In this article, we will discuss the different types of chimney liners. The liner is an essential part of the chimney. They should be installed to make sure that the chimney functions properly and safely. Nowadays, there are many types of chimney liners that you can install for your chimney. Of course, you need to make sure that your chimney is suitable with the liner that you choose. Let us learn more about this topic below.
What are the different types of chimney liners? The three main types of chimney liners are metal, clay tiles, and cast-in-place. These liners have their pros and cons. Make sure that you choose the right type of liner for your chimney.
A chimney is needed if you are using a fireplace. Furthermore, a liner is required inside the chimney to help protect your home from the heat and flames that come from the fire. What are the three types of chimney liners? What are chimney liners for? When is a chimney liner needed? Should a chimney liner be insulated? Find out the answer to these questions below.
What is a Chimney Liner?
Chimney liners are installed inside the chimney to help homes from heat, embers, and fire. They make the chimney function better and safer. Moreover, a chimney liner protects the masonry of the chimney from corrosive byproducts that can otherwise damage it and cause issues inside your home.
Three Types of Chimney Liners to Choose From
The three types of chimney liners that you can choose from include clay liners, metal liners, and cast-in-place liners. Find out more about each type of liner below.
Clay Liners
One of the most popular types of chimney liner is the clay liner. They are originally used in building chimneys and also help keep your home safe from damage due to wood heat. On the other hand, clay liners are not safe for gas and oil heating systems because they produce fires that release vapors. The vapors released into the air can damage clay tile liners and put your home at risk. Moreover, clay liners are a popular option for a lot of homeowners because they are affordable. The downside is that they need to be replaced and repaired more often as compared to other types of liners.
Metal Liners
Another type of chimney liner that you can choose from is the metal liner. This liner comes in a wide array of shapes and sizes. To fit your chimneys, the metal liners can either be rigid or flexible. Metal liners are easy to install and are also affordable. They are durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The good thing about metal liners is that you can also place them over damaged clay tiles to restore the function of the chimney. You can also read this article that discusses what material is used for a chimney liner. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Cast in Place Liners
You can also choose a cast-in-place liner for your chimney. This type of liner is ideal for chimneys that have structural problems. They are made with an insulated mortar-like mixture to help fill in deteriorating mortar joints and cracks in the chimney and effectively improve its structure. On the other hand, cast-in-place chimney liners can be expensive. Moreover, if the structure of your chimney is complicated, the cost of installation can also go up.
What is Chimney Liners For?
Chimney liners protect your home from accidental fires, prevent damage to the masonry, and give the modern appliances a correct size flue. Find out more about these things below.
Offers Protection from Accidental Fires
Chimney liners help prevent the potential risk of accidental fire. The materials used in creating a chimney prevent them from catching fire. On the other hand, if the heat from the chimney transfers to the support structures near the chimney, it can ignite and cause a fire. What the chimney liner does is limits the heat transfer which efficiently prevents fire. If your chimney is unlined, combustible material in the chimney or near it can catch fire when a flame sends heat.
Prevents Damage to the Chimney Masonry
A chimney liner also prevents damage to the masonry of your chimney. Bricks are solid, but it is also porous. An active flame in the fireplace creates combustion that leads to various corrosive byproducts. As time went by, the corrosion byproducts can eat away at the mortar joints which leads to fast heat transfer to the nearby combustibles.
If this occurs, dangerous issues can occur such as carbon monoxide leaking inside your home. The good thing about a liner is that it adds a layer of defense to the chimney which helps protect the masonry. Moreover, the type of liner that you use can affect the resiliency of the mortar and brock in your chimney.
Provides Appliances with the Proper Flue Size
A chimney liner also provides the chimney with the proper flue size. Bear in mind that most modern fireplaces require a specific flue size. If you are replacing your old fireplace with a new one, there is a possibility that your existing chimney won’t be exact. Not having the right flue size will affect the function of the appliance and can also lead to various risks. If you are planning to upgrade your appliances, get in touch with a chimney professional regarding the best liner that you should choose.
✅ Video – What Type of Chimney Liner Should You Use?
NorthlineExpress shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses what type of chimney liner you should use. In the video, the different types of chimney liners are also discussed. Watch the video for more tips and information.
Should a Chimney Liner be Insulated?
It is ideal to insulate a chimney liner. There are also some areas where insulating a chimney liner is required. Make sure to check your local building codes for rules and regulations that you need to follow. Chimney liners that are warm and properly insulated can enhance the draft ability of the chimney. Aside from that, an insulated chimney liner can also effectively lessen condensation. Metal liners can deteriorate faster if it is affected by condensation and you may need to drain your liner.
What are the Reasons Why Chimney Relining is Needed?
There are several reasons why a chimney relining is needed and one of these is that there is no liner. It also needs to be relined when the liner is defective, the original tiles have deteriorated, and do not provide the needed protection for your home. Bear in mind that a small crack in a liner can be a potential fire risk. You can also check out this article that discusses if a wood-burning fireplace needs a chimney liner. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
How Long Does Chimney Liners Last?
Chimney liners can last up to twenty years or more depending on various factors such as the maintenance and care that you provide, and the quality and material of the liner that you choose. You might need to replace the entire liner to make sure that it is functioning properly and to avoid fire risk. Aside from that, you also need to take note that some factors can shorten the lifespan of the chimney liner.
Furthermore, stainless steel liners are a popular option because they have a longer lifespan as compared to other types of liners. Avoid using cheap chimney liners because they can easily get damaged and need to be repaired or replaced in about five years. When choosing a chimney liner, make sure that you choose the one that is high-quality and durable. Do not sacrifice the quality of the liner just to save on your budget because it will cost you a lot of money in the long run. We have also shared this article titled, can a chimney be too big? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
How Much Do Chimney Liners Cost?
The cost of chimney liner differs according to various factors like the material used, the size, the quality, and the brand. If you are installing a chimney liner for the first time, it can cost up to 2,500 dollars or more. On the other hand, if you are installing a high-quality liner, the cost can increase up to 7000 dollars.
On the other hand, if you have the skills and experience, you can also DIY your chimney liner installation using affordable materials such as aluminum. Take note that a DIY installation is not recommended if you do not have the skills to do it. It is recommended that you hire the services of a professional.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses what the different types of chimney liners are. We have found out that the different types of chimney liners are metal, clay, and cast-in-place. We have also discussed what chimney liners are for. Make sure to choose the right chimney liner that suits the type of chimney that you have at home. Thank you for reading!