Are clay flue liners safe?

Are clay flue liners safe?

Originally clay liners were used by masons when building chimneys and helped keep the home safe from the damages of wood heat. Generally, clay tile liners are not safe for gas or oil heating systems. Gas and oil fires release vapors. These vapors can damage clay tile liners and jeopardize the safety of your home.

How long do clay flue liners last?

Clay Tile Chimney Liners: The most common type of masonry chimney liner. Clay tiles are inexpensive to install and readily available. However, there are some drawbacks to how they absorb and distribute heat. Average lifespan ranges drastically from 5 years to 15 years.

Do you need a liner in a clay chimney?

Chimneys should be lined. The National Fire Code states that a liner can be built of brick, clay or steel. Most homes built in the past 50 years have a clay liner for a wood-burning appliance. Older ones may have clay or brick.

What is the most common cause of chimney flue liner deterioration?

The most common causes of a damaged flue liner are due to improper construction or deterioration caused by the acidic nature of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and weather. In addition, settling cracks can also cause damage to the lining.

Can you put a bend in a fireplace flue?

Bending a chimney’s exhaust pipe is not recommended as it can cause damage to the entire chimney. Apart from this, a chimney is meant to offer a proper inflow of oxygen to help in combustion and the outflow of gases and fumes.

Which way up do clay flue liners go?

Check that the liner is the correct way up, there is a small arrow approximately every one and a half meters on the outside of the liner, the arrow should be pointing up the chimney. Alternatively, you can rub your little finger up and down the inside of the bottom of the liner.

Which chimney liner is best?

Stainless will always be the best option when it comes to performance, durability, safety and cost. A stainless steel chimney liner that is properly sized, for the stove, furnace, or fireplace will maintain or improve the venting performance (draft).

What is the safest chimney liner?

When did they start using clay chimney liners?

In many older homes you will find clay tile liners in the chimney. This method has been around since the 1900s and there is good reason why it is still used today.