Chimney Repairs | Chimney Relining
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Is your chimney liner cracked or corroded? A damaged liner can be very dangerous as it increases the risk of your chimney catching fire. In this case, getting chimney relining should be on top of your list to ensure your safety as well as that of your loved ones.
Nowadays, what reputable chimney specialists use are liners made of stainless steel, clay and ceramic.
Stainless Steel Liner
Stainless steel is one of the two types of metals, the other being aluminium, used for flue linings. Of the two, stainless steel is the preferred type because it is compatible with most heating appliances, be it the gas, oil or wood-burning type. Meanwhile, those made from aluminium are only recommended for gas appliances with medium efficiency.
One of the advantages of a stainless steel liner is that they are highly durable. With proper maintenance, it is guaranteed to last for two decades and may even outlast the house.
What’s more?
Installing a stainless steel liner is not labour-intensive. To add, finding one that is suitable for a specific chimney isn’t difficult since this type of liner comes in different types and sizes. Currently, there are two kinds of stainless steel liners: flexible and rigid.
Furthermore, a stainless steel liner usually comes with a long-term or lifetime warranty after installation. This would address any concern that you may have in the future when it comes to maintenance costs.
Here’s the thing:
While this kind of liner is very durable, it still requires regular inspection and cleaning. Otherwise, creosote and soot deposits can cause the liner to deteriorate quickly.
If the chimney is occasionally used, cleaning it once a year would suffice. However, if it is regularly used, it is best to get more frequent cleanings – at least twice or thrice a year.
Clay Tile Liner
This type of flue lining is one of the most widely used since the 1900s. This is primarily because it is less expensive as compared to the rest.
Its low cost is not the only reason for its popularity though. There is also the fact that it is proven to last many years. As long as you are diligent when it comes to your chimney’s maintenance, the clay liner can be used several decades.
However, a clay liner only performs well for open fire chimneys or those that burn wood or pellets. It is not recommended when modern gas appliances are involved. This is because clay does not hold up well to the highly acidic by-products of combustion.
Moreover, these tiles are not able to withstand heat well during a chimney fire. As a result, they crack and break apart easily.
It should also be noted that bad practices can shorten the life span of a clay lining just like other types of flue linings. For example, burning paper severely damages the liner.
Why?
When wood is used in the fireplace, by-products attach themselves on the walls of the chimney liner. With condensation, these by-products turn into creosote, a highly flammable material. Paper burns very quickly and may fly up into the flue and light up the creosote. Consequently, this can damage and crack your clay chimney liner since it is not able to withstand an extreme and rapid rise in temperature, as mentioned earlier.
One good thing about a clay liner is that it can be removed completely and replaced without the need to dismantle and rebuild the entire chimney structure. Aside from the ease of installation, a clay liner is also more affordable than other kinds of flue linings.
Ceramic Liner
A favourite amongst chimney specialists, a ceramic liner is preferred primarily for its durability. One kind of ceramic liner that’s highly recommended is Eldfast.
An Eldfast ceramic chimney liner is proven and certified to be long-lasting. Reports indicate that it can last anywhere between 25 to 60 years.
One of its noteworthy characteristics is that it is acid-resistant. Its ability to withstand acid condensation minimises damage and ensures the longevity of the chimney.
Furthermore, as compared to other types of liners, it is an excellent insulator. It also withstands thermal stress really well. Lastly, it creates a smoother flue, thereby making the chimney gas-tight.
Simply put, Eldfast lining significantly reduces the risk of chimney-related hazards such as fires and gas leaks. It even improves the structural integrity of old chimneys.
Despite these benefits, the Eldfast lining is not as widely used as others mainly because of its price. Yes, this type of liner can be more expensive than the other types of liners. However, with its impressive characteristics, a ceramic liner like Eldfast is a more cost-effective choice.
So, which liner should you use? Admittedly, it can be difficult to decide on this matter on your own. It is best to consult a reputable chimney relining company. With the know-how and experience of their relining specialists, you can count on them to provide expert advice.
Looking for the right chimney liner for your home? Let our chimney relining specialists help you pick the right type. Call us today on +353 872805825!
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