Terracotta tiles are among the most common materials used to build chimney flue liners in the U.S. Clay liners are strong and generally long-lasting, but safety and efficiency problems can arise.
National Chimney Cleaners of Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ, would like to share some helpful information about cracked and damaged flue tiles and what can be done about them.
The most common causes are uneven heat distribution and excessively high temperatures during fireplace use.
By its very nature, clay doesn’t absorb heat as evenly as other flue liner materials (namely, stainless steel and poured-in-place compounds), and the uneven absorption can lead to cracking and buckling in parts of the liner.
Depending on the extent and severity of the damage to a clay tile liner, several dangerous problems can arise.
Jagged edges within the liner’s surface are ideal for trapping large amounts of flammable creosote, which is the most common cause of reported chimney fires.
When a chimney liner surface isn’t smooth, it can impede drafting, making fireplace logs burn with more smoke. This smoke, along with deadly carbon monoxide, can wind up spreading into the room.
Creosote, a byproduct of smoke condensation, contains high levels of acids that can further deteriorate a compromised chimney liner and damage the interior chimney masonry.
Breaks in a clay tile chimney liner will allow intense heat and flames to come into contact with materials of the home near the chimney. A devastating house fire can be the result.
Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t have the equipment needed to see the inside of their chimney flue – and most wouldn’t know exactly what to look for if they did.
You can, however, watch for clues that may relate to trouble with the chimney liner.
Smoke backups: This could be caused by a damaged liner or by problems with the chimney cap, a damaged fireplace damper, an incorrect flue size, and excess smoke from damp firewood.
Inefficient burns: Logs need air to burn thoroughly and efficiently. Damage to or blockages in the flue can reduce the volume of air moving through the log stack and up the chimney.
Pieces of clay material in the firebox: This is a sure sign of liner damage and may indicate problems in other areas.
The first step is to have your chimney inspected by a licensed chimney inspector. This individual will have the equipment, including video imaging technology, that allows for a thorough inspection all the way through the liner system.
Minor tile damage can sometimes be repaired, but keep in mind that more tile damage may occur in the future. Repair is a good quick fix but not necessarily a sound long-term solution.
The best way to deal with a deteriorating clay tile liner is to install a durable stainless-steel liner. These liners feature smooth surfaces for drafting and powerful protection against the escape of flames and gases.
The Help Your Chimney NeedsNational Chimney Cleaners provides licensed chimney inspections, liner repairs and complete chimney relining services. Let us take a look at your clay tile liner and advise you on the best way to address the problems it might be having.
Reach us by phone or use our simple contact form.
