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What is a fireplace chimney liner?
A fireplace chimney liner is your first line of defense against
a chimney fire. It is a protective fireproof material within
the chimney flue (the passageway for the smoke and fumes) that
keeps the heat and smoke within the flue and prevents the spread
of fire in the case of a chimney fire.
The National Fire Protection Association standards (which building
codes are based upon) requires that all masonry chimneys have a
lining that would be the equivalent protection of 5/8” thick
fireclay. Prior to the mid 1930s, most homes in the Denver area
didn’t have any real flue lining. They would crudely coat
the inside of the flue with mortar as they built up the chimney.
Now, nearly a century later that mortar has turned back to sand
and washed out. These unlined flues don’t meet modern safety
standards.
Since the 1930s terracotta clay tile liners have been used throughout
the city. However, clay liners can become cracked by the settling
of the house or due a chimney fire. Even a hairline crack can expand
greatly when hot and allow a fire to enter the home.
| Chimney fire: |
Typical older home chimney flue: |
Cracked clay flue liner: |
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If there is not an adequate chimney liner,
fumes and fire can spread into the house.
What is the solution to fireplace chimney liner problems?
Sometimes it is possible to tear out and replace cracked/broken
clay flue liners. However, in most cases, the best solution is
to install a metal chimney liner. We use liners that are made from
a stainless steel alloy that are specifically designed for use
with wood burning stoves and fireplaces and carry a lifetime warranty.
| Stainless steel liner: |
Interior of stainless steel liner: |
Stainless steel liner to fireplace: |
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