Chimney Relining & Resurfacing Services

What Is a Chimney Liner?

Created in different ways/materials, flue liners act as a barrier between the walls of your chimney and the exhaust, fumes, and noxious gases naturally produced in any kind of fire. Here are their three main functions:

1. Chimney liners protect your home from excessive heat transfer.

In tests performed by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) – now the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – first in the 1940s and again in the ‘80s, it was found that the heat production caused by a fire in an unlined chimney traveled so quickly that nearby woodwork could catch fire in roughly three-and-a-half hours.

A chimney liner helps to maintain and localize that heat in an effort to protect your home and reduce the risk of chimney-caused fires.

2. Chimney liners prevent excessive damage to the chimney itself.

Fire combustion naturally creates some harsh and volatile byproducts. Just as they would wreak havoc on other seemingly strong and durable areas of a home, these fumes and gases take a toll on a chimney’s longevity.

If your flue is unlined, the inner walls of the chimney will be directly exposed to toxic fumes – and will get slowly eaten away and begin to deteriorate. As the chimney begins to erode, its durability becomes compromised – and the heat from the smoke can move rapidly to surrounding areas, increasing the risk of chimney fires.

Not to mention that this also makes it much easier for dangerous and deadly gases, like carbon monoxide, to seep, undetected, into your home.

3. Chimney liners optimize function and efficiency by creating the appropriate flue size.

Not all wood stoves, fireplaces, or furnaces are created equally and, thus, not all chimneys (or their flues) are, either. Your chimney serves two purposes – one is to be the escape route for fire smoke, of course, but the other is to actually assist in the fire production by allowing the right amount of air in to spark a fire. A properly-sized flue liner ensures that your chimney is performing both duties optimally.

All that to say, chimney liners really are a vital part of your appliance and, just like the entirety of the system, must be inspected annually and well-maintained to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

Chimney Resurfacing vs. Chimney Relining Surfaces

It’s helpful to note that chimney relining and resurfacing are not the same, though both address damage to a chimney. Relining a chimney involves installing a new liner — usually stainless steel, clay tile, or a cast-in-place system — to replace or reinforce the existing flue. Resurfacing refers to applying a specialized coating or repointing to repair cracks, gaps, or deterioration on the chimney. Each method suits different levels of damage.

Rest assured, SureGlow Stove & Chimney offers both chimney resurfacing and chimney relining services, so no matter what your situation calls for, we’ll be able to provide an effective solution.

Signs Your Chimney Needs Resurfacing

When a chimney begins to deteriorate, it often shows visible and structural signs that point to the need for resurfacing. Resurfacing addresses issues with the outer masonry or chimney crown, helping to protect the structure from moisture damage, cracking, and long-term wear. Ignoring these signs can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards, so it’s important to recognize when your chimney needs attention.

• Cracked or flaking masonry: Bricks or mortar that appear cracked, chipped, or flaking suggest surface erosion. This kind of damage allows water to seep in, weakening the structure over time.
• Spalling bricks: Spalling occurs when the brick surface starts to peel or crumble. It usually results from moisture infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles that damage the outer layer of the chimney.
• Discoloration or staining on the exterior: Dark streaks or white staining on chimney bricks often indicate water damage or salt buildup. These marks can mean the chimney’s outer seal has failed, and resurfacing the chimney with brick may be necessary.
• Visible gaps in the mortar joints: Missing or deteriorated mortar between bricks points to erosion caused by weather exposure. This kind of damage compromises the chimney’s structural integrity and signals the need for resurfacing.
• Pieces of brick or mortar around the base: Debris from the chimney found on the roof or near the base of the structure shows that the outer surface is breaking down. This is a clear indicator that the surface needs repair to prevent further decay.
• Chimney crown cracks: Cracks in the chimney crown allow water to penetrate and accelerate deterioration. Over time, this can lead to more extensive masonry issues unless the surface is properly repaired.
• Water leaks or dampness inside the home near the chimney: Moisture appearing on interior walls close to the chimney can stem from exterior masonry failure. Resurfacing helps seal these entry points to prevent water damage inside the home.
• Poor chimney draft or smoky fireplace: If smoke backs up into the room or drafts poorly, damage to the chimney’s surface could be affecting airflow. A smooth, sealed chimney surface supports proper function and ventilation.
• Visible moss or vegetation growth: Moss or plants growing on the chimney suggest the surface retains moisture. This creates ideal conditions for biological growth and further brick deterioration.
• General weathering or an aged appearance: If the chimney looks worn, faded, or uneven, it may no longer provide adequate protection. Resurfacing refreshes the structure and reinforces its resistance to the elements.

