Best Cincinnati Chimney: How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney? Keeping Your Home Safe and Cozy
The allure of a crackling fire on a chilly evening is undeniable. But before you settle in for a cozy night, it’s crucial to ensure your chimney is clean and safe. At Best Cincinnati Chimney, we understand the importance of regular chimney maintenance. A common question we get is, “How often should you clean your chimney?” Let’s dive into the details.
Short Answer: The frequency of chimney cleaning largely depends on usage. As a rule of thumb, the National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual inspection and cleaning. However, frequent use or burning certain types of wood may necessitate more frequent cleanings.
Understanding Your Chimney
A chimney is more than just a structure; it’s a vital pathway for hot flue gases and smoke to escape your home. Neglecting regular chimney cleaning can lead to serious risks, including chimney fires, harmful emissions, and inefficient heating. Chimney cleaning involves removing soot, blockages, and creosote buildup, inspecting for damage, and ensuring safe operation.
Factors That Influence Chimney Cleaning Frequency
While annual cleaning is generally recommended, several factors can influence how often you need to clean your chimney:
• Type of Fireplace:
o Wood-burning stoves produce more smoke and creosote than gas fireplaces.
o Gas fireplaces, while cleaner, still require regular inspection.
o Coal and pellet stoves have their own unique cleaning requirements.
• Usage:
o The more you use your fireplace, the more often it needs cleaning.
o Daily winter use necessitates more frequent cleaning than occasional use.
• Wood Type:
o Hardwoods like oak and ash burn cleaner than softwoods like pine.
o Resinous woods like pine contribute to rapid creosote buildup.
o Burning well-seasoned (dry) wood is crucial; green (wet) wood increases creosote.
Recommended Chimney Cleaning Frequencies
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 211 states, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.” Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be done if the inspection calls for it.
In some cases, more frequent cleaning is necessary. If your fireplace is your primary heat source or you burn a lot of unseasoned wood, consider biannual cleaning.
Signs That Your Chimney Needs Cleaning – Expanded
Recognizing the signs of a dirty chimney is crucial for safety:
• Visible Creosote Buildup: More than 1/8″ of black, oily residue indicates a need for cleaning.
• Unpleasant Odors: A burnt wood smell when the fireplace isn’t in use suggests soot and creosote buildup.
• Smoke Intrusion: Smoke entering your home indicates a blockage.
• Poorly Burning Fire: Difficulty igniting or maintaining a fire suggests improper smoke draw.
Remember, even without these signs, annual maintenance is vital.
Professional vs. DIY Chimney Cleaning
Consider these points when deciding between professional and DIY cleaning:
• DIY: Can save money but is risky without proper tools and safety measures.
• Professional: Ensures thorough cleaning and safety, especially for structural issues or tall chimneys.
Conclusion
Regular chimney cleaning is essential for safety and efficiency. Develop a maintenance schedule based on your usage and wood type. When in doubt, contact Best Cincinnati Chimney for a professional inspection. We are happy to help keep your home warm and safe.
- Published in Chimney, Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Dampers and Caps, Chimney Liners, Water Leaks
Chimney Repair & Replacement Process
The process of repairing or replacing a chimney will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of chimney involved. The following are the general steps involved in repairing or replacing a chimney:
- Inspection: A chimney inspection is necessary to determine the extent of the damage.
- Obtaining necessary permits: Before any work can begin, it may be necessary to obtain permits.
- Demolition: If the chimney needs to be replaced, the old chimney will need to be demolished.
- Reconstruction: The new chimney will then need to be constructed, properly sealed, and weatherproofed.
- Installation of flue liner: If a new flue liner is required, we’ll walk you through your options.
- Masonry repair: If the chimney requires masonry repair, this will be done at this stage.
- Installation of chimney cap: A new chimney cap may need to be installed.
- Clean-up: Once the chimney repairs are complete, the area will be cleaned up.
Repair Cost
Chimney Repair & Restoration Cost
Many factors contribute to the cost of chimney rebuilds or restorations: chimney height, brick quantity, roof type, electrical lines, tree lines, and more. These factors affect how scaffolding must be built, and how much time and materials are needed for each project.
Best Cincinnati Chimney’s certified chimney technicians, project managers, and professional masons guide customers through chimney projects from start to finish. Our focus remains fixed on quality, integrity, craftsmanship, and safety.
