Three Types of Chimney Liners
Clay
One of the most common types of chimney liners is the clay variety. These clay tiles are inexpensive and are very effective when used for open fireplace chimneys. These chimney liners are also very durable. Most of them can last at least 80 years. However, they also have two main disadvantages.
One of the first disadvantages of clay chimney liners is that they are ceramic. If a chimney fire occurs, these liners won’t be able to handle it and they will crack or split apart. They will have to be repaired before you use the chimney again. Another disadvantage of these chimney liners comes into effect when they are used with gas fireplaces. They won’t be able to contain the combustion byproducts produced by the fire.
Metal
There are also metal chimney liners. Metal chimney liners are usually installed when upgrading or repairing a chimney. They are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel designs can be used for wood, gas, or oil fireplaces. Aluminum chimney liners can only be used with certain gas fireplaces.
You will need to be careful when using metal chimney liners with open fireplaces. They are often too small to vent these fireplaces properly. Metal chimney liners also have to be covered with insulation. This will increase their performance and safety attributes.
Concrete
One of the final types is the concrete, or cast-in-place liner. Heat resistant concrete is poured into the interior of the chimney. This will form an insulated pathway for gases to be vented outside. Concrete chimney liners can also improve structure of old chimneys. These liners can safely be used with all types of fireplaces. One of the main disadvantages of concrete liners is that the installation is permanent and can’t be reversed.
These are the different types of chimney liners. The most common type is made from clay. They can normally last at least 80 years, but can be susceptible to cracking and splitting if a chimney fire occurs. There are also metal chimney liners that are commonly used when upgrading or repairing a chimney. These liners have to be insulated during installation in order to increase their performance.
