What is Chimney Relining?

Whether you are moving into a new home with a fireplace or you have lived in your home for years, your chimney should be inspected before winter arrives in all its glory. In addition to needing a good cleaning, your chimney liner may be compromised. After years of use, it is a good idea to have it checked by professional to ensure it is still in workable condition.

Every chimney has a lining. This lining can be made from clay tiles, metal, or it can be cast-in-place. Clay is rather inexpensive and has a lifespan of about 50 years, but extreme weather conditions can sometimes cause structural problems, such as cracking. One sign of a compromised clay liner will be fallout in the fireplace.

A cast-in-place liner is usually used as an alternative to clay. The cement is poured into the flue, creating a cast mold. Some prefer this to clay as fireplaces with this type of liner tend to burn cleaner and create less of creosote buildup inside, which as you know, is very dangerous and can cause a house fire to occur.

The last type of chimney liner is a metal liner. This tends to get the best feedback from professionals, as they believe it lasts longer and is much easier to install. The cost can be a bit more than the other alternatives, but the lifespan is also longer. In other words, a single installation should last throughout your ownership of the home with little danger of needed repair. Relining with this method can be done with either rigid or flexible stainless steel.

If your chimney needs relining, you will have to decide which type of liner you prefer. It is a good idea to go over all three types of liners with your technician to see what they are more experienced installing and which type will be safer for your particular fireplace.

The Dangers of Creosote in Your Chimney

Creosote buildup occurs in the chimneys of wood burning fireplaces. It is actually a tar-like buildup that accumulates within the chimney structure. Not only is this a fire hazard, but it can cause numerous other health problems. With as little as 1/8″ being enough to cause a house fire, homeowners are advised to have their chimneys inspected and cleaned at least once a year by an expert.

Common Dangers of Creosote Buildup

1. Fire – as mentioned above, it takes very little buildup to cause a fire. This is actually one of the top causes of home fires, and it is preventable with regular maintenance. This is something the homeowner should consult a professional in order to ensure it is done properly.
2. Cancer – creosote is a possible cause of skin cancer. In fact, the professionals that clean chimneys for a living are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer if they do not wear the proper protective clothing while performing their duties.
3. Skin Irritation – in addition to the risk of cancer, creosote can also cause a variety of other skin irritations. Typically, these are described as excessive redness, burning sensations, and swelling. If the exposure continues, the skin can become extremely sensitive to natural light and may develop sores. If you notice these symptoms, you should consult with your family physician immediately.
4. Eye Irritation – exposure can cause your eyes to become extremely sensitive to light. You may also notice excessive tearing. In addition, creosote can actually damage your vision.
5. Other Internal Medical Issues – breathing in creosote fumes can begin to cause irritation throughout your respiratory system. Your mouth, nose, and throat can all become inflamed. There is also the danger of severe respiratory issues as well as digestive problems. At its worst, creosote ingestion will induce a coma and possibly death. Just a small amount of inhaled creosote over prolonged periods of time can cause internal organ damage.