Old Smokey's Fireplace & Chimney's Blog

Which Type of Flue Liner Does My Chimney Need?

It’s time for your annual chimney inspection and cleaning, and the CSIA certified professionals at Old Smokey’s are excited to come to your home and make sure that your fireplace and chimney system is working efficiently and safely. When we come in and make our inspection, one thing that we’ll be checking out is the condition of your chimney liner. Your chimney liner plays an important role in keeping your chimney safe, and we know just what to look for to make sure it is doing its job effectively.

Chimney Liners

Although your chimney is designed to carry the by-products of your fire up and out of your home, the uneven structure of the bricks and mortar aren’t the most efficient channel for this happen. Parging older chimneys often helps this process. During parging, the builders would line the interior of the chimney with mortar to create a smooth, even surface. Later on, clay tiles were used, and more recently, metal liners have become a popular material for lining chimneys.

Your chimney liner can be damaged in several ways. The most common problem with chimney liners is improper installation or fit. An improper fit of the chimney liner hinders the flow of gases out of your fireplace. Your liner can also become cracked or damaged due to the normal settling of your home. Chimney fires also damage your liner. If we detect any type of damage to your chimney liner, we will recommend replacing it.

Types of Liners

There are three main types of chimney liners: metal, clay, and cast in mortar. Your decision on which type to use depends on what type of chimney you have. Currently, the most common choice is probably metal, either flexible or rigid. If you have a straight flue, you could use a rigid metal liner, but if you have any type of angles in your flue, you’ll want to go with a more flexible option. There are several different types of metal as well, and different types work better with different heating systems. For example, if you have a gas appliance, you can use an aluminum liner, but not with other heating fuels. If you burn wood or coal, then a stainless steel liner will work well.

Clay liners are also a great option, as they can withstand high heat and last for a long time. The downside to clay liners is that they are generally a more expensive option. If you have a very narrow, straight chimney, then another option might be a cast in mortar liner, which involves the use of a rubber bladder to install, then remove when the mortar is dried. This is a great, long-lasting option which can work with any heating source and works well with narrow or oddly shaped chimneys. Here again, it is a costly installation process.

Call Today

If you think you might need a new chimney liner, give us a call today at 260-424-0009 or schedule an appointment online to have a technician come for a home inspection.At Old Smokey’s, we look forward to offering great advice and excellent service.

Add a New Fireplace and Chimney System to Your Home

Have you thought about getting a fireplace for your home, but decided that it was just too big of a project? Tearing out a big piece of your home and waiting for a mason to construct a chimney system can seem daunting. However, did you know that there are other fireplace options available to you? In fact, most traditional masonry fireplaces and chimneys are not nearly as efficient and clean burning as newer prefabricated fireplaces. Our professionals at Old Smokey’s are experts at finding the right type of fireplace for your needs. We want to help you determine if a prefabricated fireplace is the right option for your home!

Location & Design

One of the benefits of a prefabricated fireplace is the ability to install it almost wherever you want it in your home. This is mainly because ventilation for prefabricated systems is much more flexible and efficient than masonry systems. Once you find a location for your fireplace, we can help build a wall and mantle around the appliance. Design options are nearly endless! If you want a more authentic look, there are a large number of brick or stone tile options which can imitate a real masonry fireplace. You’ll never know the difference!

Fuel Options

There are a number of fuel options available with prefabricated fireplaces. Although electric fireplace options are available, wood and gas fireplaces are the two most popular options. Gas fireplaces are generally easier to operate and maintain, but wood fireplaces can be cheaper to operate if the wood is readily available. Also, it’s hard to beat the feeling of having a real wood fire in your home.

Efficiency

The fireplaces we install are all EPA qualified. This means they emit at least 70 percent less gas than a traditional masonry fireplace. They also have fires that burn hotter and longer while producing less smoke. This is not only good for the environment, but it creates fewer maintenance issues for your fireplace. Prefabricated fireplaces are also designed to push warm air out into your home instead of up and out of your home like a traditional masonry fireplace. This means the heat you produce in your fireplace can actually supplement your home’s heating system, reducing your heating costs.

If you are looking for a way to add warmth and comfort to your home, look no further than Old Smokey’s. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technicians can help you find the perfect fireplace for your home. Call us today at 260-424-0009 or schedule an appointment online to have a technician come to your home and discuss your fireplace options.