The chimney liner is an integral component of your chimney system that helps your fireplace 
burn safely and efficiently. Unfortunately, chimneys liners can become damaged over time due to overuse or damage; when this happens, your chimney liner may need to be replaced.
What is a chimney liner?
Inside the chimney structure the flue connects the top of the chimney to the firebox, helping smoke and gas vent to the outside. In order to help the byproducts of combustion vent properly and to protect your home from them, a chimney liner is needed.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America defines a chimney liner, a chimney liner is “A clay, ceramic, or metal conduit installed inside of a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.”
How are chimney liners damaged?
Most homes with masonry fireplaces have chimneys lined with clay tiles. While these tiles are extremely heat resistant, there are masonry joints in between every tile; this increases the chance that a joint can deteriorate and become damaged. Damage to the chimney liner is most commonly caused by age, overuse, animal entry, or lack of preventative maintenance.
Because of the location of the chimney liner, it can be difficult to tell if it has been damaged. Damage to the chimney liner can go undetected for years, especially if the chimney seems to be burning and venting normally. In these cases, a video inspection may be needed to pinpoint the specific areas of damage to the chimney liner.
Does my chimney liner need to be replaced?
If your chimney liner has been damaged in any way, your chimney may need to be relined. Because it is nearly impossible to replace clay tile liners without significant damage to the chimney structure, an alternative chimney liner may be recommended.
Cast in place and stainless steel liners are two extremely popular choices when relining a chimney. Not only do they seamlessly line the flue, but they can increase the efficiency of the fireplace. Cast in place liners can also sometimes be used to improve the structural stability of a damaged or aging chimney.
Damage or deterioration due to time and use aren’t the only reasons a chimney may need to be relined. If you have installed a new fireplace insert or switched fuel sources, a new chimney liner may be required. Relining the chimney after a new heating appliance is installed ensures that the flue is the correct size for the fireplace. Likewise, relining also ensures you have the proper liner for your fuel source; the creosote accumulation from a wood burning fire requires a different liner than the acidic condensation of a gas fireplace.
Having your chimney relined can improve the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. For more information on replacing your chimney liner, contact Coopertown Services today!