Looking for Chimney Relining Near Madison? Call Hansen & Sons
Over time, chimneys can deteriorate. Whether it’s from many years of exposure to the elements, frequency of use, or even normal aging, any damage or deterioration can compromise the structural integrity and safety of your fireplace. This is especially true if the trouble lies in the more vulnerable parts of your system – like the chimney liner.
Luckily, if you live in or around Madison, WI, Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace can help. Our highly trained and dedicated Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified technicians provide comprehensive chimney relining services to restore the functionality and safety of your chimney system. Utilizing industry-standard materials and techniques, our chimney relining services offer long-lasting solutions that meet all regulations and building codes.
To learn more and book your appointment, reach out to someone from our team. Fill out our contact form to get in touch online, or give us a call at 608-466-4185.
What Chimney Relining Services & Products Do You Offer?
Here at Hansen & Sons, we only reline chimneys with the best of the best: stainless steel.
We prefer stainless steel liners over any of the other chimney relining options because they give you the most bang for your buck. Not only are stainless steel liners durable and easy to install, but they’re available in a variety of alloys to accommodate different appliance models and fuel types. This means that they work just as well in traditional masonry setups that burn wood as they do in a gas insert.
And because stainless steel chimney liners are resistant to rust, once you have your system liner replaced with one, as long as you keep up with your preventive maintenance services, you don’t have to worry about replacing it again any time soon. In fact, the stainless liners we sell and install also come with a lifetime warranty, so should your system suffer undue damage, any repair costs or replacements should be covered.
If you’re interested in learning more about stainless steel chimney liners and what installation might look like in your system, give us a call and schedule an appointment with one of our friendly pros. Reach us by phone at 608-466-4185, or fill out our appointment request form.
What Is a Chimney Liner?
While chimneys may appear to be straightforward structures with a central open cavity, their functionality is more nuanced. The flue liner (also known as a chimney liner) acts as a critical barrier separating the chimney walls from the exhaust, fumes, and gases produced during combustion. Though the materials differ depending on the specifics of the appliance and type of chimney, all liners perform the same job: to protect the inner walls from noxious fire byproducts.
As outlined by the CSIA, chimney liners fulfill three essential functions:
- Heat Control: Extensive testing by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) – now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – demonstrated the intense and rapid heat transfer from unlined chimneys. Researchers discovered that a fire burning in an unlined chimney produced enough heat to ignite surrounding combustibles within approximately three and a half hours. Systems equipped with a properly installed chimney liner minimize this risk because the heat is insulated, making it much harder to reach nearby structures.
- Preserve Chimney Integrity: The byproducts of fire combustion are inherently acidic and corrosive. Over time, unlined chimneys suffer from exposure to these fumes, leading to gradual deterioration of the inner walls. This erosion compromises the overall structure of the chimney, inviting the possibility of water entry and allowing rapid heat transfer that increases the risk of chimney fires. Additionally, compromised liners can facilitate the infiltration of dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, into living areas.
- Optimizing Performance: Chimneys and heating appliances all vary in size and design. A well-fitted chimney liner increases efficiency and optimizes performance by creating the right-sized space to allow adequate airflow in and fire exhaust out.
Why Would a Chimney Need To Be Relined?
Like any other home appliance, chimney liners are susceptible to wear and tear. This process can be accelerated by improper use or a lack of regular maintenance. However, even with proper operation and cleaning, natural deterioration occurs.
In the grand scheme of things, chimney liners are a relatively recent development in terms of fire and hearth safety. It was only within the last several decades that flue liners were deemed necessary in new chimney construction, which means that homes built before the 1940s might feature an unlined chimney.
Unfortunately, the absence of a liner presents significant safety hazards:
- Exposure to harmful toxins and gases like carbon monoxide
- Extreme or exaggerated creosote buildup
- Chimney fires that can rapidly spread to nearby areas
- Inefficiencies with heat production and general appliance performance
- Unpleasant and/or strange odors
- Unexplained issues that don’t have a clear cause
The good news is that stainless steel liners work for every chimney and eradicate these concerns. Even if your home was built far before chimney liners were around, your system does not have to be rendered useless… You can increase performance, efficiency, and safety, and extend your appliance’s lifespan with a relining service.
