HeatShield®: The Revolutionary Option for Flue Liner Repair
The warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night is truly a cherished experience. However, in order to make this cozy scene happen, many fireplace components must work seamlessly together to provide the heat and comfort you desire.
When Ashbusters Chimney Service of Knoxville performs an inspection, we’ll run a camera through the chimney liner and get a good look at the condition of the liner walls. If we see cracks, flaking areas, gaps between flue tiles, or any other damage that could compromise the safety and performance of the system, we’ll document that and share the report with you so you can see for yourself.
If you’re ready to schedule that chimney inspection, give us a call at 865-448-4815 or book an appointment online.
Is Chimney Liner Damage Dangerous?
Chimney liner damage can be dangerous for three main reasons:
- Cracks, holes and worn areas of a terra cotta liner can allow heat, ash, sparks, and smoke from the fire to access wall spaces and other combustible areas of the home.
- A damaged liner will allow carbon monoxide (a toxic, invisible, unscented gas) to escape into other areas of the home, where you and your family could be exposed without knowing it.
- A damaged liner can cause smoke problems and inefficiencies with the appliance it’s venting.
Of course, it’s not always easy to tell if you have a damaged flue liner, so you may not even know you’re at an increased risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning – or even that your fireplace isn’t working as well as it used to. That’s why level 2 chimney inspections are so important.
When Should I Reline My Chimney?
Most homeowners don’t have special lights and cameras that they can run up through their chimney to determine if they have chimney liner damage or not. So, what are some telltale signs your chimney liner is in need of repair? Here are a few:
- Damage or Deterioration: Over time, it is common for your chimney liner to crack, flake, and deteriorate. After all, the inside of the chimney really takes a beating from the exposure to extreme temperatures, harmful gases and smoke, and general wear and tear from countless fires. Any noticeable signs of damage in the chimney means you’re in need of a reliable and effective solution.
- Condensation or Moisture Problem: Similar to condensation on windows, it may appear that your chimney is sweating. When the warm, humid air of your home makes contact with the cold walls of the chimney, this causes moisture to collect on the surface. While some condensation in your chimney is normal when the fireplace isn’t in use, excessive condensation is an area of concern.
- Odors or Smoke Issues: The most common cause of chimney odors though is creosote buildup. But any strong, foul odors or smoke coming from your fireplace while you are using it can be because of cracks and gaps in the chimney liner.
- New Fireplace Insert or Fuel Type: Any time you change your fireplace or switch to a different type of fuel, your existing chimney liner may no longer be suited for the new addition. Converting a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace or installing a new wood-burning insert requires different ventilation systems and a new liner to be installed.
Concerned you may need some professional care? We’re here for you. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today.
Can a Terra Cotta Flue Liner Be Repaired?
A long time ago, it was standard to line chimneys with clay tiles or terra cotta flue liners. Unfortunately, these materials crack easily if they get too hot. In the past, when we would identify damage on terra cotta flue liners, it was pretty much impossible to make repairs. We didn’t have any tools or systems that allowed us to get in there – at least not easily – and make those repairs or restore the surface.
What this resulted in was needing to tear down the chimney and rebuild it from scratch which, as you might imagine, was both time-consuming and costly.
Nowadays, there’s a better solution with HeatShield®. If you have a home with an older chimney, and are worried you may have clay tiles or a terra cotta flue liner, don’t fret. We are certified HeatShield® applicators, and we’d be happy to set you up right.
HeatShield®: The System That Safely Restores Terra Cotta Flue Liners
So, how does HeatShield® work? Well, it has a rather unique installation process. We use a foam applicator that is custom fit to your chimney’s flue dimensions, and drop it down the flue. Next, the HeatShield® Cerfractory sealant mixture is poured on top. As the foam applicator is lifted up out of the chimney, it fills and tightly presses the sealant mixture into all of those cracks, gaps, and holes, insulating and strengthening the flue liner, while also leaving the liner sealed, smooth, and ready for use.
In other words, it can restore your chimney without replacing the liner with a stainless steel option or requiring a tear-out and rebuild. When we are done, we will perform one last inspection with a special camera, just to double check that your chimney has been sealed properly, and you’ll be all set. It’s as easy as that.
Eager to learn more? We’d love to hear your questions! Give us a call or reach out online now.
Is HeatShield® Suitable for All Types of Chimneys?
HeatShield® works for more than just terra cotta lined chimneys. In fact, it is suitable for masonry chimneys, clay tile liners, and even unlined chimneys. It is also suitable for wood-burning and gas appliances.
However, while HeatShield® is a versatile and effective solution for many chimney types, it’s important to note that its suitability may still depend on the specific condition of your chimney. Chimneys with extensive damage or structural issues may require additional repairs or a different relining method.
If you’re curious about what your options are, be sure to give Ashbusters Chimney Service of Knoxville a call today or you can reach out online. We would be happy to provide you with a thorough chimney inspection, assess your unique needs, and discuss whether HeatShield® or another solution is the right choice for your chimney.
Why Hire Us?
We follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 standard, which states that,
“If the flue liner in a chimney has softened, cracked, or otherwise deteriorated so that it no longer has the ability to contain the products of combustion (i.e. heat, moisture, creosote, and flue gases), it shall be removed and replaced, repaired, or relined…”
We also follow building codes and fire standards, and for your safety, it is required that all chimneys be in a condition that allows them to effectively do their job, which is to keep smoke and flue gases contained and vent them completely from the home.
Think HeatShield® Might Be the Restoration Option You’ve Been Looking For? Give Us a Call
Repair and resurfacing using HeatShield® is quick, effective, and affordable, so if you have a damaged flue liner, ask Ashbusters Chimney Service of Knoxville if HeatShield® is right for your situation. We’re here to help, whether you’re in Oak Ridge, Maryville, Lenoir City, or somewhere else nearby.
Simply call 865-448-4815 or request an appointment online and our licensed, insured, and certified chimney professionals will be out your way and at your service ASAP.
If you suspect you have a chimney leak, call for our chimney repair expertise right away…don’t put it off!