Are You Moving or Buying a New Home? Then You Better Check the Chimney Liner.
The chimney liner is a vital part of the infrastructure of the home. In many municipalities in Illinois, it is required that a chimney liner be installed and in good working order to sell your home. So, before you go anywhere, let’s first talk about the chimney liner, what it does and why it’s important to have it installed and in good working order before to purchase a new home or try to sell the one you are in.
What is a Chimney Liner?
A chimney liner goes from the bottom of the chimney to the top for the purpose of guiding smoke, fire and other combustibles from the home – it is your firewall! The guidance of harmful smoke, or other leave-behinds, toward the outside of the home keeps people and pets safe. There are various types of chimney liners that are present in homes today.
- Fire Clay – Fire clay tiles were a popular choice starting in the early 1900s. The tiles do not last very long as extreme temperatures force them to dry, crack and deteriorate. They are highly susceptible to cracking when exposed to water and the freeze / thaw cycles of winter
- Aluminum – aluminum liners are somewhat durable; however, they are not made for fireplace chimneys. Circumstantially, they are the “cheaper” solution for gas furnaces, some boilers and water heaters.
- Stainless steel – stainless steel liners are the most durable and best suited material for all chimneys and wood burning fireplaces. If it can hold up to wood burning, then stainless steel liners are a perfect solution for all chimney and fireplaces as well.
The best way to identify what is currently in your chimney flue is to have a certified chimney technician evaluate the health of your chimney and report the type of material protecting your home from the sides of the chimney walls. Begin the process by contacting Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349.
Top 2 Signs that the Chimney Needs a Chimney Liner
If you are thinking about selling your home and wonder if you’ll need to make the investment before you put it on the market, here are a few, of many, signs that can help you determine if you need a chimney liner.
- Chimney walls are deteriorating or discoloring
- Condensation / Saturation (water or moisture in the chimney or on surrounding home construction materials/walls)
Inspections
If you are looking for a new home, be sure to get a complete inspection. Ask Certified Chimney Technician to look inside the fireplace and chimney to ensure the fireplace is up to code. You can likely and easily negotiate it into the real estate contract.
Caring for the Chimney and the Chimney Liner
Now that you know how critical the chimney liner is to your home, let’s get your chimney checked out. With it being warmer months, you won’t be using the fireplace. This is a perfect time to get the chimney swept, inspected and if you need a chimney liner…installed. Now when the cooler/colder weather comes around, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fire with your family and friends with peace of mind.
This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net
