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See links at the bottom of this page for our relining methods

What happens to a clay tile liner during a flue fire? 
Vitreous clay tile liners are not made to withstand SUDDEN changes in temperature at or over approximately 500 degrees.  Tiles will crack and break during a chimney fire, and sometimes sections of tiles and mortar joints will blow out.  There may be "hairline" cracks in the flue, which, when heated during normal use will open up to large cracks.

Why is it important to have a sealed, solid flue liner?  The liner keeps heat and smoke inside the flue, where it can vent to the outside.  If the liner is no longer a sealed system, it may allow smoke to escape through the cracks in the tile to the area inside the "chimney chase".  This area cannot be cleaned during chimney cleaning, so any creosote in this area formed by smoke will not be removed. You can see the potential for a more dangerous chimney fire the next time.  Smoke and carbon monoxide can also escape into the living space of the home.

Make sure to have your chimney cleaned at least annually, and do not use a tile liner with any type of wood stove or wood burning insert to avoid flue fires.   

Tile at left shows blown out mortar joint. The flue at the right is viewed by looking down from the top of the flue.  It has been subjected to a flue fire (note honeycomb creosote in the center, which is creosote that has been burned in a fire), and the cracked tiles.  

Photo at left shows a blown out section of tile.  Photo at right shows a flue liner destroyed by a
severe chimney fire.  Tiles with breaks can no longer contain the products of combustion and the chimney must be relined before further use. 
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What happens to a steel liner during a flue fire? Stainless steel liners and chimneys are not impervious to the high temperatures a chimney fire can produce.  Although most are tested to 2100 degrees, a flue fire can reach temperatures much higher than that - perhaps as high as 3,000 degrees.  If stainless steel is subjected to temperatures above 2100 degrees, damage to the liner may occur.  The actual composition of the stainless steel will change, and warping in the liner or buckling of seams may occur. You may also notice a discoloration in the steel, which, according to metallurgist Bill Paynton, could mean a change in the molecular structure of the steel.  If a stainless steel liner has been subjected to a flue fire and has been damaged, it no longer meets U.L. listing requirements and replacement will be necessary.  


Relining methods we offer:

Custom stainless steel liners
Guardian poured ceramic flue liners
Flexible stainless steel liners
Tile Relining
And replacement of prefabricated chimney systems

Relining Guide: what is best for your chimney?

Other companies we recommend for relining work

 


 EMP Enterprises, Inc. 
Parent company of:
Padgitt Chimney & Fireplace   Padgitt Forensic Investigations   Enviro-clean   Padgitt Chimney & Fireplace Supply   
 816-461-3665

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