Home Tap to Call Now Visit Blog

IF YOUR CHIMNEY IS CRYING OUT FOR HELP, CALL US!
TN / 931-967-3595AL / 256-285-4895

Should You Replace Your Chimney Liner?

Your chimney liner protects your chimney from the smoke and gases emitted by your fireplace. With regular wear and tear, you’ll eventually need to replace your chimney liner – but how do you know when it’s time? Here are the signs it’s time to replace your chimney liner.

Stainless Steel Chimney Liner installation inYour liner is cracked.

When put under a lot of stress, your chimney liner can eventually start to crack or break down. This is most common with clay tile liners. When this happens, there’s nothing to protect your chimney from the smoke and gases in your fireplace. This can damage the structural integrity of the chimney itself.

Most homeowners won’t notice that their chimney liner is cracked until it’s too late. This is why it’s so important to get a chimney inspection every year.

You’re installing a new fireplace.

If you want to install a new fireplace in your home, it’s important to check on your chimney first. Your new fireplace may not be compatible with your existing chimney, which could cause fire safety issues. This is most common if you’re installing a new energy-efficient fireplace in an old building. Be sure to have a chimney expert look at your home ahead of time to prevent complications.

You notice condensation on your fireplace.

If you notice condensation anywhere on your fireplace, it’s likely time to make some repairs. Condensation in your fireplace usually means excess moisture is making its way into your fireplace. Your chimney liner is designed to protect the chimney from moisture, but when it starts to break down, it could lead to structural damage. Excess moisture in your chimney can also become a fire safety issue, as it affects the combustion in your fireplace.

Chimney liners importantHow long do chimney liners last?

The lifespan of a chimney liner can vary widely depending on the materials it is made of and how often you use it. The average chimney liner lasts somewhere between 15 and 20 years. However, cheap clay tile liners often last between 5 and 10 years. Stainless steel or aluminum chimney liners typically last much longer. A cast-in-place chimney liner can also last a very long time when installed properly. These are made with a cement-like material and are custom-built to fit your home.

Getting frequent chimney inspections is one of the best ways to extend the life of your chimney liner. You should also make sure to get your chimney inspected whenever you move into a new home, as many homeowners let these inspections lapse. Your chimney sweep will be able to identify any problems with your chimney liner and recommend the appropriate repairs. They can also help you decide what type of chimney liner is best for your home.

If you’re ready to replace your chimney liner, A1 Chimney Specialist is here to help. We offer chimney repairs, installations, inspections, and more throughout Southern Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley. Give us a call at (931)-967-3595 (Tennessee) or (256)-285-4895 (Alabama) or contact us online to schedule your appointment!