Hire Us for Chimney Relining & Flue Repair in Noblesville & Surrounding Areas
Chimneys are complex structures with a lot of parts – all of which have to work well for optimal results. If one part of the system doesn’t function properly, your fireplace may not work as well as it should…and it certainly wouldn’t be safe to use.
An example of this is the chimney liner, which protects your household from toxic gases and the chimney structure itself from acidic combustion byproducts.
A damaged chimney liner is a cause for concern, but you may not always be able to tell when there’s an issue. If you think you may have chimney liner damage or it’s time for your annual chimney inspection, reach out to the crew here at Beck’s Chimney.
You can schedule an appointment with us online or by calling our number today!
Our Chimney Liner Repair Services
If you need chimney liner repair or restoration, what are the next best steps? When you work with us, you’ve got two great options for repairing and restoring your chimney.
#1 HeatShield®
One liner restoration option we’re proud to offer our clients in Noblesville and the neighboring areas is HeatShield®. HeatShield® is a system that uses a Cerfractory® flue sealant product to repair and resurface clay tile liners.
Whether you’ve got a couple of cracks and gaps here and there or your entire flue needs to be resurfaced, HeatShield® can do the job. And the best part is, you won’t have to have your old flue liner torn out. The sealant simply fills in the gaps, leaving you with a smooth, seamless liner at the end of it all.
The HeatShield poured liner carries a limited lifetime warranty when professionally installed and maintained.
#2 Stainless Steel Liner
Another great option we offer is stainless steel liner installation. Stainless steel chimney liners are incredibly durable and can be used to reline nearly any chimney, regardless of fuel type. That means whether you burn wood or gas, it doesn’t matter – a stainless steel liner can take the heat and punishment of the fuel.
More great news when you go with this option: The stainless steel liners carry a limited lifetime warranty when professionally installed and maintained. That means you can invest once and enjoy the benefits for life.
What Is a Chimney Liner & What Does It Do?
The chimney liner is the clay or metal interior of your chimney system. It’s what takes the smoke and byproducts of combustion from the fireplace and ushers them up and out of the home. Chimney liners also play a vital role in protecting you and those in your home from harmful toxins like carbon monoxide.
Chimney liners serve three main purposes in a chimney system:
- Improved Safety: Chimney liners provide an additional layer of protection between the inside of the chimney and the surrounding structure of the house. This helps prevent heat transfer to combustible materials, reducing the risk of fire. It also ensures no hazardous fumes can sneak into your home.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Properly sized and installed chimney liners can improve the efficiency of the chimney system. They help create a smooth and seamless passage for the exhaust gases to exit the home, reducing the chances of draft problems and improving the overall performance of the fireplace or heating appliance.
- Chimney Preservation: Liners help protect the chimney structure itself from damage caused by the corrosive byproducts of combustion. Without a liner, these byproducts can eat away at the mortar and bricks of the chimney over time, leading to deterioration and potentially expensive repairs. The liner acts as a barrier, extending the lifespan of the chimney and reducing maintenance requirements.
Unfortunately, as strong and durable as chimney liners are made to be, they can become damaged over time. As a result of moisture, heat, and creosote buildup, they might develop cracks and gaps, which then continue to flake and erode over time. And if the liner is metal, it may rust and corrode. Even the slightest crack in the liner could put you in danger.
Because of this, regular chimney inspections and repairs for the system in your Central Indiana home is crucial for maintaining proper ventilation and ensuring your fireplace’s safer operation. Book with us today.
How Do I Know if My Chimney Liner Is Damaged?
If your chimney liner is damaged, you might notice a few different issues, such as:
- Poor draft
- Smoky fireplace
- Odd smells
- More creosote buildup
- Flaking or crumbling tiles
- Spalling bricks
- Difficulty lighting and maintaining a fire
- Reduced heat output
- Higher energy bills
All that said, chimney liner damage isn’t always obvious – which is a big problem since it’s very risky to use your fireplace with a damaged liner.
That’s why chimney inspections are so important. If it’s been a while since you had your chimney system thoroughly inspected and you suspect you may have liner damage, get in touch with us now. Our team will look at every readily accessible portion of your system, even using a camera to get a close-up look at your flue liner.
Rest assured, if there’s trouble, we’ll spot it.
How Often Should a Chimney Liner Be Replaced?
Chimney liners take on the brunt of corrosive toxins, so you may have to reline your chimney several times over the years. How often you need to do this really depends on you. If you take good care of your chimney and keep up with regular inspections, your chimney liner will last longer than it would if the chimney is neglected.
The material your liner is made from matters too. Stainless steel liners last an average of 15 to 30 years, while aluminum clocks in with a shorter lifespan of 5 to 15 years. Clay tile liners, which are among the most common liners, can last as long as 50 years – but they usually require more maintenance.
There are some instances when you may need to replace your liner, even if it’s in good shape and relatively new. One such occasion would be if you were switching fuel types. If you previously have a wood-burning fireplace and you want to install a gas insert – or vice versa – you should check in with your chimney technician to find out if your current liner is compatible with the new fuel.
Questions? Call Beck’s Chimney now or schedule service.
Can I Use My Fireplace if My Chimney Liner Is Cracked or Damaged?
We often get asked, “Can I use my fireplace if my chimney liner is cracked or damaged?” – and the answer is no, you shouldn’t take the risk.
The reason for this? When you have holes, cracks, gaps, or thinner areas in the liner, it simply won’t provide the level of protection it should against heat transfer, potential house fires, and carbon monoxide leaks.
The good news is: If you’re keeping up with annual chimney inspections as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend, you’ll know if you have liner damage soon enough to have it addressed before danger strikes.
Schedule with us now, so you can take the necessary steps to fix any issues promptly – and start enjoying a safer, more efficient fireplace again.
What if I Don’t Have a Chimney Liner?
This isn’t as unusual as you might think. Chimney liners went into use in the early 1900s and it took a while for them to be required by code . The installation of chimney liners is now a common local requirement for many towns, but if your home is older, it’s possible that you may not have a chimney liner at all.
So, if you haven’t had a liner all this time, why does it matter now? That’s a fair question.
Liners greatly improve your chimney’s efficiency and safety. You deserve the comfort of knowing you can use your fireplace whenever you want to…without having to worry about the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak or a chimney fire.
And another wrinkle to consider? If you ever decide to sell your house and a prospective buyer requests a real estate chimney inspection, an unlined chimney could be a sticking point in closing the deal.
How Much Do Chimney Relining Services Cost?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions and while we’d love to give you a straightforward answer, we can’t – at least not until we can inspect your chimney and get to know more about what you want in a new liner.
For instance, whether you opt for a stainless steel liner or the HeatShield® method will affect the overall cost. We also need to see what kind of condition your chimney is in and how large it is.
With that said, don’t consider the cost of a chimney liner as a negative on your pros vs. cons list right away. It’s good to think of it as an investment with long-term benefits, as an unlined chimney can easily rack up repairs and cost you more money in the future.
We understand that you may have questions about pricing and we encourage you to get in touch with our customer care team to provide specifics, so that we can better assist you and provide an accurate estimate.
Reline Right With Beck’s Chimney Sweep
Think it might be time for a reline or chimney liner repair? Are you unsure and need to schedule an inspection? Book an appointment with the chimney pros here at Beck’s. Simply call now or reach out to us online. We’d love to speak with you soon.
Have you ever heard of smoke chamber parging? If not, don’t worry because we certainly have. We’re ready to perform this important chimney repair to help your system work more efficiently.