Is Resurfacing a Chimney With Brick Possible?

Resurfacing a chimney with brick is possible when the structure remains stable, and the existing masonry can support the added weight. This process involves applying a new brick veneer over the original surface, improving both appearance and durability. Our chimney professionals typically inspect for cracks, loose mortar, and structural weaknesses before starting the resurfacing work. If the chimney base is in poor condition, repairs or reinforcement may be required before new brick can be applied. Proper resurfacing enhances curb appeal and protects the chimney from weather damage.

What Happens if You Don’t Have a Chimney Liner? Is It Safe to Use an Unlined Chimney?

It is not safe to operate a fireplace with an unlined chimney. The chimney liner protects the system (whether it is prefab, masonry, or another heating appliance) from natural wear and tear, in addition to protecting against the extreme heat and fumes naturally produced.

Actually, in the same tests that were performed by the NBS (now the NIST) mentioned above, researchers analyzed the data and claimed that constructing a chimney without a liner was so dangerous that it was “little less than criminal.”

Fortunately, even if your system was built pre-1940s and doesn’t have a liner, companies like ours provide a variety of chimney and flue relining services, so you don’t have to start from scratch. If you’re ready to get on our books, give us a call to learn more, or you can book online today.

Do Brick Chimneys Need Liners?

It’s no secret that bricks are among the more durable materials out there — we’ve all heard the story of the three little pigs — so can some smoke and heat really cause an unlined brick chimney that much damage?

Short answer: yes. The normal “common bricks” your chimney was built with (usually red in appearance and what one pictures when they think of brickwork) are a low-heat product. This means that, though they are commonly used to build chimneys, homes, and other durable and sturdy structures, they are not actually meant to withstand direct contact with the flames and high heat of a fire.

Fun fact: The bricks that comprise the firebox — the part of your system that houses the fuel and, subsequently, where the fire takes place — are different from the ones constructing your chimney. These are called fire bricks.

Another hazard that you likely wouldn’t think about is the presence of combustible materials that might have direct exposure to extreme heat or flame. For example, if your brick chimney was not carefully built, paper products or other combustible items could be accidentally forgotten or left within the walls of the chimney during construction. Even if common bricks were built to withstand the high temperatures and noxious gases in and of themselves, you can never be too sure what else might catch fire and spread to other areas.

All that to say, regardless of the type of chimney you have, chimney liners are absolutely crucial to ensure your appliance is venting as properly, safely, and efficiently as possible.

What Are the Most Common Types of Chimney Liners?

You know why chimney liners are a vital component in the foundation and structural integrity of your chimney, but what are the various types of chimney liners out there? Technically, there are three different types of chimney liners:

• Terra cotta/clay tiles
• Metal (stainless steel or aluminum)
• Cast-in-place

However, cast-in-place liners are usually quite labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive, so many homeowners choose to stick with either the clay or metal variety.

How Long Do Clay Chimney Liners Last?

Of the three, terra cotta tiles, also known as clay liners, are the most common. Created in a variety of elongated, hollow shapes — from circles to ovals to squares to rectangles — clay liners are fused together with mortar joints and encased within the chimney, running from the smoke shelf all the way up and out of the top of the chimney.

The hollow, tubular terra cotta tiles create a smooth passageway that aids the smoke’s exit from the system, as well as protects the masonry from the acids, gases, and other vaporous byproducts inherently created during high heat combustion.

In terms of clay chimney liner longevity, its overall lifespan will depend on multiple factors, like how often you use your system, the level of attention and maintenance it receives, natural wear and tear, and other factors. This is one of the many reasons we recommend getting your chimney inspected every year.

