Do I Need to Insulate My Chimney Liner? 

Insulation and your chimney liner are things you probably haven’t thought about together before. But why not? A house is insulated. If you have issues keeping your home warm in the middle of the gray winter months, an insulated chimney liner could benefit your home.

Not convinced? Are you asking, “Do I need to insulate my chimney liner?” Let’s answer that question together. 

Insulating Your Chimney Liner

You may ask, “Okay, just how do you insulate a chimney?” It’s simple, with an insulated chimney liner. If you don’t know what a chimney liner is, it is a lengthy flexible tube that runs the entirety of your chimney’s flue. Chimney liners are normally made from stainless steel, but older houses may have chimney liners made of other metals, concrete, or ceramics. Chimney liner insulation wraps around the chimney liner, often containing stainless steel filler or ceramic fibers. Some insulation, known as insulation blankets, is a high-density material made from alkaline earth silicate. Now, you may be asking, “What are the benefits of an insulated chimney liner?” That is a great question.

Benefits of an Insulated Chimney Liner

Here are a few of the benefits of insulating your chimney liner:

• A Better Draft– Numerous studies demonstrate that an insulated chimney liner will improve the draft in your fireplace, letting the fuel burn more efficiently. Having a fire that burns hotter for longer will lower your power bill in the winter. 
• Heat Transfer– Because an insulated chimney liner holds heat inside the flue, there is a lower likelihood of heat transfer to the brick-and-mortar of your masonry chimney, which may become compromised when exposed to extreme heat. It also helps prevent heat from transferring to your roof and attic, keeping the timbers and other items from igniting.
• Hotter Gases– Much like when someone wears a jacket, an insulated chimney liner will maintain the hot temperatures of gases rising from your fireplace. Why does that matter? Cooler gases tend to transform into condensation when they float upward. Where there is a significant amount of moisture in a chimney, there also will be creosote. What is that? Creosote is a substance that has a low ignition point and can possibly cause a chimney fire, putting your entire house at risk. If your chimney is also attached to an oil or gas-burning furnace, there is an increased chance of condensation forming in a chimney; in that case, it is crucial that the chimney liner is insulated.

My Chimney Liner Is Not Insulated, Now What?

If your chimney isn’t insulated, you should hire a professional chimney sweep service to install an insulated chimney liner. The sweeps will thoroughly inspect your chimney to see if any cleaning or repairs need to be done before work begins. Next, they will give you a written quote detailing the installation and costs. 

Hudson Valley Chimney Can Insulate Your Chimney Liner

Do you want a more efficient chimney that keeps your home warmer and lowers power bills? If so, contact us today. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will be happy to discuss installing insulation around your chimney liner. Don’t put off a cost-effective, safer chimney. Get in touch now.