Probably the most essential fireplace accessory that will keep your home and family safe is a chimney liner. Extreme temperatures and toxic gases are produced when you light a fire in a gas or wood burning fireplace. These combustion products are capable of causing damage to your fireplace, chimney and home, and can even make you sick.
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. Once the chimney gets overheated or sustains some damage, any nearby wood used in the construction of your home is at risk of catching fire.
Testing has revealed that unlined chimneys are very hazardous. 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. The traditional material for chimney liners is clay tiles. This is a cost effective choice; it's also easy to get and performs perfectly well in a properly maintained fireplace chimney.
2. Metal chimney liners, typically made from stainless steel or aluminum, are generally utilized for upgrade or repair to an existing chimney. The advantages of a metal liner are that it is highly durable and very safe if the installation is done properly.
3. Another option is the cast-in-place liner. This is a lightweight product made from a material resembling cement. Once installed inside the chimney, it forms a well insulated, seamless passage to allow the combustion byproducts to escape. This type of permanent liner makes an older chimney more stable and sturdy, and can be used with any type 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’s available in either flexible or stiff styles.
Most people choose to have their new chimney liner professionally installed. 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 your older home has a fireplace, it's critical to get it checked out by a professional to be certain it meets safety requirements. 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 since there are a number of reasonably priced and effective ways to correct the situation, there’s really no excuse not to invest in one of these essential fireplace accessories.
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