Why Chimney Flue Tiles Crack: What You Need To Know

Chimney flues have a tough job. They are exposed to extreme heat from your fire and are susceptible to cracks. The heat needs to be evenly distributed. If it is not, the tiles may split or crack. Many homeowners choose to insert a metal or cast-in-place liner to protect the tile. Tiles that are clay tend to crack more easily. 

Dangers You Can Avoid

• House Fires – Professionals have found that using a chimney liner reduces the risk of house fires. If there is a crack in the tile near a combustible material such as wood, there is a greater risk of a chimney fire. 
• Toxic Gases – When there is a crack in the tile gases such as carbon monoxide may seep into your house. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is undetectable. People exposed to carbon monoxide may experience dizziness, headache, and nausea. Exposure to this toxin can negatively impact your health and may lead to death in extreme cases.
• Chimney Damage – Tile liners are not only exposed to extreme heat but they are also exposed to the byproducts from burning wood and gas. This exposure also wears down the integrity of the structure of the chimney. If left alone without correction it can compromise the chimney itself.  
• Operational Damage – You may experience poor drafting if there is a crack in the lining. This will reduce the efficiency of your fireplace.

Prevention and Maintenance 

Keeping up with your annual chimney inspection is your first defense in preventing chimney fires by identifying any cracking issues before there is a problem. Here is what the professionals are suggesting.

• Annual inspection. Call and book a chimney inspection before the snow falls.
• If damage is identified get it fixed as soon as possible. The longer you wait the chances of a fire is greater. The crack can continue to expand which will make the cost of repairs more expensive.
• If you identify a crack in your flue liner, do not use your fireplace. As mentioned above, combustible material may be behind the crack causing a fire. Contact Felgemacher Masonry to get some help.

If you have clay tiles in your chimney, experts suggest replacing the entire liner if you find it damaged.  A metal liner replacement is recommended. A metal liner gives you the peace of mind that your chimney will have a long lifespan and offer the safest option for your family.

Ensure You Have A Safe Chimney

A clean chimney is a safe one, and we’ll keep yours as secure and efficient as possible. Our owners are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America – a stringent industry certification held by only the best sweeps in the U.S. We remove flammable creosote from chimney flues, reducing the chance of a chimney fire. We also remove debris and obstructions that could hamper the drafting of smoke and carbon monoxide.

We’ve been helping folks throughout the Buffalo NY and Rochester NY areas get the most out of their fireplace inserts, stoves, and chimneys for more than 60 years. When specialized chimney service is required, count on us for the best in chimney sweep, chimney repair, chimney rebuilding, and chimney inspection.