It’s time to start thinking about all those repair jobs you need to do around the house. Touch up the paint, re-caulk the windows, maybe get some new furniture; all these ideas help to keep things fresh and clean looking. It’s easy to see some areas that need work, like the walls and the windows, but it’s important that we also take into account those hidden areas that may need cleaning, repair, or even replacement. One of those hard-to-see areas which often doesn’t get the care it needs is the interior of your chimney.
Cleaning and Inspection
Every chimney owner should be aware of the need for an annual inspection and cleaning. This is so important to avoid dangerous obstructions that can limit air flow and cause chimney fires, to make sure that the framework of the chimney is in good condition, to make sure that there isn’t a dangerous build-up of creosote, and to clean it out if there is. One area that your chimney sweep should be looking at is your chimney liner.
Purposes of a Chimney Liner
There was a time when chimneys were built without liners, but that time has long since gone away. Tests done in the 1940s and again in the 1980s proved without a doubt that chimney liners are a great protection for your chimney, and many regions even mandate that you must have a chimney liner.
This is a good thing, because there are three very important purposes that a chimney liner fills.
- First, a chimney liner is a great line of defense between your chimney and the flammable items in your home that rest close to the chimney.
- Second, a chimney liner can help you to save money by making your fireplace run more efficiently.
- And third, a chimney liner is a great line of defense between the brick and mortar of your chimney and the corrosive effects of the smoke from your fires. It’s pretty obvious that a chimney liner is an important part of the makeup of your chimney.
Types of Liners
There are three main types of chimney liner: clay tile, cast-in-place, and metal, most likely aluminum or stainless steel. Cast-in-place liners can be expensive and hard to install. Clay tile, while long-lasting and less expensive, can crack under intense heat and aren’t as compatible with some of the modern gas appliances. In many cases, metal liners are the best option.
Benefits of Stainless Steel
Because aluminum liners are only compatible with certain medium efficiency gas appliances, at Black Velvet Chimney we recommend you go for stainless steel when looking to replace your chimney liner. Whether you need a heavy, a high-performance light, or a light liner, we can help you choose exactly the liner that meets the needs of your fireplace. Our employees take pride in the training and experience they have, and in doing the job right. Let us get your fireplace performing efficiently with a new stainless steel chimney liner!
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