FAQs

A chimney liner is a conduit made from clay, ceramic, metal or other material that lines the interior of a chimney. It’s got three main functions…

• First it must prevent exhaust gases from leaking into your external chimney structure & living quarters. And instead direct them to the outside atmosphere.
• Second, it needs to be able to withstand incredibly high temperatures caused by chimney fires or over firing.
• And last, it should be strong enough to withstand gas & acid attacks caused by wood & coal smoke.

Chimney relining is the process of repairing a chimney by putting a new liner into the damaged chimney.

You need to reline when:

• Your chimney is damaged from a chimney fire, over-firing, high winds, or lightning.
• Your chimney has settled but is tipping away from the house.
• You have an older house without a chimney liner.
• You have an aged & deteriorating chimney liner (the most popular steel flexi-liners only come with a ten-year guarantee).
• You’re resizing your chimney for a new appliance. For instance, converting oil to gas heat.
• When there’s a change in use of the chimney. For instance, you’re having a stove or furnace fitted. In that case, your chimney liner keeps you protected from excessive creosote buildup (which can cause a chimney fire). It also saves you money on your heating bills. Ensuring your stove/furnace is working at its best.

It’s true that old houses (older than 60 years) were often built without a liner. That’s because chimneys were built differently back then. With different materials. But that doesn’t mean older houses don’t need one. You should take it as a given that every chimney should have a liner. And if a chimney doesn’t have one? It shouldn’t be used. It’s just too much of a risk hazard.

Chimneys in older homes come with their own set of problems…including ongoing deterioration. The older the chimney, the more the deterioration. Which leads to increased risk of treacherous chimney damage. A situation that can all too quickly threaten the safety of your family & home.

• You notice smoke & fumes leaking into home from the flue.
• Condensation or tar build up starts to cause staining inside or outside your house.
• Your fireplace smells. This can signal a buildup of creosote & possibly a liner issue, too.
• You’ve neglected the care of your chimney over a number of years.
• You’ve had a chimney fire.

The risks couldn’t be more serious…

Dangerous flue gases can enter into your living space…including the odourless & feared carbon monoxide. If they seep in & are unknowingly inhaled, the consequences can be dangerous. Even fatal.

There’s also a risk of creosote build up…which can cause lethal chimney fires.

A less serious risk is the loss of efficiency. Picture someone drinking through a straw with a hole in it. It takes a lot more effort to suck the drink up through the straw and you lose liquid on the way.

That’s what it’s like when there are cracks in your chimney. It allows excess air into your chimney, slows the updraft, and makes it harder for smoke and gases to rise up and out.

Bear in mind a less efficient chimney is costing you more money to run. As well as being a risk to your family & home.

There are a few other chimney relining options available. These are…

Clay liners: If your chimney is quite short and straight, it may be a candidate for a clay liner. These type of liners aren’t very expensive – when installed during the construction of the property, that is.

They’re usually used in chimneys using solid fuel (such as wood, peat, coal, gas, and oil) with a working temperature of 600°. They can also withstand a soot fire of up to 1000°C.

But please be aware…chimney fires can and do reach temperatures of 1,200°C…which usually results in cracked liners.

Clay liners also deteriorate over time. Usually as a result of acid and gas attacks, seasonal changes, small chimney fires that go unnoticed, and just general deterioration from aging.

And while clay liners are an affordable option during construction, if you’ve to reinstall them after chimney damage, that’s not the case. This is the process that involves knocking down and rebuilding cavity walls and chimney breasts. A tormenting experience you’re better off avoiding at all costs.

Stainless steel liners: These are the most common material used in chimney relining systems. They come in two forms: flexible and rigid. Also the cheapest type of liner you can get.

Stainless steel liners includes the compound chromium carbide, which is what makes stainless steel anti-corrosive. However, at temperatures of 900°C this protective compound leaves the stainless steel liner causing it to rust, corrode, and eventually fail. Most stainless steel liners only offer a ten-year guarantee. And must be replaced after a chimney fire.

Poured-in-place liners: Thermocrete chimney liner system is what is known as a poured-in-place liner: Liners that are made from a cement-like material that hardens after insulation. There are other ones on the market. We did our research on them and found the Thermocrete relining system simply unbeatable for old houses in need of chimney relining.

Thermosetting liners: Thermosetting is a type of liner that sets into every nook and cranny of your chimney. Our Thermo-Liner chimney relining system comes under this form of liner. It requires no masonry work and is guaranteed to make you feel safer in your home.

In most instances, yes. And we’ve tested pretty much all of them. But, please do your own research if you’re unsure. You’ll soon see what we see…that no other systems offer better protection for your family & home. Or are as long lasting.

But does that mean they are suitable for every single chimney relining situation? Not for every case, no. And we’re always upfront about that too.

On occasion insurance may not cover the cost of your chimney relining and you may be looking for a less costly alternative. Although these alternative methods can’t offer the same level of protection or durability, we’re happy to let you know what would be the next-best affordable alternative.

There are cheaper, less durable options out there that can’t offer the same level of protection.

But here’s the thing…7/10 customers that come to us don’t actually realise their house insurance can fully cover the cost. Customers who 100% expected they would have to pay for the relining out of their own pocket. You may well be one of them…

And what about those that do pay for the chimney relining services themselves? We’ve yet to meet a customer that’s regretted it.

For all the obvious reasons…It works out cheaper than knocking & rebuilding walls…There’s zero mess or fuss…They’re the most durable chimney relining systems you can get. (So you’ll likely never face the torment of a chimney relining issue again.)

And of course, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re getting the best possible protection for your family & home.

Something you just won’t get with any cheaper alternatives.

Absolutely. We’ve helped many to process & handle their insurance claims. Just give us a call & we’ll talk you through it.

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