If you have an older masonry chimney, you most likely have a clay tile chimney liner. While clay tile liners are built to last for years, exposure to extremely high temperatures and water leaks can cause the tiles to erode, break apart, and make your chimney unsafe to use. In the past, repairing clay tile liners was a very expensive and time-consuming project. The best option to restore the safety of your chimney was to have a stainless steel liner installed. However, a revolutionary new product, HeatShield, was developed about 20 years ago. It allows clay tile liners to be repaired quickly and economically. Ace Chimney Sweeps is proud to offer flue repair services with HeatShield. So, now we would like to answer some frequently asked questions about this product.
What exactly is HeatShield?
A uniquely formulated “Cerfractory” sealant material, HeatShield can restore your old clay tile liner by filling in cracks and gaps. Available in three different systems, Ace Chimney Sweeps will begin the HeatShield repair process by inspecting your chimney to assess the damage. Defective mortar joints? We will use the Joint Repair System. Damaged clay tiles, but determine that the structure of your chimney is still sound? We can repair the tiles with the Resurfacing System. If your clay tile liner is beyond repairing, we can use the CeCure Sleeve Relining System to easily install a new liner.
Why would I need HeatShield?
The liner is one of the most important parts of your chimney. It protects your home from heat transfer, plus the bricks and mortar from the corrosive byproducts of combustion. A damaged clay tile liner can lead to hazardous situations inside your home. This includes a chimney fire and a carbon monoxide leak. Gaps between flue tiles can occur over time from the mixture of heat, moisture, and corrosive chemicals eroding the mortar between the tiles. The flue tiles can become cracked by weather events, the ongoing settling of your home, or from poor workmanship. Flue tiles can also suffer from spalling damage. This is due to the exposure to corrosive chemicals, which causes them to break apart and fall from the liner.
If you have seen pieces of clay tiles in the floor of your firebox, call us to schedule an inspection. We can give you an honest evaluation of the condition of your clay tile liner. In addition, we’ll give a written estimate of the HeatShield repair services needed to make your chimney safe and sound. Ace Chimney Sweeps will also explain to you which HeatShield system will be used, and why that system is needed for the repairs.
If you cannot remember the last time your clay tile chimney liner was restored, it may be time for HeatShield. Contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps to schedule a chimney inspection today!