|
Unfortunately terra-cotta tiled
chimney liners often crack due to thermal shock caused by either chimney fires
or simply dramatic changes in the chimney liner temperatures. Often terra-cotta
chimney liners crack near the top where they are exposed to much colder air.
When a fireplace, wood stove, or furnace rapidly heat up a chimney liner, the
dramatic change in temperature near the top of the chimney can cause the
terra-cotta chimney liner to crack and flake.
|
|
A cracked chimney liner should be
repaired as soon as possible if you plan to use the chimney. There are number of
options on how to repair a cracked chimney liner. In some cases a terra-cotta
chimney liner can be repaired by simply replacing the cracked flue tiles, if the
cracks are limited to only the top of the chimney liner. A mason can simply
break up the top one or two broken terra-cotta tiles and replace them. However,
the most they can replace is two tiles as they need to reach down and mortar the
joint to properly make the repair. |
An alternative cracked chimney liner
repair is to install a cast-in-place chimney liner. With this type of chimney
repair a long tubular inflated bladder is installed into the chimney and
concrete is poured around it. After the concrete has cured the bladder is
deflated and removed leaving a seamless flue. The only concern with this type of
cracked chimney liner repair is that if the new chimney liner is too narrow, hot
gasses and smoke may end up backing up into the home due to the fact that they
cannot be expelled quickly enough.
Probably the best cracked chimney liner repair option is to install a stainless
steel liner. A stainless steel liner can consist of flexible or rigid tubing.
Stainless steel chimney liners are relatively easy to install, and when
installed properly are extremely safe. They are also easy to inspect and keep
clean. In addition, stainless steel chimney liners can be used in a variety of
applications such as with wood burning fireplaces and stoves, and gas and oil
furnaces.
For information on maximizing a
wood stove’s home heating efficiency see
the “Installation
of Hood over Wood Stove Ebook”.
|
Find a Qualified Masonry Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Masonry
Contractors! |
Related Articles
Chimney Caps
from Amazon.com
|
