The chimney of your home helps to vent combustion gases to the outside so that they do not enter the house and contaminate the air that you breathe. But the material used to construct masonry chimneys is generally ineffective in doing so alone. Most local fire codes mandate the use of chimney liners in homes in order to provide proper ventilation and protect the chimney construction materials as well as your safety. Additionally, if you have an older liner, a technician may recommend replacement upon inspection.
Older chimney liners may develop cracks and holes that allow the masonry chimney to wear down, or worse. A masonry chimney may wear down rather quickly as combustion materials cause it to corrode, leading to costly home renovations. But a more dangerous possibility is if these combustion fuels leak into your home, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning and other potential health risks. Furthermore, an unlined chimney or a worn down chimney liner can be a major fire hazard.
This is a more likely possibility if you have an older tile liner. Ceramic tiles are perhaps the most popular form of chimney liners used in existing homes, but are not recommended for new installation. That’s because ceramic tile is not effective at absorbing heat and may not be able to contain and distribute it throughout the chimney. This causes the tile to crack and split apart. With proper maintenance, it may be possible to prevent this or detect problems early on, but many installers prefer a more durable chimney liner made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Another possible reason to replace a chimney liner is if it is the wrong size for your home. Chimney liners must be properly sized to the heating system and your home in order to make sure gases vent efficiently and completely. The benefit of a well-built chimney liner is that it can meet any venting needs, so long as a technician makes plenty of measurements to size it for your home. If a technician determines your current system is not properly venting gases, they’ll likely recommend a new one. Furthermore, a new one may be necessary if you upgrade your heating system in any way and the venting requirements change.
New stainless steel or aluminum chimney liners in Havertown installed by Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. can help to ensure your safety and comfort at home for many years to come. Give us a call today!