Home Improvement

What is Chimney Relining, and Why is it Needed?

Today, all masonry chimneys are supposed to be lined either with clay or tile. Liners are one of the most important parts of the chimney. In order to protect the structural components of the chimney (i.e. brick and mortar) from smoke, creosote and other by-products coming from the fireplace, the liners need to be in good condition. However, with time chimney liners get damaged and you need to reline your chimney. The chimney relining should be done by chimney sweep service professionals, because only a professional can adequately install the liners inside your chimney.

Primary function of chimney liners

  • A chimney liner does not allow the heat transfer to combustible components of the chimney. Unlined chimneys can easily catch fire due to overheating, and burn your entire house. Chimney liners act like a protective layer for the structural components of the chimney.
  • The gases liberated from fireplace as a result of combustion are really toxic in nature. These gases can destroy the brick and mortar of your chimney. As the mortar joints corrode, the heat coming from the chimney can get transferred to combustible substances and start the chimney fire. In addition, the deteriorated mortar can cause dangerous gases leakage inside your home.
  • Chimney liners prevent the chimney from creosote build-up. If creosote gets deposit on brick and mortar of your chimney, it will wreck your chimney from inside out. The chimney liners prevent the direct contact between creosote and masonry materials.

What is Chimney Relining?

Replacing old chimney liners with new ones is known as chimney relining. You can replace your old liners with new metal liners, clay liners or tile liners. No matter which material you choose, you should have an intact liner in your chimney. Chimney liners eventually get deteriorate, making it dangerous for you to use your fireplace. Liners are important because they channel gases and heat up via chimney top, and prevent the heat from resulting flammable materials around the chimney from catching fire. Thus, find the chimney sweep contractor and get your chimney inspected and relined before using the fireplace.

Homeowners take chimney and fireplace for granted. They don’t call the chimney sweeper until they face any sort of problem. Avoiding chimney inspection and cleaning can be very dangerous. The chimneys perform reasonably well. Even when ignored or overused, chimney will continue to function without showing any sign of damage, blockage and leakage. Regular maintenance is very important to prevent chimney and fireplace problems.

Masonry chimney and maintenance

Masonry chimneys are made from brick, concrete, tile, flue, steel, stone and mortar. These materials are continuously exposed to sunlight, pollution, ice and snow. Water can damage the structural elements of your chimney to a great extent. Water penetration is very dangerous for chimney health. Once water enters inside the chimney, a lot of problem may arise. First, it will corrode the iron and steel parts, and weaken your chimney. These components of your chimney will get deteriorated slowly, and then they will ultimately become useless. You will end up with expensive chimney repair. Water penetration can also promote the growth of mold and mildew inside your chimney. Your chimney will start smelling bad. You will have to schedule full chimney and fireplace cleaning to get rid of the foul smell coming from your chimney. If your chimney is already dirty and water enters inside it, your chimney will get clogged. Many times, it happens that chimneys have build up of bird nests, dust, dirt and creosote. When this build-up combines with water, it becomes stubborn. Thus, chimney cleaning becomes more arduous. Water penetration is very bad for brick and mortar work. If water enters inside the chimney, the freeze-thaw cycle can damage the brick and mortar of your chimney. Over time, brick and mortar will deteriorate. If not taken care at the right time, the entire chimney structure will collapse.

Chimney waterproofing

It is possible to avoid chimney problems by water proofing the chimney. You need to hire a chimney sweep services for this purpose. The contractor will apply a special solution on your chimney that averts the entry of water inside your chimney. This sealant will help against snow and ice as well.