Choosing the Right Liner for Your Chimney

The chimney liner, though sometimes overlooked, is essential to the proper functioning of your chimney. Chimney liners serve two key purposes: they transfer combustion byproducts to the outside air and protect chimney walls from heat and corrosive damage. An ineffective, or nonexistent, chimney liner can be dangerous and cause serious issues for your home, including draft problems, condensation problems, poor appliance performance, carbon monoxide problems and presenting a fire hazard.

To ensure the functionality and safety of your chimney, you need an efficient, working chimney liner. There are several different types of chimney liners:

No Liner

If your home was built before the 1940s, you may have no chimney liner at all. Before that time, homeowners relied solely on the masonry structure of the chimney for effective ventilation. This “no liner” system is very dangerous, especially long-term, and increases the potential for house fires. If you suspect or know that your chimney has no liner, put a hold on lighting fires, and contact Brick + Ember Outfitters today to discuss new liner installation.

Clay Liner

Traditional clay chimney liners are the most common in use; masonry chimneys typically have built-in clay liners. These liners are relatively inexpensive and perform well for several years. However, clay flue tiles cannot effectively absorb and distribute heat or handle the condensation produced by modern appliances. Over time, these liners deteriorate, which leads to drafting problems and carbon monoxide hazards.

Metal Liner

Metal chimney liners are usually made of aluminum or stainless steel. If an existing liner is in need of an upgrade, metal is the way to go. When properly installed and maintained, metal chimney liners are extremely effective, safe and durable. Aluminum is a lower-cost alternative to high-performance stainless steel. These metal liners can be rigid (for flues that are not offset) or flexible to achieve the best fit.

If you’re experiencing smoking or drafting issues with your chimney, you may have a liner problem. Even if you haven’t noticed any issues, it is important to have your chimney and liner inspected once a year. Schedule a chimney inspection with Brick + Ember Outfitters today. We can determine what type of liner you currently have, evaluate its condition and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. Call us today to talk through your options.