Chimney Liner Damage: Causes, Signs and Fixes

“Chimney liners” or “flue lining” refers to a conduit made of clay, metal or ceramic installed inside a chimney. Its purpose is to protect the chimney walls from corrosion and heat by containing the combustion products and directing them to the outside atmosphere.

Over time, a chimney can develop several problems due to use and exposure. This is why you need chimney cleaning and, occasionally, chimney relining and other repair jobs.

How a Chimney Liner Gets Damaged

When a chimney flue liner is damaged, it poses several risks, including causing a house fire. This is why it’s important to have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney. There are several reasons behind liner damage:

• A flue liner can sustain damage because of poor construction.
• A flue liner can deteriorate over time because of combustion’s corrosive byproducts. The gases that pass through a chimney are acidic, which means they can hasten the deterioration of mortar joints.
• The flue liner installed in the chimney is of the wrong size so more creosote builds up than normal. Moisture and creosote combine to make flue liner deterioration much quicker.

Signs of a Damaged Liner

It’s not typically easy to determine whether your flue liner is damaged or not. However, there are red flags sometimes. For example, if you observe that your fireplace is in poor enough condition to necessitate chimney masonry repair, this might mean your flue liner is damaged. The liner has deteriorated to the point that bits of it are dropping into the firebox.

Even if you cannot find any signs that your flue liner is in poor shape, it’s important to have your chimney inspected at least once a year.

Fixing a Damaged Liner

The most affordable flue liner is one built with tile. However, if you try to repair deteriorated tile, you will find that it’s not a walk in the park. Sometimes, it means partially tearing down the chimney.

Instead of repairing the flue liner, your chimney professional is likely to suggest replacing it. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a stainless steel liner. This is effective and affordable, and it’s a lot easier than trying to replace the tile.

Talk to us at Chimney Doctors if you have concerns about your flue liner. We offer chimney masonry repair and other chimney-related services. Call us today at (518) 882-5009, or schedule your spring chimney inspection and cleaning here. We offer our services to homeowners in Saratoga Springs, NY.