Usually when you talk about lining something, you are talking about some sort of reinforcement or protection. For example, when making or buying clothes, a lining makes the outer garment hang better. It also gives it a more sturdy look and feel. If you’re hanging wallpaper, a thin undercoat lining will help show trouble areas before you hang the actual paper. In addition, it adds a layer of softness and stability to the finished wallpapered wall. If you’re putting in a pond, it’s important to put a liner between the dirt hole and the water when you fill it. This is to keep the dirt and other sediments out of the pond water. Also, many people add a truck bed liner to their pick-up to keep the surface scratch free. So why would your chimney be any different?
What is a Chimney Liner?
A chimney liner is installed on the inside of your chimney. It’s purpose is to direct the combustion products of the fire up and out of your chimney; all the while protecting the interior of your chimney, too. According to the CSIA website, there are three important functions that your chimney liner fills:
- It protects the interior masonry from the byproducts of the fire that would corrode the masonry and lead to deterioration of your chimney.
- It is sized to provide the most efficient route for your wood burning appliance to function properly. If the liner is not correctly sized, you may have an excessive build-up of creosote. This can be from a wood-burning stove or an excessive production of carbon monoxide with conventional fuels.
- The liner serves as a protection to your house from heat transfer to combustibles.(Tip: It’s an important thing to know that if your home was built before 1940. Why? It’s very possible that your chimney doesn’t have this important piece of a chimney system. If this is the case, you’ll want to rectify this problem as soon as possible!)
Install or Reline?
An easy way to discover whether your home has a properly sized chimney liner? Call someone who knows chimneys. The professionals at Chim Cheroo Chimney Service know chimneys! If your chimney is found to be without a liner, they are qualified to recommend the correct sized liner. Doing this will make your chimney run efficiently and safely. However, they will also be looking to see if your current liner is in a state of disrepair. Unfortunately, chimney liners are also susceptible to the effects of wear and tear. This occurs as you use your fireplace year after year or from outdoor forces, such as precipitation. If your chimney liner isn’t in a good state of repair, your fireplace won’t run as efficiently as it should. Not only this, but it could actually be a fire hazard.
Whether a chimney liner needs to be added or replaced, call the CSIA certified chimney inspection and repair specialists from Chim Cheroo Chimney Service to ensure a job well done!