Why Choose Best Cincinnati Chimney For Your Chimney
Every customer deserves to work with trustworthy, knowledgeable technicians on their important projects. In Greater Cincinnati and communities across Northern Kentucky, Best Cincinnati Chimney works hard to earn new business and build trust and satisfaction with existing customers.
- Published in Chimney, Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Liners, Water Leaks
Chimney Liners: A Crucial Component for Safety and Efficiency
A chimney liner is a protective tube installed inside a chimney flue to enhance safety, efficiency, and longevity. It acts as a barrier between the hot flue gases and the chimney wall, preventing heat damage, creosote buildup, and potential fires.
Why Are Chimney Liners Important?
- Fire Prevention:
- Creosote Buildup: Chimney liners help reduce creosote buildup, a highly flammable substance that can ignite and cause chimney fires.
- Heat Damage: They protect the chimney wall from excessive heat, preventing cracks and structural damage.
- Improved Draft:
- Smooth Gas Flow: A properly installed liner ensures a smooth flow of combustion gases, improving the draft and efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove.
- Reduced Backdraft: A strong draft reduces the risk of backdraft, a dangerous condition where smoke and carbon monoxide are pushed back into your home.
- Energy Efficiency:
- Heat Retention: Chimney liners help retain heat within the flue, improving the efficiency of your heating appliance.
- Reduced Heat Loss: By minimizing heat loss through the chimney wall, liners can contribute to lower energy bills.
Types of Chimney Liners
- Clay Tile Liners:
- Durable and Fire-Resistant: These traditional liners are made from durable clay tiles and are highly resistant to fire.
- Installation: They require careful installation and mortar joints to ensure proper sealing.
- Flexible Stainless Steel Liners:
- Easy Installation: These liners are flexible and can be easily installed in existing chimneys.
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel offers excellent resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
- Rigid Stainless Steel Liners:
- Durable and Strong: These liners are made from rigid stainless steel sections and are highly durable.
- Precision Installation: They require precise installation to ensure proper fit and sealing.
When to Consider a Chimney Liner
- Old or Damaged Chimney: If your chimney is old or has signs of damage, a liner can help restore its integrity.
- Frequent Creosote Buildup: If you experience excessive creosote buildup, a liner can help reduce this problem.
- Inefficient Heating Appliances: A poorly functioning chimney can lead to inefficient heating appliances. A liner can improve draft and efficiency.
- Fire in chimney- If you have had a chimney fire that has created vertcal cracks in your liner, then you need a new liner.
- Fire Safety Concerns: If you have concerns about fire safety, a liner can significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires.
Professional Installation
It is crucial to have your chimney liner installed by a qualified professional. They will assess your chimney’s condition, choose the appropriate liner type, and ensure proper installation. Regular chimney inspections and cleaning are also essential to maintain optimal performance and safety.
By investing in a chimney liner, you can protect your home, improve energy efficiency, and enjoy a safer and more comfortable winter season.Call Best Cincinnati Chimney if you need a new chimney liner.
- Published in Chimney Liners
Parging Smoke Chambers: A Guide to Enhancing Fireplace Performance
Parging is a process that involves applying a thin layer of mortar to a surface, often used to repair or protect masonry structures. When applied to a fireplace’s smoke chamber, parging can significantly improve its performance and efficiency.
What is a Smoke Chamber?
A smoke chamber is a crucial component of a fireplace. It’s the area where smoke and gases from the firebox collect before exiting through the chimney. A well-functioning smoke chamber ensures efficient draft, preventing smoke from entering the room.
Why Parge a Smoke Chamber?
Over time, smoke chambers can deteriorate due to factors like heat exposure, moisture, and soot buildup. This can lead to several issues:
- Poor Draft: A damaged smoke chamber can disrupt the airflow, causing smoke to backdraft into the room.
- Reduced Efficiency: Inefficient draft can lead to heat loss and increased fuel consumption.
- Fire Safety Hazards: Cracked or crumbling mortar can compromise the structural integrity of the fireplace.
Parging Process:
- Preparation:
- Clean the smoke chamber thoroughly to remove loose mortar, soot, and debris.
- Use a wire brush to expose the underlying brick or stone.
- Dampen the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the mortar.
- Mixing Mortar:
- Prepare a mortar mix suitable for high-temperature applications. A fire clay mortar is commonly used for parging smoke chambers.
- Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Applying Mortar:
- Use a trowel to apply the mortar evenly to the surface of the smoke chamber.
