The Dangerous Effects of a Damaged Chimney Liner
When you’re enjoying the warm glow of a fireplace in your Augusta, GA home, one essential component, the chimney or flue liner, contains the flames inside the chimney, protecting the masonry so the intense heat and toxic gases don’t spread throughout your house. There are several types of chimney liners, including clay tile, stainless steel chimney liners, and cast-in-place cement. Unfortunately, some older homes in the Central Augusta River Area (CSRA) and South Carolina Midlands still have an unlined chimney which is just as dangerous as a damaged liner.
Fire Risk
The primary purpose of a chimney liner is to protect the masonry so that the heat and flames in the fireplace don’t spread to combustible building materials. However, the liner’s age, lack of maintenance, excessive creosote, and other issues can damage the chimney liner. When the flue liner cracks, bursts, or has corrosion, there is an increased risk of a fire that can quickly spread to nearby combustible materials like the attic and roof, engulfing your entire home in flames in minutes.
Exposure to Toxic Fumes
The same cracks and deficiencies that increase fire risk also allow toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, to pollute your living space. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It depletes the oxygen in the room, which can cause serious illness, loss of consciousness, and even death. Since many carbon monoxide poisoning fatalities occur at night, it is known as the “silent killer.” Every home that uses a gas, oil, or wood-burning heating appliance should have a working carbon monoxide detector installed on every floor in the house. They are cheap and readily available. It is the only way to determine if your home has unsafe levels of carbon monoxide.
Reduction in Efficiency
When a flue liner has creosote buildup, corrosion from flue gases, chimney leaks, and other deficiencies, or is the wrong size for the flue, it reduces your fireplace’s heating efficiency. As a result, it increases fire risk and exposure to dangerous fumes. In addition, it consumes more fuel, and you will notice higher heating costs too. So, if you are experiencing smokier fires or are using more fuel than usual, schedule a visit with a Certified Chimney Professional® to inspect the flue liner as soon as possible.
Masonry Damage
The chimney liner is like an insulator that contains the heat inside the chimney, protecting the stone or brick masonry surrounding the flue. A damaged or deteriorating liner will also damage the masonry. This will allow moisture from rain, snow, and humidity to lead to a leaky chimney, accelerating the deterioration of both the chimney and the liner. It can cause extensive damage and increase the cost of chimney repairs. If left unrepaired, the brickwork or stonework will continue to spall, putting your chimney at risk of a partial or complete collapse.
Chimney Liner Repairs and Replacement in Augusta, GA
The certified chimney professionals at Advanced Chimney Sweep provide expert chimney liner repairs and replacement in Columbia, SC, Hilton Head Island, SC, Augusta, GA, Waynesboro, GA, and surrounding communities in the CSRA and South Carolina Midlands region. Call (706) 833-4630 or (803) 508-3990 or contact us online to schedule a chimney inspection today!
