How To Inspect A Chimney Liner
What is a chimney liner.
How to inspect a chimney liner. Chimney expert Mark Schaub renovates an old unsafe chimney with an easy-to-install stainless steel linerSUBSCRIBE to This Old House. The flue is the passageway in a chimney that conveys flame and smoke to the outer air. If available use a snake inspection camera to get a closer look down the.
How to inspect a masonry chimney and firebox prior to installing an insert - submitted by Elk a building official edited by Gooserider. Start by using your razor knife and remove the plastic wrap that the liner is coiled in. Many old-house chimneys serve a hearth on each floor with multiple flues that snake through offsets within the masonry.
LINING OLD CHIMNEYS A. Be it an open fire closed stove or roomheater the leaping flames and glowing coals are the real heart of the home. As a result your goal is to make sure your chimney liner passes inspections each year.
Again use a mirror and light to inspect the chimney flue for any creosote buildup or defects. Cracked tile liners can result in the chimney causing a fire. Liners also reduce the exposure of corrosive materials to masonry.
A flue liner protects the inside of the chimney from collecting creosote. However for any fire to work successfully it must be connected. Easy methods to inspect the interior of a chimney flue How to use clues to infer the presence of chimney problems or unsafe conditions.
Questions answers about choices among procedures for inspecting the condition of chimney flues. Paul RocheleauMost old-house owners savor the warmth of fireplaces or heating stoves so they know its important to routinely inspect and clean a working masonry chimney. Prepare the Stainless Steel Chimney Liner.
Then if they deem it necessary theyll recommend any required work. Once you have the liner out start to straighten the liner. In fact you can even take care of minor issues yourself if theres a chimney liner in place.
Standards and procedures differ for gas and pellet appliances. If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. If chimneys are unlined heat will move through them quickly increasing the risk of woodwork or other elements catching on fire.
If the chimney is exposed on an outside wall or the stack is particularly tall or the flue is of a large diameter then the answer to the proposed question above is a definite YES. Make sure to do this on the grass or a soft surface so you dont puncture it. This is important especially if clay tile liners were used because they can crack and separate.
Liners also make it easier to inspect chimney damages and determine if something needs to be fixed. Unlined chimneys or chimneys with a poor quality liner are considered unsafe and a major fire hazard. Types of Chimney Liners.
It has a smooth easy-to-clean surface enabling the fire to draft properly. The Three Levels of Chimney Inspections. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service under the same conditions and with the continued use.
Theyll likely sweep your chimney as part of the inspection to make sure theyre getting an accurate look at your system. The National Fire Protection Association NFPA recommends that chimneys. Since our liner warranties are transferable they too will be covered should they ever have a problem.
Chimney flue inspection methods. When you get a chimney inspection done the inspector will take a look at your chimney for buildup obstruction damage or any structural issues. Modern liners made from metal and masonry are more durable but still require checking.
Otherwise it is not necessary. Insulated liners keep the flue gases warmer increase the upward speed of those gases and help prevent condensation. You can keep up with maintenance by scheduling a fireplace cleaning at least once a year.
That is just one of many questions you should be asking yourself if you are a homeowner. The following is written with a wood burning insert or stove in mind. Now days when homes are sold many new buyers and realtors are asking for chimney inspections and if you do not have a liner they will ask to have one installed before purchasing.