- Ensure that all cracks and gaps are filled.
- Smooth the surface to create a clean finish.
- Curing:
- Allow the mortar to cure properly, usually for several days.
- Avoid exposing the parged surface to excessive heat or moisture during the curing process.
Benefits of Parging a Smoke Chamber:
- Improved Draft: A smooth, well-sealed smoke chamber promotes efficient airflow.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Better draft leads to increased heat output and reduced fuel consumption.
- Reduced Smoke and Creosote Buildup: A properly parged smoke chamber can help minimize the accumulation of soot and creosote.
- Increased Fireplace Lifespan: Parging can help protect the smoke chamber from further deterioration.
By parging your fireplace’s smoke chamber, you can enjoy a safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting fireplace. If you’re unsure about the process, call Best Cincinnati Chimney today!
- Published in Chimney Liners
Replacing an Appliance Liner
When to Replace a Chimney Liner
You might think that you’d only need to replace your chimney liner if it’s cracked, deteriorating, or malfunctioning. While those are excellent reasons to finally reline your chimney, you should install a brand new liner when you upgrade or replace your furnace or water heater.
A New Appliance Calls for a New Liner
Many homeowners are faced with having to upgrade their furnace or water heater. Newer models are much more efficient, but there are hidden costs if they’re not installed properly. Carbon monoxide can build around the water heater or condense near the chimney. Building inspectors refer to this common problem as “orphaned” water heaters, those that are forced to vent through a chimney after the removal of the old furnace.
For these new appliances to work properly, the chimneys must be large enough to expel the exhaust. However, the chimneys have to be small enough to keep warm and create a draft. Therefore, relining the chimney is the only solution to this problem. A new liner can fix the sizing problem with the
chimney and help promote a healthy draft. In turn, toxic fumes won’t buildup around your new appliance. Sometimes, installers will only quote homeowners on the cost of the new appliance, not the cost of the liner that needs to be outfitted for it to draft and protect your home against these toxic
fumes. Always ask about getting a new liner installed with your new water heater or furnace because it isn’t always done, despite the fact that you’ll need it.
Stainless steel appliance liner kit
What happens if you don’t get a new liner with a new appliance? You don’t want to take the gamble to find out. Experts say that condensation will build up in the chimney and around the new appliance, which can cause aesthetic and structural damage. Condensation can ruin the joints and leak into unwanted areas. Not to mention you’ll be faced with the carbon monoxide buildup and lack of a proper draft to expel these dangerous, sometimes fatal, fumes.
There are aluminum liners which get pitted pretty easily by the gasses that they vent. These generally last 10-15 years. The stainless steel liners are a little more pricey but come with a limited lifetime warranty Make certain that when you have a service man in your home, you have him check the draft on your appliance liner and make certain that it is drafting properly.
If you want your appliance liner tested, call Best Cincinnati Chimney at 513-474-1158.
- Published in Chimney Liners
Chimney Swifts
Best Cincinnati Chimney sees a lot of problems every year but one reoccurring problem is the presence of Chimney Swifts nesting in the chimneys.
Chimney Swifts are brown and gray birds known for their cigar-shaped bodies and wide, flat beaks. While their natural habitat is in trees, the destruction of forests has resulted in them having an affinity for chimneys as they are warm and protected from predators. These birds do not roost like most birds but they like to hang and they build their nests against ledges so a chimney is perfect for them. One definite sign that you have chimney swifts is the cry of their young hatchlings. They let off a high pitched screaming that sounds like a little girl screaming.
Why not just let them be?
Regardless of how much you love birds, you should ask a chimney professional to keep swifts out of your chimney. Besides the irritating sounds that they make, they also pose some dangers. One of the dangers is that of diseases. Due to their tendencies to travel long distances and even across continents they are exposed to many microorganisms that can cause diseases to you and your family.
Another reason why you should keep them out of your chimney is because they put your home at the risk of catching fire. When they construct nests, the nests block the chimney flue thus harmful gasses, and smoke doesn’t escape into the environment. This results to creosote getting deposited on the chimney walls. As you know, the more the creosote deposits, the higher the chances of your chimney catching fire. Also the nests themselves are flammable.
What do we do to get them out?
Many birds, including swifts, are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The act states that it’s a federal offense to remove or damage the swift nests before the hatchlings have left. Once they are there, you have them for a life cycle. The good thing is that the birds have short life cycles where the time from nesting to the time that the hatchlings leave the nest is less than 6 weeks. After the six weeks, you should contact a chimney company to remove the nests and clean the entire chimney. We usually just wait them out and then seal them out.
