In this article, we will discuss how long chimney liners last. A chimney liner is an important part of the chimney because it provides extra protection and also keeps the chimney safe. Installing a chimney liner is important no matter what type of chimney you have. On the other hand, chimney liners do not last forever and should be changed after many years. Below, we will discuss how long chimney liners last and how to determine if you need to change them.
How long do chimney liners last? How long a chimney liner last will have to depend on a few factors like the type of liner that you have and how often it is used. The average chimney liner can last about fifteen to twenty years. The cleaning and maintenance that is done will also factor in how long they last.
Chimney liners are an important part of the chimney and should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Make sure that you hire the services of chimney professionals to have them cleaned and inspected for any damage. If the liner is damaged, then it needs to be replaced. Find out more about chimney liners below.
What is the Average Lifespan of Chimney Liners?
The average lifespan of a chimney liner is between fifteen and twenty years. Stainless steel liners have the longest lifespan. On the other hand, the low-quality ones can last only up to five years. Different factors can affect the lifespan of a chimney liner. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for about two decades before replacement is required.
Different Types of Chimney Liners and How Long they Last
The different types of chimney liners include clay tile, metal, and cast in place. Each type has its average lifespan that you need to be familiar with so that you can determine which one is best for your needs. Below are the different types of chimney liners and how long they last.
Clay Tile Chimney Liners
Considered the most common type of masonry liner, clay tiles have an average lifespan of five to fifteen years depending on care and maintenance. They are affordable to install and widely available on the market as well.
Metal Chimney Liners
Stainless steel and aluminum are the popular types of metal chimney liners. They can last up to twenty-five years. They are lightweight which makes them easy to install. On the other hand, the downside is that they are more expensive compared to other types of chimney liners.
Cast-in-Place Chimney Liners
This type of chimney liner is traditionally made using cement. They can last up to twenty years or more with proper care and maintenance. The ideal thing about using cast-in-place liners for your chimney is that they improve its overall structure.
✅ Video – Chimney Liner Installation
Joel Ideas shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to install a chimney liner. Watch the video below to find out more on how to install a 6-inch smooth wall stainless steel chimney liner.
What are the Factors that Affect the Lifespan of a Chimney Liner?
Material, quality, and maintenance are some of the factors that affect the lifespan of a chimney liner. When choosing a liner for your chimney, you need to be aware of its average lifespan. You also need to be aware of the different factors that can affect how long they last.
The Material
The material of the chimney liner is one of the factors that will affect its lifespan. Stainless steel is the most durable type of liner which can last about twenty years or more.
The Quality
Another factor that will affect the lifespan of the chimney liner is its quality. While it is tempting to choose a liner based on its price, you need to consider its quality. Cheap liners will not last for long and you will up spending money on a replacement.
Cleaning and Maintenance
How you clean and maintain the chimney liner will also affect their lifespan. With regular cleaning and maintenance, the chimney liner will last longer. It is recommended that you hire the services of chimney professionals to regularly clean and inspect your chimney.
Things that Determine if Your Chimney Liner Needs Replacement
Condensation issues, damage to the liner, and fireplace conversion are some of the things that will determine if your liner needs replacement. To find out the exact condition of your chimney liner, you should have it inspected by a professional chimney technician.
Clay Tile Liner Damage
The smallest crack and damage to the liner can affect its efficiency. Carbon monoxide and other toxic byproducts can enter the house through the cracks in the liner.
Condensation Issues
If your chimney is dealing with condensation issues, it might be because the chimney liner is damaged. I the liner is damaged, low temperatures in the chimney can lead to condensation which can damage its structure. You can also check out this article that discusses what happens if you don’t have a chimney liner. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Fireplace Conversion
If you are planning to convert your fireplace so that it uses a different type of fuel, it is recommended that you replace your chimney liner. If you are not sure, you can always ask professionals for some advice. They can tell you whether it is necessary to change the liner or not.
How Do You Properly Care for Your Chimney Liner?
To properly care for your chimney liner, you need to avoid burning wet wood, offcuts, or pallets, avoid mixing wood and smokeless fuel, use the correct fuel ratio, and get your liner regularly swept. Let us learn more about these below.
Do Not Burn Wet Wood
Do not burn wet wood on your chimney. Moisture is bad for liners because it causes the wood to burn at a lower temperature and leads to tar build-up. Moreover, you should not use offcuts on your chimney because they usually have lacquers that stick to the liner.
Wood and Smokeless Fuel Should Not be Mixed
It is important to note that wood and smokeless fuel should not be mixed. This means that you should only burn one type of fuel otherwise, it can cause your liner to fail. This is because moisture in the wood can combine with Sulphur in the smokeless fuel and create acid which damages liners, especially those that are made from stainless steel.
Follow the Proper Fuel Ratio
Make sure that when using the chimney, you are following the fuel ratio. Read the instructions in the user manual about the fuel ratio. Some manufacturers provide specific instructions regarding what type of fuel you can burn and the amount that you need to use. Follow the instructions to avoid damaging your liner. You can also read this article that discusses if a water heater needs a chimney liner. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Regularly Clean You Liner
Have your chimney liner cleaned and swept regularly. How many times a year it should be cleaned will have to depend on the type of fuel that you use and how often you use it. Rather than doing the cleaning yourself, it is best that hire the services of professional chimney sweeps. They have the right tools to do the job and you can also make sure that your liner is thoroughly cleaned.
Do You Need to Have a Good Working Liner for Your Chimney?
You need to have a good working liner for your chimney. Choose the best quality that is suitable for your chimney and the fuel that you use. Take note that the chimney liner helps protect your home from toxic gasses. Hence, you need to make sure that you have the best chimney liner. Do not sacrifice the quality of the liner just to save on your budget.
A high-quality chimney liner can last a long time which will save you money in the long run. On the other hand, low-quality chimney liners easily get damaged and you will end up spending more money on maintenance and replacement. We have also shared this article titled, what are the different types of chimney liners? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
How to Determine if there are Cracks in the Chimney Liner?
The best way to determine if there are cracks in the chimney liner is to hire the services of a professional insect liner. Inspecting by yourself especially if you do not have the right tools can be challenging. It is recommended that you do a chimney inspection at least once a year or if you notice any issue in the operation of the fireplace and chimney.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed how long chimney liners last. We have found out that chimney liners should be replaced after many years especially if it is already in a bad shape. This is why you need to regularly check your chimney to determine the status of your liner. Moreover, we have shared tips on how to care for your chimney liner to prolong its life. Thank you for reading!