When it comes to fireplace accessories, the most critical one for the safety of your health and home is the chimney liner. Extreme temperatures and toxic gases are produced when you light a fire in a gas or wood burning fireplace. These combustion products can cause great damage to the fireplace and chimney, and might even cause illness.
A chimney liner is a metal, ceramic or clay insert that protects the chimney from these byproducts of a burning fire. It also protects the chimney walls from heat and corrosion. A damaged or overheated chimney can lead to the combustion of any wood building materials in its proximity.
According to various tests, an unlined chimney is a serious danger. In the US, homes containing a fireplace that were built after 1940 must have a chimney liner, and they must be replaced if broken or cracked.
There are three basic kinds of chimney liner:
1. Clay tiles are the material traditionally used in chimney liners. This is an inexpensive option, easily obtainable, and works satisfactorily in an open fireplace chimney that is suitably kept up.
2. A metal chimney liner is commonly made from aluminum or stainless steel, and is mostly used for repairing or upgrading an existing chimney. Metal liners enjoy a good safety rating and are tough and long wearing if installed properly.
3. A cast-in-place liner is another possible choice. This lightweight item is produced from material that looks like cement. Once installed inside the chimney, it forms a well insulated, seamless passage to allow the combustion byproducts to escape. An older chimney will benefit structurally from this kind of permanent liner, and it is compatible with various types of fuel.
The material of choice for most replacement chimney liners these days is stainless steel rather than clay tiles, because it's a more efficient installation process. It%u2019s available in either flexible or stiff styles.
Generally, homeowners will want to have a chimney liner installed by professionals. However, there are kits available that include instructions for installation, and this can save you a lot of money. Generally, all the needed attachments and accessories are included in these kits to make sure the installation goes smoothly.
If you live in an older home with a fireplace, it%u2019s essential that you have it professionally inspected to make sure it%u2019s up to the current standards of safety. If you have an old chimney that's in poor repair or not properly lined, you're putting your family's safety at risk. And because there is no shortage of inexpensive and practical ways to fix the problem, you have no reason to shy away from this highly important fireplace accessories.