Keeping them out
Swifts spend their winters in South American then migrate to North America in spring and summer. If you don’t take measures to prevent the birds from getting into your chimney they will come back during summer. One of the ways of ensuring that they don’t find their way into your chimney again installing a chimney cap. All you need to do is hire a chimney masonry repair professional to install it for you. Since the birds are very small, ensure that you hire a professional who will install a unit that the birds can’t fit through. The smaller the mesh around the cap, the better.
In addition to installing chimney caps, you should also inspect the entire chimney and fix any holes that the birds can get through and remove all debris that they brought into the chimney.
Call Best Cincinnati Chimney for a complete cleaning and inspection today at 513-474-1158.
My chimney stinketh!
Cincinnati has plenty of Rain fall, High Humidity, and cold weather dips where we burn hard and fast These elements can all work together to make the chimney stink. It’s time for a chimney cleaning.
Some homeowners might shrug-off the fireplace smell as most households have air conditioning. If you have the air conditioning on, then the fireplace won’t smell…right?
Not so fast.
First, glass doors are frequently found in front of the fireplace. How does the fresh air get in there? It doesn’t. Also, let’s say you have a screen in front of the fireplace, the cool air might linger in the fireplace itself, but it doesn’t go up the chimney. That’s where the smells build and linger.
5 Causes of Moisture Build-Up Inside of the Chimney
- Poor Ventilation: Air flow in the chimney is important to keep the moisture level down. When moisture builds, the musty smell occurs. But remember, the musty smell can be the start of something more like mold and mildew.
- Humidity: Cincinnati certainly has plenty of humid days. As the cool air stays in the fireplace, you can be sure the warm moist air is slowly moving through your chimney, sometimes just sitting there for longer periods of time.
- Chimney Cap: An old, broken or non-existent chimney cap causes the rain and snow to make its way inside of the chimney. With the rain coming at us horizontally lately, there’s certainly cause for concern with the rain making its way down the chimney.
- Rain and Snow: Speaking of weather elements, we want to try to keep rain and snow down to minimum in the chimney as it’s quite easy for the moisture to accumulate.
- Cracks in the Chimney: As we all know, as soon as there is a crack in the bricks and/or mortar, moisture just found a new entry point. Over time, it will continue to deteriorate and more moisture will build up and continue to open it up more.
The Smell of Moisture
So now that we know how moisture builds up and gets into our home, let’s talk about the musty smell.
- Creosote: If you have a wood burning fireplace, use it or not, there may be creosote deposits on the side of the walls or chimney liner of the chimney. Add moisture to the creosote and you get a musty, smoky smell that is quite unpleasant if left untreated. It is also dangerous because creosote is combustible.
- Mold & Mildew: Mold and mildew does have a musty like smell. This gets formed from a buildup of moisture that gets trapped.
- BBQ or Smoky Smell: This is not a fresh smell of a steak cooking on the BBQ, it’s more of the unpleasant stale burnt smell. One of my certified chimney professionals call it the “stinky sock” smell. This is often caused by soot or creosote sitting in the chimney. Mix it with moisture and it develops this not-so friendly smell.
So now that you know this is a bigger problem than you thought and the lovely smell won’t go away by itself, let’s discuss what a Best Cincinnati Chimney inspection can offer to get rid of the musty, smoky, BBQ smell.
- Inspect the Chimney Flue: The chimney flue is the vent for the flow of air & exhaust from your firebox to the chimney top. If there is an obstruction, the certified technician will find and clear the path. At the same time, they’ll inspect the chimney flue to ensure it is in good working order.
- Chimney Sweep: With regular sweeping of the chimney and fireplace, the musty order may be controlled. This may also prevent any mold or mildew build up, along with creosote or debris that easily form over time. Remember, the smell can come from wood burning and gas fireplaces. It’s just not one or the other, it is both.
- Chimney cap: The
- plays a vital role in the health of your chimney – Every chimney needs a chimney cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof! It works to keep the weather elements out of your home along with your neighborhood squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats and much, much more. If the chimney cap is missing, rusted, or broken it can play a part of developing the musty smell. The chimney inspection will uncover if there is a problem with the chimney cap and if one needs to be added or replaced.
