When it comes to fireplace accessories, the most critical one for the safety of your health and home is the chimney liner. Extreme temperatures and toxic gases are produced when you light a fire in a gas or wood burning fireplace. These combustion products can cause great damage to the fireplace and chimney, and might even cause illness.
A chimney liner is an insert made from materials such as metal, clay or ceramic that keeps your chimney safe from these combustion byproducts. Additionally, it guards the walls of the chimney from the effects of corrosion and heat. Once the chimney gets overheated or sustains some damage, any nearby wood used in the construction of your home is at risk of catching fire.
According to various tests, an unlined chimney is a serious danger. In the US, homes containing a fireplace that were built after 1940 must have a chimney liner, and they must be replaced if broken or cracked.
There are three basic kinds of chimney liner:
1. Historically, chimney liners have been made from clay tiles. This is a cost effective choice; it's also easy to get and performs perfectly well in a properly maintained fireplace chimney.
2. To repair or upgrade an already existing chimney, metal chimney liners made of aluminum or stainless steel are the most common choice. The advantages of a metal liner are that it is highly durable and very safe if the installation is done properly.
3. Then there's the cast-in-place liner. This is a lightweight product made from a material resembling cement. Once installed inside the chimney, it forms a well insulated, seamless passage to allow the combustion byproducts to escape. This permanent liner can enhance the structural integrity of an older chimney, and is suitable for all kinds of fuel.
When replacing their chimney liners, most people nowadays select stainless steel because it's much simpler to install than clay tiles. It's available in either flexible or stiff styles.
Most people choose to have their new chimney liner professionally installed. However, there are kits available that include instructions for installation, and this can save you a lot of money. The kits usually include all the required accessories and attachments to get the job done.
If you live in an older home with a fireplace, it's essential that you have it professionally inspected to make sure it's up to the current standards of safety. An old chimney that's damaged or improperly lined presents a great danger to the members of your household. And since there are a number of reasonably priced and effective ways to correct the situation, there's really no excuse not to invest in one of these essential fireplace accessories. - 15615
A chimney liner is an insert made from materials such as metal, clay or ceramic that keeps your chimney safe from these combustion byproducts. Additionally, it guards the walls of the chimney from the effects of corrosion and heat. Once the chimney gets overheated or sustains some damage, any nearby wood used in the construction of your home is at risk of catching fire.
According to various tests, an unlined chimney is a serious danger. In the US, homes containing a fireplace that were built after 1940 must have a chimney liner, and they must be replaced if broken or cracked.
There are three basic kinds of chimney liner:
1. Historically, chimney liners have been made from clay tiles. This is a cost effective choice; it's also easy to get and performs perfectly well in a properly maintained fireplace chimney.
2. To repair or upgrade an already existing chimney, metal chimney liners made of aluminum or stainless steel are the most common choice. The advantages of a metal liner are that it is highly durable and very safe if the installation is done properly.
3. Then there's the cast-in-place liner. This is a lightweight product made from a material resembling cement. Once installed inside the chimney, it forms a well insulated, seamless passage to allow the combustion byproducts to escape. This permanent liner can enhance the structural integrity of an older chimney, and is suitable for all kinds of fuel.
When replacing their chimney liners, most people nowadays select stainless steel because it's much simpler to install than clay tiles. It's available in either flexible or stiff styles.
Most people choose to have their new chimney liner professionally installed. However, there are kits available that include instructions for installation, and this can save you a lot of money. The kits usually include all the required accessories and attachments to get the job done.
If you live in an older home with a fireplace, it's essential that you have it professionally inspected to make sure it's up to the current standards of safety. An old chimney that's damaged or improperly lined presents a great danger to the members of your household. And since there are a number of reasonably priced and effective ways to correct the situation, there's really no excuse not to invest in one of these essential fireplace accessories. - 15615
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There's more to a fireplace than just the fire. Learn more about essential fireplace tools and decorative fireplace accessories at Fireplace Tools and Accessories.
