T.J.s Chimney Service

Family Owned Since 1979

ncsg-logo CS__certlogo
ncsg-logo CS__certlogo

317.462.4759

1432 E. Main St · Greenfield, Indiana 46140
  • Home
  • About
    • T.J.’s Team
    • Affiliations
    • Reviews
  • Showroom
  • Services
    • Cultured Stones
    • Chimney Inspections & Sweeping
    • Dryer Vent Inspections & Cleaning
    • Waterproofing/Repair & Restoration
    • Rebuild Crowns
    • Install Chimney Caps
    • Replace Chase Tops
    • Water Leak & Condensation Resolution & Repair
  • Fireplaces
    • Hearth Accessories Catalog
    • Rebuild Fireplaces
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Request Service
  • Review Us

What is a Chimney Liner?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

A chimney liner is an important safety feature within your home’s chimney. It covers the rough interior of the chimney, creating a smooth passageway that carries the smoke and other combustion products up the chimney and out of your house.

A chimney liner:

  • Keeps your chimney from overheating. When high heat transfers to the masonry and surrounding woodwork or other structures, a chimney fire – and a subsequent house fire – can occur.
  • Protects the masonry from combustion byproducts that can deteriorate the brick and mortar, reducing the life of the chimney.
  • Prevents toxic gases, like carbon monoxide, from building up and entering your home.
  • Improves the energy efficiency of your fireplace, wood stove and gas or oil furnace by maintaining optimal air flow.
  • Reduces the buildup of soot and creosote inside the chimney.

Fire code laws require all new homes to have chimney liners installed. However, before the 1940s, liners weren’t a standard feature in masonry chimneys – one reason why chimney and house fires occurred more frequently. 

The three main types of chimney liners include:

  • Clay tile. Used since the 1900s, many older homes have clay tile liners that were installed during construction. Clay tiles are inexpensive and generally perform well when they’re maintained. However, they can crack and split due to age and uneven expansion from heat exposure. Clay tiles are difficult to replace since they must be removed with special tools, and replacement tiles must be cut precisely to fit together.
  • Cast-in-place. A new liner is created inside a chimney that’s in poor condition, giving it structural integrity. There are various proprietary methods for installing a cast-in-place liner; however, installation should be performed by a knowledgeable professional. While cast-in-place liner installation can cost almost as much as it does to rebuild a chimney, it is a good option for an older, historic home in which the masonry of the original chimney needs to be maintained.
  • Metal. Metal liners are a good option for chimneys without a liner or as a replacement liner. Stainless steel liners are used in woodburning, gas or oil applications, while aluminum liners are an alternative for some gas products. Metal liners also can be rigid for use in straight chimneys or flexible for chimneys that have bends within them. Also, insulation is often used with metal liners to keep higher temperatures in the chimney and to reduce condensation.

Whether you need a liner for a pre-1940s chimney or you need to fix an existing one, contact the chimney professionals at T. J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN. We can take a look at your chimney and determine the best liner option for your particular needs. The safe use of your fireplace, stove or furnace is our No. 1 priority, so call us today at 317-455-5310.

 
 

Filed Under: Chimney, Fireplace, Liner

Know Your Chimney Liner: Stainless Steel versus Ceramic Tile

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

The chimney liner plays a crucial role in the function of your chimney. Most people, however, aren’t aware of this vital component. Below is a quick tutorial:

Have you ever wondered how the soot and other dangerous materials produced by your fireplace exit your chimney? The chimney liner helps to push those chemicals out. At the same time, it acts as a barrier between the combustible materials and the chimney walls. Because of the extreme temperatures and acidity of those materials, the liner ensures that your chimney doesn’t corrode and suffer extensive damage. In addition, your chimney liner enables your fireplace, wood stove, or furnace to pull in the air necessary for adequate combustion and to maintain the draft required.

The two most common types of chimney liners are stainless steel and ceramic. Stainless steel chimney liners are often found in newer home construction, which feature zero-clearance fireplaces. A zero-clearance fireplace is wood framed and has a stainless steel flue running through the center of the chimney. Ceramic tile chimney liners are cheaper than stainless steel and easier to install. But they lack the expansion rate of a stainless steel liner. Dramatic changes in temperature can cause ceramic tile chimney liners to crack, which would allow dangerous materials to enter the house.

Do you know what kind of chimney liner you have in the chimney in your home? The age of your home could be a good indicator.

Call us today! We would be delighted to speak with you about the importance of maintaining your chimney liner.

 

Filed Under: Chimney, Liner

Call Us Today!
(317) 462-4759

Services

  • Chimney Inspections & Sweeping
  • Dryer Vent Inspections & Cleaning
  • Waterproofing/Repair & Restoration
  • Rebuild Fireplaces
  • Rebuild Crowns
  • Install Chimney Caps
  • Replace Chase Tops
  • Water Leak & Condensation Resolution & Repair

Return to top of page

T.J.'s Chimney Service · 1432 E. Main St. · Greenfield, Indiana 46140 · (317) 462-4759

Copyright © 2021 · CCM | Marketing Agency · Log in