- Waterproof the Chimney: We use a product called Chimney saver. If you want to keep moisture out of the porous bricks and mortar, then waterproofing the chimney will certainly do the trick. It isn’t a solution you do every year; Chimney Saver usually lasts about 5 years. Ask your certified chimney technicians if its right for you.
Yes, it is a challenge living in Cincinnati where we have extreme temperatures, high and low humidity, each and every year. Can you imagine what your poor chimney goes through every day? It’s the highest point of the home and it takes a beating. So be nice to your chimney and, in return, it won’t stink. Schedule an inspection today.
A problem in aging homes
Common Chimney Problems in Aging & Historic Homes in the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Market
Since at least the 1940s, the absence of a chimney liner in a chimney has been recognized as an imminent danger. Historic homes that reflect the architecture and charm of designs from our history have tremendous appeal, but with an old home comes an old chimney. In aging and historic homes, chimney problems are inevitable. This is a list of some of the most common problems associated with the chimneys in old and historic homes.
Dangers of Having No Chimney Liner
Fire safety experts continue to share a quote from that time period in which it was said that not having a chimney liner is hazardous at a near-criminal level.
In the 1950’s Chimney liners became mandatory in the U.S. Historic homes from the 1940s and earlier were usually built with no chimney liner, just bricks and not even fire bricks. These bricks are substandard for fireplaces and can create a lot of issues in a chimney. The following are the primary dangers associated with using any chimney that is not protected with a liner.
The Threat of a House Fire Due to Pyrolysis
A chimney liner protects against fire getting to combustibles which are not fuel (Like your house) When a fireplace is used without a flue liner or with a damaged liner, the exposed combustion materials go through a gradual process known as pyrolysis. As a result of pyrolysis, the structures are altered so that they combust at a much lower temperature. With no warning, a house fire will ignite and spread rapidly throughout the home.
Highly Combustible Creosote
Wood fires produce creosote, a highly flammable tar-like substance that is deposited into a chimney every time a fire is lit. If a burning ember floats up the chimney, it can cause the creosote to ignite. Chimney fires are always dangerous but especially when a chimney is not lined because virtually any chimney fire could easily spread throughout the home.
Masonry Damage
Bricks are durable, lasting a century or more if undamaged. Mortar, on the other hand, lasts only about 25 years at best. The mortar should be replaced whenever it begins to deteriorate because one of its primary functions is to protect the masonry system from moisture. If moisture intrusion occurs, winter cycles of freezing and thawing create movement in the bricks that break them down. A chimney will begin to lean and could even collapse when this occurs, though moisture can get in through other avenues besides damaged mortar as well.
Spalling is evidence of masonry damage. Spalling is when the front face of the brick pops off, and piles of debris around the chimney on the roof or the ground below provide evidence that the destructive process is occurring.
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is one of the byproducts of fires. Chimney liners keep this toxic combustible gases from fires contained in the chimney until they escape to the outdoors. In the absence of a chimney liner or with a broken one, these gases enter the residence. Carbon Monoxide is known as a silent killer because it is odorless, tasteless, invisible, and symptomless and escape from the deadly fumes is often impossible.
Settling
Normal settling of a house doesn’t necessarily cause foundation damage, but in older homes, there is a greater chance of damage caused by a shifting foundation due to the additional time. Cracks in the masonry is one of the symptoms of settling. When the cracks form, they begin to absorb water and then the water freezes and expands the cracks even larger.
- Published in Chimney, Chimney Liners, Chimney Repair, Cincinnati Chimney Sweep, Cincinnati Roofing, Water Leaks
Rachael Ray’s house fire highlights chimney dangers. Here’s how to check yours is safe
TODAY• September 22, 2020
A massive fire that destroyed Rachael Ray’s New York home in August was started in the chimney, according to the celebrity chef. The sad news comes as a reminder to homeowners about the dangers of chimneys as fall begins and cold weather approaches.
Ray told “Entertainment Tonight” the fire started after the fireplace “burped,” causing the roof to catch on fire. The house in Lake Luzerne, about an hour north of Albany, was only 15 years old, she said, and they had the chimney cleaned twice a year.
“Basically the fireplace burped, and when it burped onto the roof, the roof lit, and just the way the day was and the weather, it just went up in kind of no time, but it burned for a long time,” she explained. “It caught again the next day for a short time.”
Russ Dimmitt, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America, told TODAY that the “burp” Ray describes could have been caused by creosote — the deposits that are left in your chimney after you burn wood.
