Probably the most essential fireplace accessory that will keep your home and family safe is a chimney liner. Extreme temperatures and toxic gases are produced when you light a fire in a gas or wood burning fireplace. These combustion products are capable of causing damage to your fireplace, chimney and home, and can even make you sick.

A chimney liner is an insert made from materials such as metal, clay or ceramic that keeps your chimney safe from these combustion byproducts. It also protects the chimney walls from heat and corrosion. Once the chimney gets overheated or sustains some damage, any nearby wood used in the construction of your home is at risk of catching fire.

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.

There are three basic kinds of chimney liner:

1. The traditional material for chimney liners is clay tiles. This is an inexpensive option, easily obtainable, and works satisfactorily in an open fireplace chimney that is suitably kept up.

2. To repair or upgrade an already existing chimney, metal chimney liners made of aluminum or stainless steel are the most common choice. 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. An older chimney will benefit structurally from this kind of permanent liner, and it is compatible with various types of fuel.

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

Generally, homeowners will want to have a chimney liner installed by professionals. But you can save some money by purchasing a kit which comes complete with detailed installation instructions. The kits usually include all the required accessories and attachments to get the job done.

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. An old chimney that’s damaged or improperly lined presents a great danger to the members of your household. And since there are a number of reasonably priced and effective ways to correct the situation, there’s really no excuse not to invest in one of these essential fireplace accessories.

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