If someone suggests chimney relining for your home, it is
important to ask questions so you can decide if they are the right person to
complete this job.
Any serious work involving your chimney is always better off
left in the hands of a professional. While you can probably clean the chimney
yourself, making improvements or adjustments is a complex process. If you are
thinking about getting chimney relining done, call a professional and ask them
about the services they offer. Along with getting their rate and other
information, ask them a few questions about the process when they arrive at
your home.
When you speak with a professional about the chimney
relining process, you can better understand why they are taking certain
measures. It also lets you decide whether this person is the right fit for the
job. Here are five important queries for any Chimney relining professional:
1. Will the new liner be insulated?
If they are installing a new liner, you need to know whether
insulation is required. If the liner is going to vent solid fuel appliances,
insulation is an absolute must. Sometimes insulation is also preferable for
venting oil or gas appliances. Talk with the chimney professional and get their
opinion on insulation.
2. Is there a warranty?
If you are replacing your old or damaged liner, you should
ask about any possible warranties for the new one. This is helpful if you ever
need repairs or periodical inspections of the liner in the future. Also ask if
there are any specific terms in the warranty that may result in its voidance. A
lot of chimney liner warranties specify that a professional must complete the
installation, and inspect the liner at least one time every 12 months.
3. Is the new chimney liner UL listed, or tested for UL
standards?
There are two distinct types of chimney liners, in terms of
their standards. The Underwriter Laboratories, or UL, listing means that a
liner is probably of a higher quality. There are also liners that meet UL
standards, but are inspected by different organizations. It is up to you
whether you want to go with a genuine UL listing, or do not mind a tested to UL
standards liner.
4. What stainless steel alloy makes up this liner?
There are a number of alloys used for these appliances, but
316Ti is the most common. This alloy is very resistance to the corrosive
elements that come through in gas and oil flue gasses. If the appliance you use
is very efficient, you may need the AL29 4C alloy. Your professional should be
able to assess your appliance and determine a suitable alloy.
5. Does the chimney liner impact the vent’s performance?
If you are getting a new chimney liner installed by a
professional, the end result should be better venting performance. If the
venting performance is the same as before, or worse, it means there is
something wrong with the type of liner chosen or its installation.
These questions help you make an informed decision about the
type of chimney liner you need, along with who should be installing this liner.
Do not leave everything in the hands of a professional, because it is better to
take a proactive stance with anything involving your home.
