Stainless Chimney Liner

People that have fireplaces in their homes usually, but not always, have a chimney liner inserted in the fireplace. Back in the old days liners were not put in and because of that, there were many house fires. Creosote builds up and because it his flammable, caused the fires. But thankfully today’s fireplaces have liners to prevent that. The basic definition is ceramic, clay or metal conduit is installed inside of the chimney. Its job is to contain the combustible products, such as the creosote and send it outside. In most states when a new home is built with a fireplace, a chimney liner is mandatory.

A stainless chimney liner is the best liner to date. Although many are made of clay tile, they can be quite expensive, the tile is around everywhere; and when properly maintained they work very well. Now days a stainless chimney liner will be used to either upgrade or repair and existing chimneys.

All stainless chimney liners are U.L. tested and must be listed. Once installed, properly, they are extremely safe and durable. These are good for wood burning fireplaces, oil or gas functions. It is also required to install high temperature insulation in combination with the liners just for more safety and performances.

To install a stainless chimney liner is a lot easier to install than others made of different material. They are also easier to find when needing to red-do a fireplace liner. When being installed by a professional it might run about one hundred dollars a foot, but many say it is well worth the price knowing it is safe and reliable.

Having an older home many professionals run into trouble in finding right sizes for the older fireplaces. But now there are kits that can be bought for a stainless chimney liner. It comes complete with the insulation wraps and all the fittings to hook it up. They also have kits that work with furnaces, boilers and stoves as well as fireplaces.

A stainless chimney liner will come in unbending or flexible designs. The rigid liner will range from three to ten inches, while the flexible will run from about two to ten inches in diameter. Some will argue which is easier to maintain and keep clean, the rigid one or the flexible one. Experts will tell you that the flexible one is less likely to collect creosote, a highly combustible substance. As they expand and contract with the different levels of heat, causing any type of build up to crack and fall away

One must find out the diameter of the fireplace to find the exact fit for a stainless chimney liner. It should provide a vent that is at least one eighth of the total area of the fireplace opening. Many will just hire a professional to do this as they know what to look for and can advise you on what needs to be done and bought. There are many different types and shapes of liners out there, some can even go online and if you have the right measurements, can order them on line.