 Chimneys CHIMNEYS / LINERSThere are three different types of
chimney liner commonly used. Brick –
was used in the older homes built in the nineteenth and first
half of the twentieth century. These bricks tend to
deteriorate with age and moisture and should not be considered
suitable for further use without a professional inspection
annually. Using a brick lined chimney for a gas or oil fired
furnace or gas logs is a recipe for disaster. The chimney will
probably have to be re-lined using stainless steel. The tops
of older brick chimneys often have to be removed due to
deterioration making them unstable and dangerous. The repair
sometimes necessitates removal of the chimney down into the
attic before a stable foundation on which to rebuild it is
found. Clay Liners – The most common
liner in use in today’s masonry chimneys. These liners
resemble pipe made from a “flower pot “ like material.
This type of chimney liner gives reasonably good service, over
time the top liners tend to deteriorate from the affects of
being exposed to extremes in weather, and will need
replacement. Any misuse of the fire place (burning papers)
will crack the liners in a minute or less, so care needs to be
exercised. Chimney fires usually crack the liners. (Cost of
repair sometimes covered by homeowners insurance). Clay liners
can be removed from the top down and replaced, without
rebuilding the chimney. Stainless steel liners – come in
two forms, rigid and flexible. The rigid pipe is used
predominantly in new home construction, and the flexible pipe
is used for re-lining older chimneys. Stainless steel has a
lifetime warranty (20 years). This type of pipe must be
cleaned annually to remove soot and creosote, that if left in
place will mix with water turning into an acid which will eat
away at the joints, destroying the pipe. NOTE:
Furnaces and gas hot water heaters that use plastic pipe for
the flue are available and are an option where the chimney or
flue pipes are unusable. NOTE: An oil-burning furnace cannot be connected to the same chimney as a gas-burning appliance. | Welcome to BIS | About BIS | Home Inspections | Get Started | Technical FAQ | Contact us |
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