HeatShield Chimney Liner Repair: Is It Right for You?
Chimney flue liners can deteriorate over time due to extreme heat and exposure to water, leaving your system vulnerable. You may be eligible for one of HeatShield’s liner repair or relining options. Reach out now.
What Causes Chimney Flue Liner Damage?
Chimney flues can be damaged in several ways – e.g. by creosote buildup or corrosive gases – but one of the biggest issues relates to water exposure. Chimneys are quite vulnerable to water damage because the materials that make it up are water absorbent. Over time, rain and snow can seep into a chimney’s masonry, eventually working its way to your liner components.
For a long time, the only way to reline a damaged clay chimney liner was to install a metal stainless steel liner. This method required clay tiles to be removed, which is expensive and could cause more chimney damage – and it takes a lot of time too.
Completing a HeatShield relining service takes about half the time and allows you to keep the clay tiles intact, providing an affordable, effective, and easier alternative to replacing your chimney liner.
What Is HeatShield for Chimneys?
HeatShield is a method for chimney liner repair developed decades ago and working great for homeowners ever since. HeatShield’s Cerfractory sealant is a hybrid ceramic/refractory coating that can withstand moisture, corrosive flue gases, and temperatures exceeding 2900 degrees Fahrenheit.
This sealant is rated a “Super-Duty” refractory mortar by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and surpasses the requirement by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and the International Residential Code (IRC) – both of which require only a “Medium-Duty” refractory mortar for use in fireplaces and chimneys.
What Are My Relining Options With HeatShield?
There are three methods used to repair chimney liners with HeatShield – the Joint Repair System, the Resurfacing System, and the CeCure Sleeve Relining System. If you decide that installing HeatShield is the right choice for you, we will choose the method based on how much damage we find in your chimney.
Joint Repair System
The Joint Repair System is used for chimneys that only require the repair of defective mortar joints – but the lining system is otherwise free of major damage. During this process, a foam applicator blade is custom-made to fit your chimney. The applicator is positioned below each gap or void, after which HeatShield’s Cerfractory Flue Sealant mixture is added. The applicator is then pulled up and each void in your flue is carefully filled – leaving your chimney with new sealed mortar joints.
Resurfacing System
If the chimney has mortar joint defects along with other minor damage – like cracking and spalled flues – we will recommend the Resurfacing System method. For this process, a custom-made foam applicator plug is placed at the bottom of the flue and attached to a winch on top of the chimney. A tie coat material is applied to the flue walls as the plug is pulled upward by the winch. (The tie coat cleans any dust leftover in your flue and serves as a primer for the HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant.)
After the tie coat has completely dried, the HeatShield material is applied onto the flue at a thickness of about ¼”. This is called “slip casting” or “slip cast extrusion” and it leaves your chimney with a smooth liner. We use cameras to confirm that your chimney’s mortar joints and flue tiles are completely sealed and smoke-tight.
CeCure Sleeve Relining System
HeatShield can be used with the CeCure Sleeve Relining System for unlined chimneys or chimneys with significant damage. The CeCure Sleeve is a thin, ceramic insulation that has been reinforced with stainless steel fabric and is inserted between two coats of HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant.
Similar to the Resurfacing System, an applicator plug is placed at the bottom of the flue and attached to a winch at the top of the chimney. A coating of HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant is applied to the flue walls as the applicator plug is pulled upwards by the winch. Afterward, a custom-fitted CeCure Sleeve is placed into the chimney and mechanically attached to the top of the chimney.
The applicator plug is then pulled down through the CeCure Sleeve to press it firmly into the first coating of HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant. We finish it off with another coat of HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant, and then we verify that the repair work has been completed correctly with an internal camera inspection
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Which is right for you? Schedule your appointment today to find out.
Why Should I Choose HeatShield Over a Traditional Relining Method?
Some benefits to choosing HeatShield include:
- No Demo Work: There is no demolition required with HeatShield, so it’s less destructive and intrusive than other methods. The installation is also quicker and simpler than rebuilding your chimney or installing a metal liner.
- Warranty Guarantee: HeatShield is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Improved Durability: HeatShield is a long-lasting and durable liner solution that reinforces your chimney and extends its lifespan.
- Cost-Effective: HeatShield costs less than installing a metal chimney liner or rebuilding the chimney completely. It also takes about half the time of those other options.
- High Efficiency: Your chimney cannot perform at its best if it’s damaged. Voids and gaps in the surface allow excess air into your chimney, slowing the updraft and trapping smoke and gases within your chimney. HeatShield resolves this.
Is HeatShield an Option for All Types of Chimneys?
HeatShield is a good option for restoring or repairing most brick and masonry chimneys. It has been successfully tested on single, double, and triple-flue chimneys. It is compatible with all fuel types (wood, oil, gas, and coal) and meets Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.
Unfortunately, HeatShield cannot be used for metal and prefabricated flues repairs.
Caring for Your Chimney After Installing HeatShield
It’s recommended that you do not use your chimney for 24 hours after HeatShield is installed. Although we do use drying accelerators during installation, the bonding materials need time to cure completely. Think of your chimney as a freshly painted room – you may set up fans to help the paint dry, but you’d still wait awhile before running your hand along the walls.
In addition, you must keep up with regular chimney inspections and sweepings to ensure your chimney flue stays in optimal condition. HeatShield is one of the most durable options available to homeowners, but the most effective way to prevent future chimney damage is to keep up with regular professional maintenance.
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Schedule With Us Now
The team at SureGlow Stove and Chimney is here to help you and get you scheduled for an inspection. Once booked, one of our certified technicians will thoroughly check your chimney and flue for signs of damage, and – if needed – will recommend a relining solution based on the findings.
If you are ready to schedule or have questions, reach out to us by phone or schedule an appointment online.
Chimney relining and resurfacing is one of many quality chimney services we offer.