Surrounded on three sides by water, the waterfront town of Irondequoit is a rural oasis with easy access to urban amenities throughout the Greater Rochester area. However, the town's older homes were often built with terra-cotta chimney liners. Eventually, these clay tiles crack and degrade with age, moisture, and exposure to heat and acidic combustion gases, posing a serious fire and safety hazard.
At Felgemacher, we have over 60 years of experience helping upstaters preserve their homes' historic architecture, reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure, and improve heating efficiency through our expert chimney relining services.
Types of Chimney Liners
A chimney liner contains the heat and combustion byproducts in the flue, protecting the surrounding masonry walls. There are several kinds of liners, but the most common types in Western New York include:
- Terra Cotta Tiles: The most common due to their lower cost. However, they are prone to cracking due to extreme temperature fluctuations, excessive moisture, and foundation settlement.
- Stainless Steel Liners: Flexible or rigid metal tubes that provide a durable, seamless path for exhaust to exit at the top of the stack. They are water- and rust-resistant, are compatible with multiple fuel sources, and are an excellent solution for relining both older and newer chimneys.
- Cast-in-Place: A cement-like mixture is poured into the flue, forming a smooth, seamless, heat-resistant surface.
Signs Your Irondequoit Chimney May Need Relining
An annual chimney inspection can often catch minor liner issues before they become problematic. However, you should call Felgemacher for an immediate inspection whenever you notice:
