Relining Masonry Chimneys Can Help Reduce Potential of Chimney Fire and Carbon Monoxide Poisonings
FAIRFIELD, Iowa (May 27, 2003) – The threat of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisonings due to deteriorating masonry chimneys can be reduced with the installation of a stainless steel chimney liner, according to HomeSaver, Inc. of Fairfield, Iowa.
This recommendation applies to masonry chimneys that vent gas or wood burning fireplaces, freestanding stoves and fireplace inserts, as well as gas or oil burning furnaces. The proper installation of a stainless steel liner can create a safer chimney within a deteriorated structure.
Chimneys that look good on the outside can often have problems inside that are potentially dangerous,” according to Bob Daniels, president and CEO of HomeSaver, a manufacturer of chimney liners, caps and fireplace dampers designed to make chimneys safer and more energy efficient. “A liner can help a chimney perform like it was designed.”
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), an educational organization located in Indianapolis, Ind., the installation of a flue liner has been recommended since the early part of the century but now many codes mandate chimney liners for masonry chimneys.
Most masonry chimneys are built with clay tile liners that can deteriorate over time or can be damaged by weather, undetected chimney fires or foundation settling. This deterioration or damage can result in missing or cracked clay tiles that leave the chimney compromised. The lack of flue tiles can also provide opportunity for the flue gases from a fire to penetrate the brick and mortar, reducing the usable life of the chimney and creating gaps in the mortar joints.
When these conditions exist, potential problems can occur. For example, carbon monoxide can seep back into the living structure of a home. Or, sparks from a fire can escape through the crack in a chimney wall into a flammable portion of the home’s construction. Even prolonged exposure to the heat from flue cases leaking through cracked or broken clay liners can pose a significant threat to combustible material in proximity to the chimney. Additionally, an unexpected chimney fire can spread through a breech in an unlined chimney scattering the fire throughout the home.
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) indicates that clay flue tiles within a
chimney should be replaced if they are cracked, broken, or missing. According to Daniels, the most effective and cost-effective way to reline a chimney is with stainless steel liner, such as a HomeSaver chimney lining system.
A skilled chimney professional can help determine if the inside of a masonry chimney is in good shape or if a chimney liner is necessary. Many chimney professionals use a small camera, called a Chim Scan, to inspect a chimney and gain an accurate assessment of the situation. Once the diagnosis is made, a chimney liner can be installed in less than half a day, but should be done by a professional installer.
“We recommend that people have a chimney liner installed by a skilled chimney professional or a hearth products installer that can accurately diagnose and repair the problem,” added Daniels. “There are too many things, that if not done correctly, could cause the chimney to violate codes and create further hazards.”
The HomeSaver relining system has been tested and listed by the Underwriters Laboratories and protected by a lifetime warranty. HomeSaver provides a number of liners available in any chimney configuration, from single, straight flues to multiple connected flues with bends and size changes.
The company Web site provides a complete tutorial about the importance of revitalizing a chimney with a liner and offers a Frequently Asked Questions section to help answer a variety of concerns. An online search function called “Locate A Chimney Professional” is also available to locate a trained HomeSaver installer.
HomeSaver, Inc. is the premier company for chimney liners, chimney caps and energy-saving fireplace dampers for residential use. The four HomeSaver product lines include: HomeSaver chimney liners, Gelco chimney caps, and Lock-Top and Lyemance fireplace dampers. The company has been providing the highest quality materials to skilled chimney professionals and hearth products installers for more than 20 years. For more information about HomeSaver chimney liners, visit www.homesaver.com or call 1-866-HOMESAVER (866-466-3728).
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