Over time, chimney linings deteriorate. If there is so much as a tiny crack in a flue, combustible parts of the home are exposed, placing the structure at a high risk for a very dangerous fire. The real scoop on flue linings is that they are essential safety features which need to be inspected annually, cleaned as needed by a professional chimney technician, and replaced when damaged.
CLAY FLUE TILES
Clay tiles are defiantly the most popular lining material to use when the chimney is being constructed because the tiles are both inexpensive and highly durable. Properly constructed and maintained terracotta clay tile linings can last as many as 50 years or more. When it’s time to replace the liner, however, clay is not a cost-effective material to choose. Other options for chimney liner replacement are usually favored because it is very labor intensive to tear out clay tiles before installing new ones. In fact, it is usually necessary to tear out the chimney wall every few feet, to replace clay tiles.
STAINLESS STEEL / METAL
FLUE LINERS
Stainless steel flue liners have by far become the most recommended & popular with many fire-protection experts and installers. Less labor is required to install stainless steel liners, and they are generally readily available in all sizes and types.
Chimney-Tech installs UL 1777 Listed stainless steel flue liners simply because they are the best in the industry and the safest option. All of our stainless steel flue liners come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the material and installation. All of our stainless steel solid fuel burning installations completed by chimney are insulated to industry standards.
Aluminum liners are not as expensive as stainless steel liners, but they are only suitable for certain medium-efficiency gas appliances. Steel liners, on the other hand, are suitable for all types of fuel-burning, including gas, oil, and firewood, providing excellent protection. It is important, however, to install insulation in addition to a metal liner.