If you’re a homeowner doing searches for “chimney relining near me,” trust SureGlow Stove & Chimney for all your chimney needs. Reach out today.

Are Stainless Steel Chimney Liners Reliable?

When it comes to chimney liner replacement, stainless steel is a popular choice, and for good reason.

Generally speaking, there are two different types of metal used to construct a chimney liner: stainless steel and aluminum. In both cases, the liner is usually constructed as one long, semi-flexible tube that is installed from the top of the chimney. A solid option both for prefabricated and masonry chimney relining services, metal liners are reliable, durable, and strong.

However, the type of metal matters a great deal when it comes to longevity.

Aluminum liners are often a more attractive option to homeowners because the upfront cost is significantly lower when compared to that of stainless steel. It is important to keep in mind, though, that because aluminum is a weaker metal, it will likely require more maintenance or even replacement down the line — meaning your overall, long-term costs may end up higher.

Stainless steel can be used in wood, oil, and gas-fueled chimney systems, and they are highly durable and able to withstand even the toughest of conditions. They’ll last longer, give you fewer problems, and ensure a safer fireside experience.

What Is a Cast-in-Place Chimney Liner?

Rarely used anymore, cast-in-place liners are created by inflating a large cylindrical balloon-type structure according to the dimensions of the firebox and dropping it down the top of the chimney. While still inflated, a slurry mix of concrete is poured around this balloon, and once hardened, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving a flue space of an appropriate size.

Alternatively, a cast-in-place liner may be installed by using a slip-form technique where a vibrating bell is attached to a pulley and, as it is drawn up and out, the vibrations pack in the surrounding concrete.

But like we mentioned a bit earlier, both of these options, while very good and effective, are hardly used anymore. They require a lot of work and a lot of money. It’s a much better use of both time and funds to reline your chimney with a stainless steel liner or, if applicable, have it repaired and restored by using HeatShield.

What Is HeatShield for Chimneys?

A system/relining repair solution first developed in Europe several decades ago, HeatShield is a sealant system created from a hybrid of ceramic and refractory (material resistant to decomposition from elements like heat and pressure) materials — the result of which is appropriately named “Cerfractory.” Only available as a relining/repair solution for terra cotta/clay tile liners, this Cerfractory sealant has three separate application methods, depending on the state and severity of the damage.

Here at SureGlow Stove & Chimney, we’re proud to offer HeatShield services to restore and reline your existing structure. We recognize how much of a hassle it can feel when researching and weighing your options for chimney relining products and services, which is why we utilize HeatShield products.

Give us a call or schedule a service appointment online today so one of our technicians can visit your home and you can learn more about your relining options.

How Do I Know if My Chimney Needs a New Liner?

Easy — book yearly chimney inspections. Regular, annual chimney and fireplace inspections are the perfect opportunity to learn all about the state and soundness of your chimney, both in structure and function.

If you’re in between inspections and you notice things like excessive soot or creosote buildup, your system not working as efficiently as it once was, or bits of brick or clay in or around your fireplace, you may need to have your current chimney liner resurfaced or, alternatively, have a new one installed. So, stay vigilant, even if you’re in between inspection times.

If you’re not sure when the last time you had your chimney system inspected was, it might be time to give us a call. Reach out soon to see what we can do for you!

Financing Your Chimney Relining or Resurfacing Project

Financing options make chimney relining or resurfacing much more accessible. These services play a major role in keeping your home safe, but the cost can feel overwhelming when it all comes at once. That’s why flexible payment plans help break the total into manageable monthly payments that fit into a regular budget.

Beyond Relining & Resurfacing: Other Services We Offer in Southern Missouri & North Arkansas

Beyond expert relining and resurfacing, we offer a comprehensive suite of chimney and fireplace services for your system’s long-term integrity. We address troublesome leaky chimneys with thorough repairs, safeguarding your home from water damage. Our skilled crew also handles all aspects of masonry repair, restoring the structural soundness of your chimney. To maintain optimal performance and prevent hazards, we provide meticulous chimney cleaning and detailed chimney inspections. For those looking to upgrade their heating solutions, we offer professional fireplace insert installations, transforming your existing fireplace into a more efficient heat source.