Selecting and Installing Refractory Panels

Nothing quite matches the feeling of sitting by a warm fire on a cold evening; in fact, fire has been relied on throughout human history for warmth, for cooking, and for light during the darkest days of winter. While we modern humans do not rely on fire in the same way our ancestors did, the nature of fire has not changed; neither has the need to maintain and protect our fireplaces and other heating appliances. Let's take a look at refractory panels and learn just a little more about selecting and installing these very important fireplace accessories.

New and Improved Fireplace Technology

Back in the days of the cave dwellers, people made fires up against cave walls, deciding where to place their fires so that smoke would exit the cave while the heat from the fire would efficiently heat the dwellings. In ancient Roman and Greek times, people constructed simple fire pits in their homes, and as the years passed, various innovations in fireplace technology helped make keeping the home fires burning a cleaner and safer prospect. Today, there are factory-built fireplaces that must be maintained and installed properly; an important part of maintaining these new fireplaces is by monitoring refractory panels for fireplace efficiency and safety.

Because the newest factory-built units are so much lighter in weight than old-fashioned brick and stone fireplaces, they are not built on special cement foundations; they can be installed in many different places throughout the home. 

Selecting and Installing Refractory Panels

Inside a metal factory-built unit, you'll see refractory panels. These special stainless chimney liner help keep the fireplace safe and they help keep your fireplace working properly, too. If you notice a crack, it's time to replace the refractory panels for fireplace efficiency and safety. If you can fit a nickel, on end, into the crack, or if the surface appears to have been abraded by 1/4" or more, then it is time to call for replacement.

Your fireplace professional will help you to select the right refractory panels; they come in different sizes and finishes to suit the size and shape, as well as the aesthetic appearance of your fireplace. As the newest fireplaces come in a number of shapes and sizes, many of these refractory panels must be cut to fit. 

Manufactured from the highest quality raw materials available, these panels are designed to reflect the heat generated by the fire back into the room, instead of sending it away, up the chimney. They also help to keep heat from penetrating the firebox and causing damage that could lead to a structure fire if left unrepaired. Refractory panels for fireplace use cannot be cut with a standard DIY saw; instead, they must be cut with

How Much Do You Know About Chimney Liners?

A properly working chimney liner is important to the overall health of the fireplace.  Although this functional tool isn’t very exciting to both purchase and install, homeowners should have a general knowledge of what the standard stainless steel chimney liner is. If you feel you have a good understanding of the liner but want to check or are clueless and want to learn more take my five question quiz based on the practical chimney liner.

1. What is a chimney liner?

a) A liner designed to keep toxic gases and flammable debris inside the chimney
b) A decorative chimney finish
c) A liner for the outside of the chimney to protect it from the elements
d) All of the above

2. In which decade did chimney liners start being installed into standard homes?

a) 1930’s
b) 1940’s
c) 1940’s
d) 1960’s

3. What are some signs of potential damage in the chimney?

a) A tight chimney liner
b) Cracked bricks or missing mortar
c) Stains on the brickwork
d) Both A & B
e) Both B & C

4. What are three types of chimney liners?

a) Cast-in-place, plastic, and metal
b) Stainless steel, plastic, & clay tile
c) Stainless steel, cast-in-place, & clay tile

5. Chimney liners can deteriorate and should be checked during a chimney inspection?
a) True
b) False

Answers
1. a) A liner designed to keep toxic gases and flammable debris inside the chimney – Chimney liners are necessary to trap the flammable gases caused by wood-burning fires in the chimney flue leading them safely outside where they disperse.  If the liner was not in place, these toxic gases could leak through the chimney.  If your chimney has cracks or is damaged, this could lead to unsafe conditions in the living space.

2. b) The 1940’s – The microwave oven, the Slinky, and chimney liners were all developed in the 1940’s.  Since this time, home construction has included the chimney liner install as standard operating procedure though you won’t typically see a stainless steel chimney liner in those homes from the 40’s.  Clay tile liners were popular back then and continue to be popular today.

3. e) Both B & C – Stains on the brickwork and cracks or missing bricks are both signs that there may be damage within the flue.  A chimney liner can only be helpful when the chimney is in proper working order.

4. c) Stainless steel, cast-in-place, & clay tile – A chimney liner can be constructed of stainless steel, clay tile, or can be casted-in-place.  The three options all have their pluses and minuses and the right on for you will be dependent on your unique home and chimney.

5. a) True -  Chimney liners can deteriorate over time and must be checked regularly.  A reputable chimney sweep will ensure your liner is checked during their inspection looking for any signs of wear.  Homes without a chimney liner can be retrofitted to include one as well, adding safety to the home.

How was your chimney liner knowledge?  Did you know as much as you thought or were you a little stumped?  Being aware of what a stainless steel chimney liner is and how it can help your home’s overall safety from chimney fires is important. If you would like to learn even more, you can research on the internet by typing “chimney liners” on the search page. 

