Is It Time To Replace Your Chimney Liner?

If you have a fireplace in your home then you have a chimney and it should have a liner. The importance of chimney liners can not be overstated simply due to the safety hazards of a working fireplace without one. 

What is a Chimney Liner?

Before we move forward, we think it’s important you understand what a chimney liner is. In short, a chimney liner is a steel pipe that is long and flexible. It runs from the firebox of your wood-burning fireplace up and out the crown of your chimney. 

What Does a Chimney Liner Do?

A chimney liner serves as an extra layer of protection for your chimney and your home. A good liner will reduce the soot and creosote from building up inside your smoke stack, which makes it easier to clean and safer when it comes to fire. 

Advantages of Stainless Steel Chimney Liners

There are many benefits to having a solid and reliable chimney liner in your home. 

Fire Protection

Chimney liners keep the heat moving up and out of your home when you’re burning a fire to ensure that the heat never reaches the flammable materials on the outer side. This is especially important for older homes with cracks in the brickwork. Many home fires in the United States start with the chimney, which is why having a liner is so essential. 

Prevents Creosote Build-up

Creosote is the black stuff that’s left when you burn wood. When your chimney doesn’t have a liner, creosote begins to collect and it is a primary cause of the chimney’s catching on fire due to its high flammability. It also clogs up the chimney leaving poor ventilation. 

Prevents Moisture Build-up

Allowing moisture to build up in your chimney can be costly in the long run. When water is trapped in the chimney, it can lead to warping, peeling, and sagging. 

Increases Your Home’s Efficiency

A chimney liner not only protects your home and chimney when you’re burning a fire, but it also insulates your home when your fireplace is cold. The liner can prevent cold drafts from making their way down your chimney and into your home. Homes without liners will be required to turn the heat up to compensate for the draft from the linerless chimney. 

Signs it is Time to Change Your Chimney Liner

Here are some sure signs that it’s time to change your chimney liner. 

Shards and Flakes

Have you been finding pieces of clay or flakes in your fireplace? This is an indication the flue liner needs replacing. 

Smoke in the Home

If your room becomes smokey even when the flue is open, this is a sign that you need a liner replacement. Liners are designed to take smoke out of the home. If it’s not doing its job, time for a new liner. 

Age

When was the liner installed? Did it come with the house when you bought it? If you don’t know the answer to these questions it’s time to start finding them. Some liners can last two decades while others not as long. It’s a good idea to see what you have and how long it’s been there. 

What Does a Chimney Liner Replacement Cost?

Chimney liners can be purchased for under $1,000 and for more than $7,000. But the overall price depends on many factors. 

What kind of liner do you need? How long is your chimney? These are just a few questions we would need answered to give you a direct quote. We suggest that residents of Portland, Oregon give us at Lifetime Chimney a call and we can get a quote for you right away. 

Does a Chimney Liner Have to Be Cleaned?

Yes, especially if you use your fireplace frequently. When it’s left unclean, soot, dust, and creosote will build up and cause all the same problems we’ve already listed. Don’t worry though. Once a year should be plenty 

How Often Does a Chimney Liner Need to be Replaced?

This depends on the liner. As with most products, you get what you pay for. Cheaper liners don’t last as long as the more expensive ones. But price is a small concern when it comes to having a safe fireplace system in your home.

Have Question About Your Chimney Liner In The Portland Area?

If you live in the Portland area and are unsure of what to do, contact us today and we’ll be happy to get someone out to your home and inspect your liner. Our experts are there to assist you and help you make the right decisions for your home and its safety. Lifetime Chimney is a CSIA-Certified Chimney company offering expert chimney liner replacement services to Beaverton, Albany, Portland, Oregon City and surrounding areas.