Chimney Liners: when relining becomes necessary
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Most chimney flues consist of clay tiles stacked one on top of the other, glued together with high-heat mortar, to provide a smooth and tightly sealed pathway for the exit of fumes and smoke away from the source of combustion and safely out of your home. However, due to several conditions ranging from long-term exposure to high temperatures and corrosive chemicals, the natural settling of your home, sudden weather events or chimney fires, or poor workmanship, the clay tiles that make up your flue can suffer from flaking (spalling), gaps in the mortar, and cracks that must be repaired in order to return your chimney to its original integrity and safe functioning. There are several solutions available, depending on the level of disrepair.
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Options for relining a chimney
As there are various levels of disrepair of a flue, so are there various options for restoring it, ranging from filling in gaps in the mortar, to resurfacing with a ceramic flue sealant, to a complete relining with either a stainless steel liner or a ceramic-steel sleeve sandwiched between two coats of flue sealant. Our masons are proud to be factory-trained HeatShield® Installers.
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Mortar joint repairIf your flue is structurally sound save for gaps in the mortar between flue tiles, it can be restored to optimal functioning by filling in these gaps with HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant. First, a special foam applicator blade is custom made to fit your chimney. The applicator tool is then positioned below each gap or void. The HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant mixture is added. Each void in your flue is filled as the HeatShield® mixture is extruded into the void by the tool. The repaired void is made smooth as the tool is pulled upward.
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Flue resurfacingFor chimneys with cracked or spalled flues that are otherwise sound, the Resurfacing System is used to apply a coating over the entire flue. A custom-made foam applicator plug is placed at the bottom of the flue and attached to a winch on top the chimney. A “tie coat” material is applied to the flue walls as the plug is pulled upward by the winch. This cleans any remaining dust in your flue and acts as a primer for the flue sealant. After the tie coat dries, the HeatShield® material is applied onto the flue at a thickness of about 1/4" with the foam plug as it is pulled upward by the winch. This unique application method is known as “slip casting” or “slip cast extrusion.” The HeatShield® Installer then verifies that your newly restored chimney is completely sealed and smoke-tight by video scanning your completed repair.
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CeCure® Sleeve reliningIn chimneys with more serious defects or unlined chimneys, HeatShield® can be used with the CeCure® Sleeve Relining System. The CeCure® Sleeve is a thin-profile ceramic insulation reinforced with stainless steel fabric that is sandwiched between two coats of HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant. After installation, Your HeatShield® Installer will then use a video camera to verify that the CeCure® Sleeve has been completely coated, ensuring the integrity of your newly relined chimney. In most cases this is a much more affordable option than installation of a stainless steel liner.
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Stainless steel linerA stainless steel liner is sized to fit inside your flue and provides durable protection for all fuel types. They are corrosion and rust-resistant and built to last, with a lifetime warranty. Of all the options for repairing or relining a flue, the stainless steel liner comes with the highest price tag.
Confused by all the options? Schedule a free estimate + consult and one of our project managers will be happy to assess your chimney flue and help you find the most appropriate and affordable solution. |
Free estimate + consultChimney repair can be a major expense, and the quality of workmanship has a direct impact on your home's safety and value. We know you want to get it right. Our estimate + consult is designed to give you the tools you need to make an informed decision about your chimney repair project.
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