Chimney Liners: 7 Little Known Facts

Chimney liners have come a long way since they first debutted in the early 1900’s.  Sure to meet any need, chimney liners now come in many types including stainless steel, cast-in-place, and clay tiles.  Whether you need a clay tile liner or a stainless steel one, these versions allow anyone and everyone to find a chimney liner that meets (and exceeds) their expectations. 

While many of us that have dabbled in the fireplace industry may feel like experts in the subject, there are many surprising, little known facts about chimney liners that you may not be aware of.  In this article, we will take time to dive more deeply into the world of chimney liners to discover 7 little known facts about them.

Liners Make Sure the Flue is Right – Chimney liners help to ensure a correctly fitting flue is in place.  A correctly-sized flue allows for the optimum in heat efficiency as well as preventing creosote from building within the walls of the unit.

Cast-in-place is Permanent – If choosing a cast-in-place liner, homeowners can enjoy a permanent solution for all their chimney liner needs.  These lightweight liners constructed of cement-like materials are cast into the flue to create a seamless fit. 

Clay Is Uneven – Clay tiles have been a popular choice in chimney liners for many, many years.  The clay material is readily available and the liners are fairly inexpensive to purchase. When working with clay though extra care must be taken to ensure the overall structure is kept safe. These tiles allow for the uneven spreading of heat within the flue leading to cracks in its surface.  A cracked tile must be repaired before using the unit again.

They’re Mandated – Although building codes can differ from state to state, many are unaware that numerous local fire codes now mandate a quality clay tile, cast-in-place, or stainless steel chimney liner. 

They’re U.L. Tested – A stainless steel or metal chimney liner will, in most cases, be U.L. tested and listed making it safe and durable to install into a new system or retrofit into an existing flue.

Liners Protect the Masonry Work – Keeping corrosive byproducts flowing out of the flue, a chimney liner protects the masonry work from this deteriorating buildup.  Without the liner, the structure would become unstable much more quickly.

Stainless Steel Can Handle It All – A stainless steel chimney liner can handle a number of different types of burning stoves and fireplaces.  In fact, you can use a stainless steel chimney liner with a fireplace burning wood, gas, or oil.

If you are in need of adding a chimney liner to an existing flue or are building a new fireplace make sure to consider these 7 little known facts when choosing a chimney liner right for your needs and environment.  When selecting a liner always take into consideration the type of flue that you will be working with, the flue’s overall shape, and also what it is constructed of.  Before you know it you will be enjoying a warm fire that is efficient and safe too!

Comparing Rigid and Flexible Chimney Liners

Chimney liners are an important component to any chimney one may come across.  The liner serves a number of purposes.  First, it controls the speed at which the heat moves from the chimney outside.  An unlined chimney allows the heat to move quickly through increasing the risk of starting nearby woodwork ablaze.  Second, a liner protects the masonry surrounds from creosote and other byproducts that can build from average use of the fireplace.  A chimney liner traps the debris inside of it and lessens the exposure to outside areas. Lastly, chimney liners are important to increasing the overall efficiency of a fireplace unit by creating a perfectly suited flue for heat to rise through.  Chimney liners come constructed in three main materials – clay, metal, and cement.  A liners flexibility or lack thereof will be dependent on the materials it is constructed of.  In this article, we will take a systematic approach to compare a rigid chimney liner to a flexible chimney liner.

When choosing between a flexible versus rigid chimney liner, homeowners will need to take into consideration a number of factors.  Price, maintenance requirements, and ease of service and installation can all differ between the two.  First, let’s discuss their difference in construction. Rigid liners are assembled from segments of pipe that is then installed into the flue.  A flexible liner is constructed from a continuous section of corrugate tubing and is fashioned as it is installed in the flue itself

How your chimney is shaped will have a huge impact on which liner you choose.  If the flue is offset from the fireplace or stove it is attached to than a flexible chimney liner would be the better option.  If the flue is direct and squarely centered on the unit, homeowners may opt for a rigid chimney liner. Having the ability to bend and conform to its environment, the flexible chimney liner offers greater utility for unique configurations.

Homeowners will also want to be aware of the cost variance between a flexibly chimney liner and its rigid counterpart.  The rigid liner is often less expensive as the materials used to construct it are more affordable.  A flexible chimney liner involves more parts and materials in it construction. A flexible liner also requires more craftsmanship and labor to make a liner unique to the application it is needed for.

Lastly, the maintenance of the liner will also very between the two.  Rigid liners are more prone to developing leaks because of how they are constructed.  They feature shorter segments of multiple pieces of metal where divides can form.   On the other hand, many rigid liners have a smooth service making them easy to clean.  A flexible chimney liner has a corrugated surface making the sweep process a little trickier.  As customer demand rises, many manufacturers are now offering smooth surface flexible chimney liners but often at a higher cost than their standard counterpart. 

Still unsure on which one is right for your home?  Contact a local chimney professional to assist you in making your decision.  They can examine your current chimney and fireplace, assess the environment in which you use the unit, and suggest a liner best-suited for your needs and unique circumstance.