“If you have a chimney fire, what happens is that creosote is very flammable as it burns,” he explained. “It can burn so violently that it will actually shoot some creosote out top and it might land on the roof.”
Dimmitt said that with chimney fires like Ray’s, there’s lot of investigating to be done to determine the actual cause. But it does highlight the dangers associated with having a fireplace at home. Low section of couple resting by fireplace at home (Cavan Images / Getty Images)
According to data provided to TODAY by the National Fire Protection Association, fireplaces or chimneys were involved in an average of 16,030 fires per year from 2012-2016, with an average of 40 civilian deaths, 80 civilian injuries, and $256 million in direct property damage annually.
It’s scary to think about, but there are steps you can take right now to help prevent a chimney fire at your own home.
Have it professionally inspected and cleaned
The NFPA reports that the leading factor contributing to home heating fires is failure to clean the equipment. The organization recommends having your chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a qualified professional who can check to make sure it’s structurally sound and in good working order.
Make sure the wood you burn is dry
Man putting wood in fireplace (Johner Images / Getty Images)
Burning wet wood can create more flammable material deposits (creosote) on the inside of the chimney, Dimmitt explained. That’s why it’s important to make sure the wood you use is dry. “The ideal moisture content for wood to burn is between 15-25%,” he said. “If you just go cut wood, it’s going to be 50% moisture content or higher. So in order to dry that, you really have to split it.”
To split wood, cut it lengthwise so more surface area is exposed, and do so at least six months before you use it, he advised. Also, don’t put anything else in the fireplace except for wood.
“No Christmas trees,” Dimmitt said, adding that doing so can result in a massive house fire.
Make sure you have a chimney cap and take other precautions
Chimney caps are designed to keep animals out, said Dimmitt. “It’s possible (they’ll still come in), but they’ve got to really want to get in there,” he said.
Without a chimney cap, animals can nest inside. When you light a fire, the nesting material can ignite a chimney fire.
Other things you’ll want to ensure: Make sure there are no branches or trees within 15 feet of the top of your chimney, always keep your hearth area clean and void of combustibles, use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room, and never leave the fire unattended.
Know the indications of a chimney fire
“You might hear loud cracking or popping noises,” Dimmitt said. “There might be dense smoke coming out of your chimney. There might be a hot smell — everyone knows that hot smell, although we can’t really describe it.”
Gas fireplaces can also create problems
“It’s possible for someone to think, ‘Well, I don’t have wood so I don’t have a problem to worry about,’” Dimmitt said. “That’s actually not true.”
Your furnace or water heater could be vented into your chimney, and if the chimney is blocked for any reason, carbon monoxide could be coming into your home.
“With a gas burning appliance in particular you don’t have any smoke so you may not know you have a problem,” Dimmitt said. That’s why it’s important to have both carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home, he added.
Solutions to liner damage
Below is a list of the remedies used by Best Cincinnati Chimney to fix chimney liner issues that can lead to house fires.
- Flue Tiles – Used mostly for straight , short chimneys, this method of lining is used mostly on new construction. You generally cannot replace Terra cotta tiles but you can repair them.
- HeatShield® Cerfractory Flue Sealant Restores Your Chimney tiles– HeatShield® is a specially formulated “Cerfractory®” sealant material that restores the integrity of your chimney’s flue to vent hazardous flue gases from your home. It eliminates the dangers in your chimney caused by gaps, cracks and spalling for years to come. Best Cincinnati Chimney is a certified HeatSheild distributor. By using either the Joint Repair System or Resurfacing System, depending on the defects found, your chimney can be restored to its original peak level of safety and efficiency. View the HeatShield® manufacturer’s website.
- Stainless Steel Liners – This method of relining involves installing a round or oval stainless steel liner in the chimney. The liner can be either rigid or flexible; flexible liners are used for chimneys with offsets. Stainless steel liners are used mainly for woodstoves and oil furnace installations. Best Cincinnati Chimney offers UL Listed stainless steel lining systems that come with a manufacturer’s Lifetime Warranty.
- Aluminum – This method is similar to stainless steel, but the liner is made of aluminum. Aluminum liners do not tolerate the heat that stainless steel will. Aluminum liners can only be used to vent certain types of gas appliances. Note: Gas logs intended for installation in wood-burning fireplaces may not be vented with aluminum liners. We do not recommend, nor will we install aluminum liners in woodburning fireplaces or stoves.