In West Seneca, where residents treasure the town’s rich history and architectural diversity, a wood- or gas-burning fireplace is a prized feature in most homes across Western New York. With its long, cold winters, the fireplace is one of the most frequently used heating appliances. Between extreme weather, creosote buildup, and acidic combustion residue, chimney relining eventually becomes necessary. With over sixty years of serving the Greater Buffalo area, Felgemacher is one of the oldest and most trusted companies for quality chimney relining.
Does My Chimney Need Relining?
Since the flue liner is hidden deep inside your chimney, its deterioration often goes unnoticed until dangerous symptoms appear. You likely need a repair or complete relining if you notice:
- Debris in the Firebox: Finding shards of terra-cotta clay or sandy mortar dust at the bottom of your fireplace is a definitive sign that your inner liner is cracking and falling apart.
- Drafting Issues: If smoke stubbornly pours into your living room instead of drafting up the chimney, a compromised liner may be disrupting the airflow.
- Excessive Creosote Buildup: A cracked or uneven liner creates cold pockets where condensation forms, causing highly flammable creosote glaze to accumulate much faster.
- Foul Odors: A strong, campfire-like smell when the fireplace isn't in use indicates that moisture and creosote are penetrating the porous, unlined masonry walls.
The only way to definitively determine the condition of your liner is through a professional Level 2 Video Inspection, in which our certified technicians scan the entire length of the flue with a specially-equipped video camera system.
Types of Chimney Liners in West Seneca
Homes in the Buffalo Southtowns typically feature one of three types of chimney liners, depending on the age of the property and any previous upgrades:
- Terra Cotta Tiles: The traditional standard for decades. While affordable and naturally heat-resistant, clay tiles inevitably crack and crumble over time. The damage accelerates even faster if there have been small chimney fires previously.
- Cast-in-Place Liners: A smooth, concrete material is poured directly into the chimney. This is a highly effective, non-invasive way to line a chimney with a seamless, heat-resistant solution.
- Metal Liners: The new standard for safety and durability. UL-listed stainless steel is required for wood-burning appliances, while aluminum can be used for certain gas appliances.
Chimney Relining Solutions
Depending on the condition of your liner and the type of heating appliance you use, we typically recommend two highly effective methods:
Stainless Steel
For chimneys with severe structural damage, we often recommend installing UL-listed stainless steel liners. They are also ideal for installation in older homes with unlined chimneys. Steel liners are naturally rust- and moisture-resistant. They are correctly sized to meet the specs of your heating appliance and flue, improving draft, maximizing efficiency, and reducing creosote buildup.
HeatShield®
HeatShield is a specialized cerfractory sealant that restores the integrity of your chimney's existing liner. By applying a custom-formulated coating to the interior walls, we can quickly and easily fill gaps and seal cracks, creating a smooth, seamless surface that resists heat, moisture, and rust. The HeatShield system is entirely safe for relining historic and older homes, allowing you to preserve the original masonry structure without the invasive process of tearing out the old clay tiles.
Call Felgemacher for Quality Chimney Relining in West Seneca, NY
Protect your home and family while improving your fireplace's efficiency with quality chimney relining from Felgemacher's certified professionals. Call us or fill out the form on our website to schedule a chimney inspection or request a free estimate. We proudly serve Erie County and Greater Buffalo, including Lackawanna, Webster Corners, and Seneca, NY.
