Info Articles
Understanding the Importance of Chimney Repair and Lining in a Chimney
Posted by Tim Wong on September 13, 2016
Chimneys are naturally built to last a long time, but that does not mean they don’t require care now and then. Failing to provide due maintenance for a chimney can be the cause of various problems in your home such as accidental fires due to damaged brickwork or health issues because of a defective flue. The liner is one part of a chimney that can lead to various structural problems down the line if it is not given the attention it deserves. Understanding the role that a flue liner plays in the system is vital so you can grasp the need for repairs when something is not right.
Remove Gases
The primary function of a flue liner is to allow the system to safely expel flue gases that are produced when combustion of various fuels takes place. Proper sizing of a flue liner is essential in generating sufficient draft in and out of a room. The size will also impact how well the system gets rid of noxious gases with a smaller size causing backing up of gases and a large one resulting in creosote buildup when gases move too slowly. In the case of a poorly lined flue, a chimney repair company in Vancouver can do re-lining.
Masonry Protection
Flue liners are used to provide protection for the masonry and the rest of a home such as wooden frameworks. The type of material used for a liner determines how well it fulfils this function, which mostly involves resisting corrosion and insulating the brickwork. Gas appliances cause a lot of condensation due to the low temperatures gases produced. When this condensation makes its way to the masonry, it will cause deterioration and eventually will leak into the house.
Safety
Liners are meant to provide safety in a chimney as well by preventing it from getting too hot when a fireplace is in use. Over time, a chimney that has been in constant use will experience the degradation of the flue liner, meaning that it will fail in some or all of its functions. A Vancouver, BC chimney repair service is needed to provide the necessary fixes to an old flue.
Energy Efficiency
A chimney with a proper lining tends to conserve energy due to heat retention, and this is advantageous, especially when using a fireplace to warm the house. A repair contractor can replace a liner that is too damaged or provide fixes when possible. Just ensure you get flue lining inspection regularly to avoid ending up with an utterly useless chimney later on.
Source:
What is a Flue Liner?, wisegeek.com
Chimneys and Flues Home Page, inspectapedia.com
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