Increase Energy Savings with Fireplace Dampers and Fireplace Insulation Material

We all want to save money on home energy expenses. It might have occurred to you that some of your heating dollars are lost up the chimney, particularly if you don't use your woodstove or fireplace as a primary source of home heating. What you might not realize is that some of your home cooling dollars are going straight up the chimney and evaporating in the atmosphere, as well. Adding simple fireplace insulation material and modern fireplace dampers can help you to save money on both heating and cooling costs. Let's take a look at some of the most popular items available, and discuss ways they can help save you money on energy.

Fireplace Dampers

The damper in a fireplace or wood stove is designed to modulate the flow of air that goes up the chimney while a fire is burning. Opening a fireplace damper increases air flow and allows fires to start faster, while closing the damper part way or most of the way slows down the combustion process, adding to fuel efficiency while the stove is in use. 

Old-fashioned fireplace dampers sit inside the chimney itself; they look a bit like a flat panel with a connecting rod that ties in to the handle that is located at the front or side of your fireplace or woodstove chimney. Rotating the handle causes the damper to swing back and forth, either increasing or decreasing the amount of air that flows through the firebox. 

The newest fireplace dampers are capable of creating a complete seal on top of the chimney, so that when the fireplace or woodstove is not in use, it can be closed off completely. This prevents heated or cooled air from inside the home from escaping up the chimney, and it saves heating and cooling appliances from working overtime to help maintain temperatures. Installing a damper like this saves homeowners plenty of money, plus it doubles as a chimney cover, keeping birds, animals, and debris such as dry leaves out of the chimney flue.

Fireplace Insulation Material

Insulating any empty spaces within a home environment helps to keep interior temperatures stable; fireplace insulation material goes one step further by helping your fireplace to heat your home more efficiently. In addition, it can help keep hot air from outside or cool air from inside your home from transferring on hot summer days when staying warm is the furthest thing from your mind. 

Fireplace insulation material is designed to work with a number of different fireplace liners. Some is designed to be mixed and poured down a masonry chimney into the empty space between the chimney and liner; other types wrap around the chimney liners to keep it from passing excess heat from the interior to the exterior. Another type of fireplace insulation material is designed to be packed into empty spaces around fireboxes, keeping heat where it belongs. Insulation wrapping and packing material is made from a combination of ceramic fibers and metal. Unlike other home insulation products, fireplace insulation material is not combustible. Talk to your fireplace professional about which type will work best for you, and watch your energy savings grow.

Chimney Liners and Chimney Repair Increase Efficiency and Safety

Using the right kind of chimney liners and ensuring chimney repair and maintenance happens on schedule can help ensure your home stays safe and efficient. Chimney liners are designed to line the interior of a masonry chimney. When surrounded by the right type of chimney insulation, they can last for years, while improving fuel efficiency and reducing chimney repair costs. Let's take a look at a few common types, then go over a few common chimney repair recommendations.

Chimney Liners
There are several different types of chimney liners on the market; your chimney repair professional can help you decide which is best for your situation. Here are some helpful basics that can help you to understand recommendations.

BestFlex Chimney Liners
These kits are manufactured from strong corrugated material, and as the name suggests, they are easy for chimney professionals to install since they flex to maneuver through any offsets and into the firebox. These chimney liners are sold as kits and are intended for wood, oil, category I gases, and coal applications; they come with a lifetime warranty that is transferable to new homeowners. BestFlex Chimney liners come in a variety of sizes.

DuraFlex Chimney Liners

Like BestFlex, DuraFlex makes excellent chimney lining systems that are easy to install, and which come in different sizes. Also available as kits complete with chimney caps, and suitable for a variety of fireplace fuels, they come with a lifetime warranty.

Heat Fab Saf-T Chimney Liners

Constructed from rigid stainless steel, Saf-T chimney liners are ideal for lining straight masonry chimneys and for relining chimneys that have deteriorated liners. This type of chimney liner is ideal for woodstove use as well; it should be insulated with Saf-T wrap chimney insulation for better performance. When properly insulated, it is UL listed.

Ventinox Chimney Liners

Another flexible option available in a number of different sizes, these chimney liners are available as complete kits; they feature completely welded seams and are the only brand on the market with seams this durable. These chimney liners come with a lifetime warranty for use with wood, wood pellets, oil, and category I gas fuels. The company offers a 10-year warranty for coal burning applications. 

Chimney Repair Recommendations

Unless you're a homeowner with a solid background in chimney repair, it's best to leave this important work to the pros. Have your chimney inspected annually to prevent chimney fires, and have it cleaned, while you're at it. If your chimney is not properly insulated, you'll lose heat and money, so ask your chimney professional to ensure that the insulation you are using is up to current industry standards. 

Professionals are equipped with all the right chimney repair tools, plus they have the ability to get a good look at the inside of the chimney to ensure that everything is as it should be. Handle any necessary chimney repair items as soon as possible to prevent minor damage from becoming worse; you'll not only save money, you will save on more costly repairs later.