By now, you are likely familiar with the anatomy of a chimney. However, one component of chimneys we haven’t discussed too much is the chimney liner. A liner helps to prevent chimney fires by protecting flammable components from the heat as they emerge from your fireplace. Over time, the liner will deteriorate and require replacement. When that time comes, you’ll have these three different chimney liners from which to choose. Keep reading to learn about the different kinds of chimney liners.
Metal Liners
Metal chimney liners are the gold standard in the chimney liner world. But they may come with a hefty price tag. However, they are probably worth the pretty penny you paid for them in the end. Many of them come with lifetime guarantees because they are extremely durable and require minimal repairs. The most popular material for metal liners is stainless steel. When you choose to invest in a metal chimney liner, you’re making a decision that your future self will thank you for.
Clay Liners
If you have an older home with a chimney that hasn’t been relined in a while, it’s probably made of clay. These are the traditional choices. They can last for well over half a century when properly installed and maintained. To top it all off, they’re affordable and do their job very well.
Clay chimney liners are not typically an option when you’re relining. They’re best incorporated when the chimney itself is first being built. So, while clay liners themselves are inexpensive, the labor cost for installing them in an existing chimney is nothing to scoff at.
Pumped Masonry Liners
The last category of liner that we’ll describe today goes by a few different names. You may also hear them referred to alternately as ‘cast-in-place’ or simply ‘cement’ liners. Some would argue that this is the best kind of chimney liner. Composed of volcanic rock, their insulative properties are unmatched.
Pumped masonry chimney liners are also far and away the costliest. Both the labor involved and the material fetch a pretty penny. Still, if you happen to be the proud owner of a historic chimney, these are often the preferred ways to reline them. If you suspect your chimney needs to be relined, don’t hesitate to take action today.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Cleaning Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.