While masonry chimneys made of brick and mortar may be beautiful and timeless, it\u2019s not a safe material for smoke and other byproducts to move through. That\u2019s why you have a chimney liner\u2014or you should\u2014inside of your chimney that improves ventilation as a fire burns in your fireplace.<\/p>\n
Without a good chimney liner, there is a much higher risk of a chimney fire. It could quickly spread to the outside of your home, and that is something you want to avoid at all costs. Here are some common problems with chimney liners you should know about, and which your technician should check for during an inspection.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s all too common for a chimney liner to be improperly sized for the fireplace or stove it serves. Often, fireplace inserts are added or a new stove installed without considering the size of the chimney liner. And a chimney liner that is too small may lead to faster condensation buildup and poor drafting. One that is too large may allow creosote to build up quickly, which is highly combustible.<\/p>\n
If there are cracks in your chimney liner, you must have it fixed before you use the chimney. This increases the chance that a small fire that starts in the chimney could spread to the masonry, and then to the outside of your home. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to have a thorough inspection long before you plan to use your chimney.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, a lot of chimneys are without any liner whatsoever. Older chimneys did not have this requirement, and to this day, many homes still do not have one. Make sure your chimney is inspected each year, and find out whether you\u2019ve been using a chimney that is rather dangerous. Remedy the problem with the help of a qualified chimney sweep.<\/p>\n