Austin Chimney Relining

Austin Area HeatShield® Chimney Relining

Give Our Experts A Call and Find Out if Your Chimney Would Benefit!

Fireplaces have been around a long time, but as our homes become more tightly sealed to improve energy efficiency, safety features that keep your home and family safe are more important than ever. One option to consider is the chimney liner.

Becoming popular in the mid-1900s, this technology has undergone significant advancement and are often considered a normal part of chimney repairs and maintenance. At Wolfman, our team is experienced in installing one of the best chimney liners on the professional market: HeatShield®. Why not give us a call or book online to learn more about our Austin area chimney relining options.

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Chimneys need a lining, which not only improves efficiency, but also provides a higher level of protection. Without a liner, your masonry and home are more vulnerable. In the 1940s, when chimney liners became more popular, and again in the 1980s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology ran tests to discover the true impact of liners.

They found that chimneys without liners were so dangerous, that the organization deemed building without one bordered on neglect. They found that heat moving through the chimney could ignite woodwork next to the chimney in a few hours. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has three reasons why they find chimney liners of vital importance:

  1. They protect against heat transfer. Heat transfer is the factor that allowed the nearby woodwork to catch fire in the above study.
  2. They protect masonry from acidic fumes. Fires produce gases that are corrosive and acidic, breaking down your mortar and bricks.
  3. They dramatically improve efficiency. When sized correctly and installed properly, chimney liners dramatically improve the performance of your draft and airflow.

When you have your annual chimney inspection with your certified Austin chimney professional, they’ll take a solid look at your liner at the same time. However, there are some things you can look into that will help you decide if you need someone out before that point:

  • Do you have a liner? If your chimney doesn’t have a liner, getting one installed ASAP is very important, and you’ll want to avoid using your fireplace until it’s properly installed.
  • Is there damage to your current liner? If you’ve looked up the chimney’s interior and see signs of damage, such as cracks or missing flue tiles, don’t use your system until it’s fixed.
  • Is your fireplace performing differently? If you know your chimney and fireplace, it’s pretty easy to tell if it isn’t behaving as it should. Contact a professional before using it again.
  • Have you switched fuel types? If you’ve gone from wood to gas, fuel changes may require a different liner. Be sure to ask your chimney professional before continuing to use your system.
  • Have you switched appliances? Different heating appliances can require different venting requirements. If you’ve made a change, get it checked to make sure it’ll operate properly.

At Wolfman, we have a range of techniques that allow us to restore, reline, or rebuild your chimney system using professional-grade products from HeatShield® which we are trained and certified to incorporate into your chimney system.

HeatShield® is a great system for a failing flue tile system, but we do have other options available as well. These include aluminum or stainless steel, which are also be quickly and efficiently installed in your Austin area chimney. Aluminum is cheaper, but breaks down more quickly, while stainless steel has a lifetime warranty when installed professionally.

As a solid option for relining your Austin chimney, HeatShield® is a way to remove hazards and improve draft or inefficiency issues due to problems in the chimney flue. The system uses a specially-formulated Cerfractory Sealant for three different levels of repair or relining of your chimney system. These include their Joint Repair System, Resurfacing System, and CeCure Sleeve Relining System.

At the heart of the HeatShield® system is the Cerfractory Sealant, which fills gaps, holes, or cracks while keeping them protected over time. After it’s applied, you’ll have a smooth, streamlined flue that will protect your home, protect your masonry, and keep your system operating more efficiently for many years.

The three methods in the HeatShield® system include one to repair, one to resurface, and one to reline:

  • Joint Repair System: Designed for minor damage, the Joint Repair System uses a customized foam applicator blade fitted to your chimney, put it underneath the damage, and add the Cerfractory Sealant on top of it. As the blade is pulled up through your chimney, the sealant is filled into the areas of damage, giving you a smooth interior for your chimney.
  • Resurfacing System: With more significant damage, the resurfacing system uses a customized applicator plug that is placed in the bottom of your chimney. As with the Joint Repair System, Cerfractory Sealant is added, and as the plug is pulled through your chimney, a smooth ¼” layer is applied to your entire chimney interior.
  • CeCure Sleeve Relining System: With severe lining damage or unlined system, the same applicator for the Resurfacing system is used to apply Cerfractory Sealant. After this is done, a thin ceramic sleeve, reinforced with stainless steel, is lowered into place, and locked in, then follow up with another ¼” layer of Cerfractory Sealant added with the applicator plug.

Unfortunately, it depends on your current liner, what it’s made of, and if it’s been damaged. Stainless steel liners often have a lifetime warranty, so unless there are issues, it’s going to be okay. Aluminum liners require more frequent replacement, especially in poorly-maintained or heavily-used systems. Clay liners showing obvious signs of decay should receive some attention.

If you think your chimney liner has issues or isn’t performing properly, get a certified chimney professional to inspect it. Until this point, you’ll have a hard time knowing where your system stands. Similarly, if you suspect a problem, don’t use your system, as issues such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or house fires can occur. Play it safe with your Austin area chimney and trust Wolfman to have your back.

Though this could be possible, it’s not recommended. Given the work involved in chimney services certification, there’s a lot of knowledge and experience you don’t have that can lead to a false sense of security and a big risk to your health and home. Here are a few more reasons to get a professional:

  • Lower risk of fire hazards. It’s pretty easy for heat and flame to reach the woodwork around your chimney, so a quality barrier installed by someone who knows how is important.
  • Lower risk of gas leaks. Smoke and fumes can easily leave your system through gaps, cracks, and openings to enter your living areas leading to suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Superior efficiency. You want to get the best possible efficiency from your Austin fireplace, which is difficult when you don’t understand the science behind your system.
  • Codes are followed. If you install your own chimney liner, are you sure it’s up to code? If it isn’t, you’ll have to have it fixed, an expensive process that will negate any gains by DIYing it.
  • The warranty won’t be voided. Many chimney products and services have warranties, but that warranty is void if it isn’t done by a certified chimney professional.

In short, don’t take chances with your home and family. Hire a certified chimney professional for peace of mind and an enjoyable fireplace experience.

We’d Love to Help!

At Wolfman, we’re passionate about ensuring our clients receive the best quality of chimney care. You’ll find that in addition to delivering amazing customer service, we’re fully insured, CSIA and FIRE certified, HeatShield® certified, National Chimney Sweep Guild members, and place a high value on updating education and training. Our professionals are constantly learning new techniques and materials to ensure you get the best possible service.

Our customers’ safety and satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re happy to help with your Austin chimney relining or any number of other services we can provide. Why not take a moment to call us at 512-866-9917 or schedule your appointment online for fast service?