How Much Does a Chimney Liner Cost?
It depends. While we’d love to be able to include our pricing on our website, the truth is that it can vary so much from customer to customer. Every chimney, just like the home it’s built into, is just a little bit different – whether it’s in the internal construction or materials, the appliance it’s connected to, or the age and overall condition of the whole structure. This makes it virtually impossible to give an accurate estimate range that would be widely applicable.
However, at Hansen & Sons, we pride ourselves on transparency and trustworthy, reliable service. We always get quotes to customers no more than 24 hours after consultation, so you won’t ever have to worry about feeling left in the dark.
To get a better idea of what a stainless steel chimney liner replacement might cost you, get in touch with our team. Once we get more details about the type of fireplace you have and the fuel you burn, we can provide you with an estimated quote. Reach out today to get started.
How Long Do Chimney Liners Last?
The lifespan of a chimney liner depends on several key factors:
- Liner Material: Different materials have varying lifespans. For instance, terra cotta clay liners (used in traditional masonry systems) are susceptible to cracking from rapid temperature changes, especially if exposed to a chimney fire.
- Frequency of Use: More frequent use subjects the liner to greater wear and tear, potentially shortening its lifespan.
- Overall Chimney Condition: The health of the chimney itself can impact the liner. Cracks or deterioration in the masonry or refractory panels can put stress on the liner.
All that said, a good quality and properly installed stainless steel liner should ideally last you anywhere from 15-25 years. To ensure that your liner is still in good condition and is performing effectively, it’s important to stay on top of preventive maintenance tasks such as annual chimney sweeping and inspection services. During those jobs, our technicians will get a good look at the inside of your system to make sure there are not any weak or deteriorating areas. That way, if we do find inefficiencies, we can catch them before they become a bigger (and more expensive) issue.
Do you know the status of your chimney liner? When was the last time you had your system professionally inspected? For homeowners near Madison, WI, Hansen & Sons is the place to call for all fireplace and chimney repair and maintenance concerns. See for yourself why we’re still here and serving our community after 71+ years of dedicated industry experience. Book your appointment online or call us at 608-466-4185.
What Are the Signs of a Damaged Chimney Liner?
Chimney liner damage can be tricky because often there aren’t clear warning signs until the damage is significant. However, there are a few things to look out for:
- Debris in the firebox: Pieces of broken clay tile, mortar, or other masonry materials in your fireplace can indicate that the liner is deteriorating.
- Smoke in the house: If smoke backs up into your home when you use the fireplace, it’s a sign that the liner isn’t venting properly. This can be a serious safety hazard.
- Visible cracks or gaps: If you can see cracks or gaps in the liner, it’s definitely time to call a professional for an inspection.
- Rust or corrosion in metal liners: Metal liners can rust or corrode over time due to exposure to heat and moisture. Look for signs of rust or warping which indicate the liner needs attention.
Remember, liner damage is not always obvious. In many cases, the only real way to know if your flue liner is damaged is to have it analyzed by an industry professional. Stop using your fireplace and call up the pros as soon as you first notice changes in system behavior or performance – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Replace Your Chimney Liner With Hansen & Sons – Book Your Appointment Today
No matter your appliance, fuel source, or chimney type, the dedicated CSIA-certified professionals at Hansen & Sons can hook you up with a brand-new stainless steel chimney liner. Experience hotter fires, less smoke, and a greater sense of ease knowing your fireplace and chimney system is safeguarded against a variety of liner-related dangers.
Call today to learn more and book a chimney relining service for your Madison home today. Reach us online or call 608-466-4185.
We have been performing chimney repairs of all kinds for more than 71 years – and that means we know exactly how to take care of your cricket and flashing repairs and replacements.