Protect your Chicago home with professional chimney liner repair or replacement from Capital Chimney Corp. A damaged flue liner creates health risks, increases fire danger, and causes property damage the longer it goes unaddressed. Whether you need a minor repair or a full liner replacement, our certified technicians will diagnose the problem and give you the most cost-effective solution.
What Is a Chimney Liner & Why Does It Matter?
A chimney liner, or flue liner, forms a protective barrier between the products of combustion leaving your firebox, furnace, or stove and the structural components of your chimney. This lining can be made of fire-clay flue tile, stainless steel, or aluminum depending on the type of heating system it serves.
When the liner is intact, it contains smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide until they safely exit your home, protects the surrounding masonry from corrosive byproducts, and ensures your appliances operate at maximum efficiency. When it is damaged, those same gases and heat can transfer into your walls, ceilings, and living spaces, creating serious fire and health risks. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a properly functioning liner is one of the most critical safety components in any chimney system.
Maximize Your Efficiency
Lining your chimney correctly provides the right size flue for maximum efficiency of appliances. Today’s wood stoves, and gas or oil furnaces, require a correctly sized flue to function properly. An improperly sized flue can lead to substantial creosote buildup in fireplaces and wood-burning stoves and produce crippling amounts of structural damage due to condensation with natural gas appliances.
Protect You & Your Property
Chimney liner repair or replacement can be what stands between you and a host of problems. When installed properly, inspected regularly, and kept in good condition, this channel performs several duties.
- Ventilates Dangerous & Combustible Chemicals Out
- Protects Your Property From Heat & Fire Damage
- Protects The Outer Structure Of The Chimney
- Ensures Appliance Efficiency
- Protects Natural Gas Appliances From Excess Moisture
- Discourages Creosote Buildup In Fireplaces & Wood Burning Stoves
- Helps You Meet Fire Safety Codes
Signs You Have Flue Liner Damage
Since the lining is on the inside, it can be hard for anyone besides a certified technician to find and correctly diagnose a problem. Drafts, smoke, unpleasant smells, and visible outer structure deterioration can all be signs of needed flue repairs.
Common Chimney Problems
The source of most chimney liner damage is the corrosive, acidic vapor leaving your heating appliances. Over time, wear and tear are expected. With twenty years under our belts, we know the best approaches to many of your most common damages.
- Crumbly Or Worn Away Clay Mortar
- Clay Flaking Or Spalling (Falling Off)
- Gapped/Cracked Flue Tiles
- Joint Corrosion
- Shifting Tiles
- Holes Or Cracks
- Blockages
Regular Maintenance Is Key
Your chimney liner should be inspected once every year with an annual 14-point safety inspection. This service will inform you of damage, cracking, masonry concerns, shifting in flue tiles, joint corrosion, and/or partial or total blockages. Regular chimney inspections and preventative maintenance can save you money on potential larger repairs like chimney relining, structural repairs, and new chimney rebuilds in the long run.
Options For Liner Repair Or Replacement
There are a number of different options if your chimney needs a new liner or repair. The sweeps at Capital Chimney will help guide you in selecting the best option:
Stainless Steel Flue Liner
A heavy gauge 316ti stainless steel pipe that is designed to be 100% gas-tight and impervious to heat, moisture, and acids found in exhaust byproducts. This liner can be used in all fireplace and heating flue applications. There is a lifetime warranty with all stainless steel liner installs.
Heat Shield Liner
Capital Chimney Corp. uses Heat Shield to repair existing and damaged clay flue systems. It’s a blend of specially chosen high-temperature ceramic refractories that can repair a majority of common clay flue damage. There is a lifetime warranty with all Heat Shield repair applications.
Aluminum Flue Liner
A 2-ply 3003 aluminum pipe that is designed to vent the byproducts of gas heating appliances. This is an excellent and cost-effective option to vent standard-efficiency furnaces and water heaters. There is a 25-year warranty with all-aluminum liner installs.
Schedule Chimney Liner Repair Today
At Capital Chimney Corp, we are the reliable choice for chimney liner repair, installation, or replacement in the Chicago metro area. Don’t hesitate to call us today for an inspection appointment with a certified professional.
