Bob Davis is a home remodeling contractor and fireplace enthusiast from eastern Ohio. Specializing in restoring older homes, he gets a lot of questions about chimneys. He decided to start this site after noticing the lack of information about chimney liners on the internet in the hopes of helping homeowners improve the safety and efficiency of their chimneys. His hobbies are golf and bird watching.How to Tell if Your Chimney Liner is Leaking
Do you think that your chimney liner might be leaking but you’re not sure? There are a few different ways that you can tell if your liner is leaking that you will want to know about in order to determine if you have a problem. It is nice to be able to sit in front of a nice cozy fire and enjoy a hot beverage on a cold winter day, but if your chimney is leaking then you will need to get it fixed before you light your next fire. If you want to know how to tell if the liner on your chimney is leaking, here are some tips.
One way that you may be able to tell if you have a leaking chimney liner is by looking for some common visible signs that occur when your liner is leaking. If you think that smoke is leaking out of your chimney or you can smell the smoke from the fireplaces in the rooms of your home then you may have a serious problem. You will want to check to see if you can see the smoke coming out of the chimney. If you do not have a fire going at the time that you check then you will be able to check by looking to see if there are any stains on the chimney. Stains on the chimney will let you know that smoke is coming out of the cracks that may be in the chimney lining.
There are a few different ways that your chimney liner could have become cracked or developed holes in it. One thing that you will want to think about is any upgrades that you have made to your fireplace since you have moved into your home. The liner that your chimney currently has may not have been changed during the upgrades and may be the wrong size or could be made out of a material such as clay that will cause it to crack or erode.
If you want to be able to sit back in front of your fireplace with a big cup of hot chocolate then you will want to make sure that your liner is the right one and that it is not cracked. It is not safe to light a fire with a cracked chimney liner, so until you have determined if that is the problem you will not want to light one. If you are still unsure after reading this information you may want to get your chimney inspected by a professional.
Categorized: Basics, Liners, Troubleshooting | No comments | Permalink
Tagged with: clay liners, cracked liner, fireplace, flue liner, leaking chimney liner
Chimney Insert Guide
You may have heard of a chimney insert before and although the name gives some vague indication of what it is, you may be wondering exactly what it does and why you might need one. Chimney inserts first enter the minds of many homeowners when the term is tossed around in relation to a home inspection or remodeling permit. But what exactly does it do and why is it necessary? Let’s break down some basic information about the chimney insert.
As chimneys age, the effects of burning multiple fires in them over the years begins to take its toll on the structure of the chimney. You can’t necessarily see what is going on inside, but you can only imagine that with all of the heat and fumes from repeated fires that some damage is bound to occur. For example, the mortar in between the bricks of the chimney often begins to deteriorate, creating cracks and holes through which toxic gases and even flames can enter your house. In many older homes, the chimney is inside the house and built into the floor supports or other infrastructure, which means these dangerous byproducts of fires could easily enter your living space. Even newer chimneys are not immune to these dangers, which is why most building codes require chimneys to be lined, particularly those attached to fireplaces.
What a chimney insert or chimney liner does is protect the chimney from all of these dangerous gases and flames. It provides an extra layer through which all of these elements must pass before entering your home and causing problems for you and your family. It is simply a lining made of clay or other materials that covers the inside of your chimney for the gases to pass through on their way out of your roof. It also provides insulation, which improves the efficiency of using a fireplace for heating (not to mention keeping in heat generated by other heat sources in your home).
Perhaps you want a chimney liner insert for peace of mind, or maybe you have to install one to pass a home inspection or get a building permit. Several options exist when it comes to installing chimney insert liners. Although you can install a chimney liner yourself, most people prefer to hire a professional. If you are confident in your home repair skills, you can buy a kit at a home improvement store and lower the insert into your chimney, but this is not a straightforward process. If your chimney is not a standard size or has some curves, the extra money for expert installation will be worth it. After installation, it is important to get a chimney inspection every year or two to ensure it is still in good working order so you can continue to reap the benefits of a chimney insert liner for years to come.
Categorized: Basics, Liners | No comments | Permalink
Tagged with: chimney fires, chimney inspection, Chimney liner, clay liners, fireplace, flue liner, inserts
What Is a Chimney Damper?
A chimney damper goes inside or at the top of your chimney and is designed to serve two purposes. When you are using the fireplace, it can be adjusted to increase or decrease the air flow. It is basically like a lid that you place on your chimney so you have the option of opening it or closing it off. It also serves to prevent the heated air in your house from getting out through the chimney when you’re not using the fireplace. This can help you make significant reductions in your heating expenses. Remember that heat rises and could be escaping through your chimney, so using a fireplace damper is vital.
There are different types of chimney dampers available. The older styles were made of cast iron and sat further down the chimney. These are called throat-mount dampers. These days, the type that sit at the top of the chimney (top-mount dampers) are increasing in popularity. This type can usually be controlled by a cable that extends into the fireplace.. Some have rubber around the perimeter to ensure a tight fit and prevent air from escaping. Many of the top-mount chimney dampers also function as chimney caps. These have the added benefit of stopping birds and other critters from entering your house or building a nest or getting stuck in the chimney.
Dampers can be purchased in most of the standard chimney sizes. If your chimney is an unusual size, it may be necessary to have a custom damper made. If standard chimney sweep brushes don’t fit your chimney, chances are that a standard chimney cap damper won’t either. A perfect fit is absolutely essential for reaping all of the benefits of using a damper. If there are any gaps, it will not be able to do its job. Likewise, it is crucial to replace your chimney damper once it begins to show signs of wear or reduced efficiency. They can warp over time, rendering them useless. If you suspect this is the case, have a chimney inspector or other professional take a look to determine what the problem is.
There are a few precautions that need to be taken when using a fireplace damper. Be warned that if your flue is used for something else besides the fireplace, it could be dangerous to install a chimney damper (for example, if another active heating source in your home shares the same flue). If you are unsure, it is best to have a professional look at it before doing anything.
Remember, the damper should always be open when using the fireplace. If it is closed, the house will fill with smoke quickly and create very dangerous conditions. Always be sure the fire is out completely before closing the damper. And never use a chimney with a damaged or leaking chimney liner.
Categorized: Accessories, Dampers | No comments | Permalink
Tagged with: chimney damper, chimney inspector, custom damper, fireplace, fireplace damper, flue