Chimney Liner Types

Clay Ceramic Tile Chimney Liners

Clay ceramic tile chimney liners are the most popular because they are the least expensive, and are easy to install. However they are brittle and have a poor rate of expansion. As a result they can break or crack easily when they experience rapid temperature changes. If the liner becomes cracked then the chimney and home are at a high risk of becoming damaged due to the hot exhaust of combustible materials. Consequently if a chimney inspection indicates cracked chimney liner tiles the flue should be repaired immediately.

Stainless Steel and Aluminum Chimney Liners Stainless steel chimney liners have become increasingly popular over the past 10-20 years because they are frequently used in zero-clearance fireplaces. Zero-clearance fire places consist of a wood framed fireplace structure with an insulated, stainless steel chimney flue running up the center of it. Stainless steel liners are also frequently used to replace damaged clay ceramic tile chimney liners. Aluminum chimney liners are also used in some gas applications.

Poured Cement Chimney Liners

Poured cement chimney liners are also frequently used in the repair of cracked clay ceramic tile liners. Poured cement liners are installed by inserting a long air bladder into the existing chimney and then pouring a cement material around it. When the cement has hardened the bladder is deflated and removed. The result is a perfectly smooth, seamless cement chimney liner.

Poured cement chimney liners have a couple of key advantages. First they are well insulated, due to the fact that they are made out of a cement product. Second, because they are a cement product they can help to had strength and rigidity to an older existing chimney. On the downside, they are more expensive to install due to the equipment required to get the concrete mixture up onto the roof and poured into the chimney. To conclude, a chimney liner plays a vital role in efficiently burning fuel and protecting your chimney and home from becoming fire damaged. Thus it is imperative that a chimney liner be in proper working order.

Also, if the chimney liner becomes cracked or damaged talk to a professional about what replacement chimney liner type is right for your specific heating application. Chimney liner requirements will vary depending upon what type of heating appliance or appliances are connected to it.