When it comes to fireplace accessories, the most critical one for the safety of your health and home is the chimney liner. A fire in a wood burning or gas fireplace creates high levels of heat and lethal gases. These combustion products can cause great damage to the fireplace and chimney, and might even cause illness.

A chimney liner is a metal, ceramic or clay insert that protects the chimney from these byproducts of a burning fire. It also protects the chimney walls from heat and corrosion. A damaged or overheated chimney can lead to the combustion of any wood building materials in its proximity.

Testing has revealed that unlined chimneys are very hazardous. In the US, homes containing a fireplace that were built after 1940 must have a chimney liner, and they must be replaced if broken or cracked.

Chimney liners come in three main types:

1. Historically, chimney liners have been made from clay tiles. This is a cost effective choice; it’s also easy to get and performs perfectly well in a properly maintained fireplace chimney.

2. Metal chimney liners, typically made from stainless steel or aluminum, are generally utilized for upgrade or repair to an existing chimney. The advantages of a metal liner are that it is highly durable and very safe if the installation is done properly.

3. A cast-in-place liner is another possible choice. This lightweight item is produced from material that looks like cement. Following installation in the chimney, it will provide a seamless, insulated route for the release of all the byproducts of a burning fire. This permanent liner can enhance the structural integrity of an older chimney, and is suitable for all kinds of fuel.

When replacing their chimney liners, most people nowadays select stainless steel because it’s much simpler to install than clay tiles. It comes in two types: stiff or flexible.

Most people choose to have their new chimney liner professionally installed. However, there are kits available that include instructions for installation, and this can save you a lot of money. Generally, all the needed attachments and accessories are included in these kits to make sure the installation goes smoothly.

If you live in an older home with a fireplace, it’s essential that you have it professionally inspected to make sure it’s up to the current standards of safety. If you have an old chimney that’s in poor repair or not properly lined, you’re putting your family’s safety at risk. And so there’s no good reason to avoid installing this critical fireplace accessory, especially since there are so many simple, cost effective means of addressing the problem.