Your chimney was designed to make sure that smoke and gases created in your fireplace have a quick and smooth way out of your home. This needs to be done to prevent your chimney from getting too hot and prevent smoke and gases from coming back into your home. It’s common to have a fire burning inside your fireplace for more than a few hours. However, did you know that without some sort of insulation in your chimney, it could pose a serious fire hazard to your home?
In fact, when tested by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), it was determined that a chimney wall can become hot enough to catch adjacent woodwork on fire in just 3 ½ hours! At Leonard and Sons, you and your family’s safety is our top priority. That is why we want to discuss with you the importance of installing a chimney liner.
What does a chimney liner do?
A chimney liner acts as a barrier between the flue and the walls of your home. The liner insulates the flue, protecting chimney walls from getting too hot and catching your home’s framework on fire. It also has a secondary purpose, to protect your chimney masonry from exposure to condensation and corrosive flue gases, which can quickly erode it. This is important because if your masonry begins to deteriorate, it can cause a lot of issues.
Some of these issues include structural integrity issues, heat exposure to your home, and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide leaking into your home. Because your chimney liner is essential to protecting your home, nearly all local fire codes require a chimney liner in place before using your fireplace.
Do I have a chimney liner?
Any newly built chimney is very likely to have a chimney liner. This is because, beginning in the 1930s, fire codes required chimney liners during any new chimney construction. If your fireplace and chimney were constructed before the 1940s, there is a chance that it might not have a liner. You should get a chimney inspection before you put the fireplace to use.
Even if your house was built after the 1940s, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your liner is working properly. Some chimney liners are made from clay. Although clay is a good insulator, it can become worn and weaken over time. If you are not confident that a chimney liner is in your chimney, it is important to schedule an annual inspection by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified technician.
At Leonard and Sons, our CSIA certified chimney professionals can install and repair your chimney liner. Don’t sit around wondering if your home is protected. Call Chicagoland’s top-rated chimney service at 847-658-7659 or schedule an appointment online today. We look forward to serving you!
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