By now, you should be pretty familiar with the anatomy of a chimney. But 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 it emerges from your fireplace. Over time, the liner will deteriorate and require replacement. When that time comes, you’ll have these 3 different chimney liners from which to choose.
What material is best for your chimney liner? Here’s what you need to know.
Metal Liners
Metal chimney liners are the gold standard in the chimney liner world. But they may come with a hefty price tag. That said, they’re 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 quite some time, it’s probably made of clay. These are the traditional choice. When properly installed and maintained, they can last for well over half a century. To top it all off, they’re affordable and do their job very well.
That said, clay chimney liners aren’t 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, 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.
That said, 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 way to reline them.
If you suspect your chimney needs to be relined, don’t hesitate to take action today. This spring is the perfect time to get it done!
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys 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.