The chimney liner has many roles including channeling of heat and gasses up the chimney surface. The unit also prevents the combustible materials around the chimney from catching fire. While the unit is designed to last for several decades, sometimes you are required to undertake chimney relining before the expected date. Some of the reasons why you may be required to reline your chimney include:

Change in chimney building codes

Before 1940, you didn’t have to install a chimney liner in your chimney but things have now changed. The law requires that you install a liner for your own safety. While many homeowners have adopted the changes, there are some chimneys that are still unlined. An unlined chimney not only puts you at the risk of fire, it also puts you at the risk of gas intoxication. Due to the lack of the liner, harmful gasses including carbon monoxide can seep through the breaches into your home. To avoid this you should hire a chimney contractor to install the liner.

Damage to the chimney liner

According to chimney professionals, the liners are designed to last for 50 years but in most cases, they don’t last this long. This is usually due to exposure to extreme weather, poor maintenance of the chimney and other reasons. A damaged chimney usually has cracks and breaks. It’s common for smoke to come back into your house when the chimney is damaged. Most homeowners report that they don’t know when their chimneys are damaged and need to be relined. You should regularly undertake chimney inspection to know the condition of your chimney. You should hire a professional to inspect the unit using a camera. In the event of any imperfection hire a professional to reline the chimney almost immediately.

Increase in the efficiency of the chimney

To lower the cost of heating your home it’s imperative that you increase the efficiency of your fireplace. When you install a wood stove or any new appliance that improves the efficiency of your chimney you should reline your chimney. This is to ensure that the new liner is of the right size thus preventing drafting problems and excessive creosote deposition that would require regular chimney cleaning.

Conclusion

It’s important to reline your chimney for your safety and that of your loved ones. To ensure that the new liner is professionally installed you should hire the services of a professional masonry contractor.