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Chimney Liner and Chimney Liner Kits are a perfect solution for chimney relining
A chimney is a flexible tube that is connected to your appliance and then is ran on the inside of your chimney. It runs up the entire length of your chimney, carrying the fumes up your flue liner instead of releasing them straight into your chimney cavity. This adds to the efficiency of your unit as well as the overall cleanliness of your chimney cavity.
Flexible Chimney Liners are usually made of two types of metal: Aluminum and Stainless Steel
A flexible chimney liner, or flue liner as it is sometimes referred to, is a type of lining system installed inside a chimney to protect the chimney structure and improve its performance. It is designed to be flexible, allowing it to be installed in chimneys with bends, offsets, or irregular shapes. The main purpose of a chimney liner is to contain and guide the by products of combustion, such as smoke, gases, and creosote, safely out of the house.
There are different materials used for flexible chimney liners, but the most common ones include stainless steel and aluminum. These materials are chosen for their durability, resistance to high temperatures, and corrosion resistance. These are often referred to by numbers such as 304 or 316. This is the grade of steel that the liners are constructed of.
Each material offers specific advantages, and the choice depends on the type of fuel-burning appliance and the application. Here's a breakdown of these materials:
Stainless Steel Chimney Liner Benefits
Stainless steel is the most common material used for flexible chimney liners due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures. It is suitable for venting various fuel types, including wood, gas, oil, and pellet. Stainless steel liners are available in different grades, with higher-grade steel providing better resistance to corrosion and higher temperature applications. Additionally, some stainless steel chimney liners come with insulation, further improving efficiency and safety.
Aluminum Chimney Liners Benefits
Aluminum flexible chimney liners are an affordable alternative to stainless steel. They are lightweight, making them easier to handle during installation. Aluminum liners are primarily used for gas appliances, where lower temperatures are involved. They are not suitable for wood-burning applications or high-temperature exhaust gases, as aluminum has lower resistance to heat and can be prone to deterioration over time.
Chimney Liners are used as a flu liner for lining masonry chimneys
Flexible chimney liners offer several benefits, including:
- Improved safety: The liner provides an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of fire hazards caused by the heat, gases, and creosote buildup.
- Increased efficiency: By creating a smoother interior surface, the liner helps to improve the draft and ensure proper ventilation, which enhances the overall efficiency of the chimney.
- Versatility: The flexibility of the liner allows it to navigate through various chimney configurations, making it suitable for both straight and complex chimney setups.
- Extended chimney lifespan: The liner shields the chimney's interior walls from the corrosive byproducts of combustion, helping to extend its lifespan.
- Code compliance: Many building codes and regulations require chimney liners for specific types of fuel appliances, and installing a flexible chimney liner ensures compliance with these standards.
Flexible Chimney Liners come in a variety of dimensions including 3 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches and more
Certain models of flexible Chimney Liners are compatible with a variety of fuel types. They can be used with wood, gas, pellets and oil. However you will want to verify that the specific size product is rated for use with the type of fuel you are wanting to use.
It is also a good idea to check the chimney liner manual as well as the manual for the appliance you are using to determine proper sizing prior to purchasing.
Flexible Chimney Liners can be used on a variety of appliances from fireplaces, to wood stoves and more
When installing a flexible chimney liner, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines laid out in the product manual. While it is possible that a homeowner can perform an installation of a chimney liner, there are also certified professionals who can help with installation. Professional installers can also inspect the chimney structure to help prevent any future incidents.
FAQ - Flexible Chimney Liners
What brand of Flexible Liner should I choose?
There are a few brands of Flexible Chimney Liners offered by Northline Express. Our two top choices would be Lifetime brand chimney liners and Dura Vent brand chimney liners.
Lifetime brand Chimney Liners
Our brand of choice when it comes to Chimney Liners is the Lifetime brand Chimney Liners. Their chimney liners are UL listed with 316L grade stainless steel. This material is strong enough to withstand the extreme heat produced by a fire and can withstand intense constant conditions within your masonry chimney. Lifetime brand Chimney Liners also offer one of the best warranties in the industry and that warranty is straight forward and comes without a bunch of loopholes and fine print. Lifetime brand Liners feature a smooth wall system and they offer all of the components you need in convenient all in one Liner Kits. They produce dependable and reliable products at an affordably low cost.
DuraVent Chimney Liners
Dura Vent is a trusted name when it comes to chimney and stove venting. Dura Vent was the first manufacturer to come to market with new innovations in venting solutions. DuraVent uses scientifically proven materials and engineering. Their products have become one of the leaders in professional quality venting products. Duravent is committed to providing cutting edge products that meet the demand's of todays heating market. They offer a variety of systems including: DuraLiner, DuraFlexAL, DuraFlexSS, DuraFlexSS SW, or DuraFlex 316 & 304 Lining Systems.
What is the purpose of a flexible chimney liner?
The main purpose of a chimney liner is to contain and guide the by products of combustion, such as smoke, gases, and creosote, safely out of the house.
Is a flexible chimney liner the same as a flue liner?
The terms chimney liner and flue or flu liner are used interchangeably in most cases. A Flexible chimney liner is a flexible connector that helps guide combustion byproducts safely from your appliance and up and out of your chimney.
What size flexible chimney liner do I need?
When determining the size of the chimney liner you will need it all depends on several factors. Those factors include: the type of fuel-burning appliance you have, the size and type of your chimney, and the local building codes and regulations. Check out this article for more information on the Measurements & Tools Needed for a Chimney Liner
How do I know if my chimney is lined?
Determining whether your chimney is lined requires a visual inspection or the expertise of a professional chimney inspector. You can use a flashlight and look up the chimney flue from the fireplace or stove opening. If you can see masonry or bricks directly then most likely your chimney is not lined. If you can see metal tubing or a visible liner, then it contains a chimney liner.
If you can not get a visual from looking up through the appliance, then you can also check at the top of the chimney run on your roof. Just remove the chimney cap if you have one and use a flashlight to look down and inspect the chimney. You will be visually be able to see a metal tube or liner inside of the chimney cavity. It is common in older chimney systems to not have a liner.
If you're still having trouble determining, then you can always consult a certified chimney inspector or professional chimney sweep. They have specialized tools and video equipment that can examine the interior of the chimney flue. This also helps because at the same time they can inspect the stability of the chimney structure and give advice on whether a chimney liner is the best solution for your project.
Should I put a liner in my chimney?
There are a lot of factors that go into relining or installing a chimney liner kit. It depends on your appliance, fuel type, chimney structure and costs.
There are no doubts that Flexible Chimney Liners offer a wide array of benefits. They add an extra layer of security, can improve draft and efficiency in your system, are code compliant in most areas, and are one of the most versatile options when it comes to chimney venting.
It is recommended to consult a certified chimney inspector or a professional chimney sweep to have your current structure analyzed.
Where can I find more information on Chimney Liners?
Check out our Resource Center for helpful articles and information. Here are some of our articles about chimney liners: