If your chimney is in a poor condition, this may also affect the draw. If the dimensions of a fireplace are altered this can have a detrimental effect on the draw. The dimensions of a fireplace should always be calculated to be efficient with the dimensions of the associated chimney flue.
External factors, for example other buildings and trees may also affect the draw of your chimney. If you have had a chimney fire, you should also have your chimney inspected by a chimney professional before using it again. If you have any concerns about the performance of your chimney e. Yes, a chimney with a liner does need sweeping as debris from birds, cobwebs and deposits can collect in a liner.
It is recommended that you have your chimney swept at the following intervals for the different fuel types shown:. Your chimney is leaking because the internal surface of the flue or a joint in the flue may have failed.
Where a chimney is constructed from brick, the bricks may degrade and crumble over time and it is likely that the mortar in between the bricks will degrade as well. If your chimney has been lined with clay liners, these are dropped down inside the chimney in several pieces. If a joint fails in-between the pieces of liner, smoke will escape. Yes, a chimney can catch fire. A poorly maintained chimney flue that has not been regularly swept will inevitably suffer from a build-up of deposits, such as tar that can be left stuck to the sides of the flue as the smoke travels up through it.
A spark from the fire can be carried through the flue which may ignite these deposits causing a chimney to catch fire. Chimneys should be regularly cleaned, or swept, to avoid a chimney fire. A fire in a chimney can spread frighteningly quickly, igniting any timbers that are close to the chimney and from there to the rest of the property. A regular clean or sweeping will ensure that any deposits, debris from birds, cobwebs or falling masonry are cleared from the chimney flue.
A chimney should also be cleaned or swept to ensure optimum performance from the appliance that you are using. Always ensure that you engage the services of a professional chimney sweep.
There are several different types of chimney liners that are suitable for different uses and available at a range of price points. The entry level for chimney liners is stainless steel, which is the most cost-effective, but with a limited lifespan. Pumice chimney liners are an ideal solution for a new build property. Pumice is a high-performing insulator, will withstand high temperatures and is easy to install.
When it comes to fireplace and chimney safety, the chimney liner is one of the most important protective components. It stops carbon monoxide from seeping through porous bricks and mortar into your home.
It prevents hot embers in the smoke from slipping through a crack in the flue and igniting combustible materials around the chimney. It also absorbs high temperatures and harsh chemicals produced by the fire that could cause serious structural damage to the chimney or create pathways for a fire.
Since chimney liners are so important, it is no surprise that homeowners have a lot of questions about them. We have put together this list of answers for the most frequently asked questions about when and why you should upgrade your chimney liner.
The answer to this question depends on the type of chimney liner you have. Clay tile liners and cast-in-place liners typically last around 50 years. Stainless steel flue liners generally last for 15 to 20 years though low quality liners may not even last for five. When structural damage to the chimney exists or there is a degenerating clay tile liner, a cast-in-place liner is the smart way to go.
These liners are made with an insulated mixture similar to mortar and do a good job in patching and filling crumbling mortar joints and reinforcing the entire chimney structure.
When building a new fireplace. The only way to understand the exact condition of an existing chimney liner is to have it inspected by a professional chimney technician. This person may recommend a new liner in several situations. There is damage to an existing clay tile liner. Cracks in the liner can let carbon monoxide and fiery sparks escape, setting the stage for poisonous gas to enter the house or the interior of the chimney to catch on fire.
A flue liner that is damaged or actively deteriorating presents a serious safety hazard. Carbon monoxide and hot embers can escape through small gaps in the liner. This increases the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. If a liner is deteriorating it might signal a larger structural issue with the fireplace or chimney. Unique fireplaces and fuel types have different liner and venting requirements.
Need help with your Toronto chimney liner, or anything else related to your fireplace and chimney? Call out the trusted experts at Turnbull Masonry!
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