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.