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How old is your house? Actually, a better question is, How old is your chimney? Most people don’t put a lot of thought into their chimneys, but they should – especially if their home was built before the 1930s, when it became mandatory for U.S. chimneys to be built with liners. Chimneys in old homes typically don’t have chimney liners, and this can be a problem.

One of your chimney’s most vital components is hidden inside — your chimney liner! Liners come in all shapes, sizes and materials, and they all serve to keep homes with fireplaces or heating stoves safe from fires, damage and carbon monoxide.

Types of chimney liners

While most chimney liners perform the same (or similar) functions, not all of them are made the same. Most homes constructed after 1940 were built with clay tiles lining the Some homes, especially those with heating stoves or prefabricated fireplaces, are equipped with stainless steel chimney liners. Less common, some chimney liners are poured into place after the chimney has been constructed. If you own home that was built before 1940, it’s important to have your chimney inspected before lighting a fire; many older chimneys were constructed without liners, which pose a major fire hazard.

Lifespan of a chimney liner

Regardless of chimney liner type, chimney liners do wear down over time. This is one reason your annual chimney sweeping and inspection is so important. Your chimney sweep will determine whether your chimney liner is in good working order or if it needs to be repaired to keep your home safe. While clay tiles and poured chimney liners have a lifespan of up to 50 years, they can crack or crumble over time, and they can fracture dramatically if a chimney fire occurs. Metal chimney liners are extremely durable, but they, too, can corrode over time, especially if the liner’s metal is incompatible with the type of fuel the fireplace burns.

Chimney liner repairs

As you can imagine from the important function your chimney liner performs, chimney liner repairs shouldn’t be put off. Without the protection of your chimney liner, your fire’s heat, flames and gases can penetrate your home, putting the home and your family in danger. Fortunately, chimney liner repair is relatively simple. A stainless steel liner can be inserted into almost any chimney. Your chimney liner is one of the most crucial components of your chimney — Don’t neglect it! Call the chimney-liner experts at Southern Maine Chimney Service. We’ll inspect your chimney liner, recommend and perform any needed repairs to keep your chimney safe.

In its most simple form, your chimney liner provides a barrier. It prevents smoke and heat from penetrating the walls of your chimney and the structure of your home. In the event of a chimney fire, the chimney liner helps keep flames contained, protecting your home. The chimney liner also protects your chimney’s structure. Smoke is acidic and can corrode a chimney’s masonry over time. The liner prevents this from happening. Finally, a properly sized chimney liner keeps smoke flowing up your chimney and prevents smoke from flowing back into your living space.

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