Author name: richardonna@rogers.com

How to identify repair and replace damaged flue liner It is common for people to have a chimney, but fewer people know too much about how it works. In case you don’t check inside your chimney during the years when you’ve lit fires in your fireplace, you could have a major problem. As with anything related to fire, fireplaces and chimneys can pose dangers, and many people don’t realize how simple it is to prevent these problems. A chimney liner is one of the significant parts of the home chimney which most people ignore. We will discuss in this article how you can identify and also repair your Flue liner. In order to ensure fireplace safety, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure that your chimney liners are correctly installed and maintained. Flue liners protect your house from the heat and chemicals of fire by directing the gases from your chimney up and out. Some older liners become corroded, allowing dangerous gases to enter the home. The chimneys of older houses sometimes do not have liners at all. This can result in toxic byproducts of fires building up in the chimney, eventually causing a fire. It is crucial to determine your chimney’s lining as soon as possible if you aren’t sure. We already have discussed some types of flue liners in the previous article. Now we will discuss how to inspect, repair or replace it.   Why is Flue Liner Damaged? There are several causes that can damage your liner, but here are some of the more important ones: It is improperly constructed or the wrong size of liner. A corrosive byproduct of combustion leads to deterioration. Mortar joints deteriorate quickly when exposed to acidic flue gases. A poor fit between the lining and the appliance can lead to excessive creosote buildup. Mixing creosote and moisture accelerates flue liner deterioration. Due to climate change or very high temperatures. How to Identify Damage There are generally no apparent signs that a chimney liner has been damaged. Occasionally, you might notice masonry cracks in your fireplace. Perhaps there are deteriorated flue liner pieces that have fallen into the firebox. Since it is usually not immediately apparent that a liner needs repairs, you should have a reputable chimney technician inspect the entire flue once a year. To avoid unsafe chimney conditions, you should perform regular chimney inspections. When to Repair Liner In the initial construction of a chimney, the flue liner is usually made of tiles since they are the most affordable option. Whenever a tile is damaged, the repair is very challenging, often requiring tearing down a portion of the chimney to complete. Even if repairing is possible, it is usually not an economically feasible option. When to Replace Liner The only option when damaged flues cannot be repaired is to replace them. Replacing a damaged flue liner with a stainless steel liner is the easiest and most affordable method. Stainless steel chimney liners need to be installed professionally to ensure they are the right size and work properly. If you need to have a chimney examined, have a flue liner repaired, or need to replace it, contact Atlantic Brick and Stone today and get the best chimney services in Fredericton. Get Your Flue Liner Replacement Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

3 Most popular types of Flue Liner Your chimney liner is probably not a priority on your list of things to think about, but a good one is critical for health and safety at home in Fredericton. There is a problem with your chimney liner because it is exposed to corrosive compounds that are released during combustion, such as high temperatures and rapid temperature changes. Eventually, your chimney liner will corrode, posing a risk of fire in your home as well as poisoning from carbon monoxide. It is important to install or replace the proper flue liner for ideal results. In this article, we will discuss the importance and types of the most popular flue liners. You may also be interested in my article about chimney inspection to identify the most common chimney problems. Why is Flue Liner Important? Flue liners are generally very long-lasting, but you may need a replacement if your chimney is not lined, or it is damaged or not the right size. Flue liners, also known as chimney liners, are among the most important components of a chimney because they prevent combustion products, such as creosote, from getting into other parts of your home. In addition to preventing fires, this essential role prevents carbon monoxide poisoning. A flue liner also facilitates proper airflow, which enhances the efficiency of a fireplace. Types of Flue Liners Liners can be classified into three groups: clay, concrete, and metal. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of them. Repairing a chimney usually involves installing metal flue liners. Stainless steel or aluminum is used in its manufacturing. Metal Chimney Liner Aluminum is commonly used in gas fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces cannot use this option. For fireplaces that burn wood or oil, stainless steel is used. It is advisable to cover metal types with insulation, which improves their safety and efficiency. According to the majority of masonry contractors, installing stainless steel liners is less challenging and more affordable, which is why they are increasingly popular. The life expectancy of stainless steel flue liners is up to 30 years, and many are covered by lifetime warranties. Clay Flue Liner The second type of liner is clay-based. Clay tiles are affordable, which makes them a common choice. The type is highly effective in a fireplace, especially one that is open. About 50 years is the average lifespan of these liners. The disadvantage of this type is the ceramic material, which cracks in the event of a fire. Another disadvantage is that tiles cannot properly accommodate the liquid combustion byproducts generated by gas appliances today. The most popular liner for masonry chimneys has been clay tile, but stainless steel is taking its place. Cast in Place Liner Cast-in-places are the 3rd type of chimney liner. A heat-resistant cast is poured inside the chimney. Powdered volcanic rock and cement material are used to create this lightweight cast. It provides an insulated path for gas to escape. In addition to being compatible with all types of fireplaces, they also improve on older chimney models. Their only disadvantage is that they can’t be reversed after installation. If you are confused about which type will be best for your chimney and cannot decide, don’t worry. Call Atlantic Brick and Stone for a free consultation. Get Your Chimney Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Things you should know about Chimney Inspection There is nothing better than fall in the Fredericton, NB. Fall foliage on display will enchant your senses with its vivid colours. The warm temperatures and crisp evenings during this time of year are also a gentle reminder of the approaching cold weather. In the fall, not only are you going to enjoy your last chance to enjoy nature, but you will also have the chance to get your chimney cleaned and inspected before you light the fireplace or wood stove for the first cold snap of the season. In order to prevent chimney fires, chimney inspections should include cleaning and inspecting the chimney flue. You should have the chimney swept at least once a year, even if you don’t use the fireplace frequently. Chimney Masonry Weather conditions impact your chimney at various times of the year. The winter weather in Fredericton can be very harsh on chimney masonry, especially for older chimneys. In the same manner that a sponge absorbs rain and snow water, bricks and mortar slowly absorb moisture. The absorbed moisture crystallizes below freezing, causing cracks in the brick surface. Unless they are addressed, these cracks will continue to grow. Furthermore, bricks can break into pieces and slip out of mortar joints, so bricks can fall off the chimney if joints become loose. A broken or missing brick not only allows water to deteriorate the interior masonry but also destabilizes the building, increasing the possibility of fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even collapse. So it is recommended to hire your local masonry contractor to inspect and repair your chimney regularly. Chimney Caps These chimney caps prevent rain, animals, and debris from entering your fireplace. In addition to protecting your roof, caps reduce fire risks by trapping embers and sparks. Make sure your chimney cap is checked during a maintenance visit with a Chimney services provider if it doesn’t exist or if it is loose or needs to be replaced. Follow-up inspections are necessary Depending on the homeowners’ habits. Make sure to schedule at least two yearly chimney inspections at your home if the chimney is often used. During any time of the year, chimneys can be examined, cleaned and repaired. Proper Fireplace use You should only burn cured, dry wood. Do not use treated wood because this type of wood emits chemicals into your building, which compromises your indoor air quality. Adding wood slowly can help you build a fire that is both safe and warm. Keep your family safe by educating them about proper fireplace use. Sealing Dampers If you aren’t using the fireplace, make sure to close its dampers. If you find a damper that doesn’t seal well, replace it during your chimney inspection and cleaning appointment. Get Your Chimney Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Repointing historical masonry structures Whether it is stone, brick, concrete block or terra cotta maintaining the mortar joints on a masonry or masonry-clad building is important to esthetically and physically preserving a structure. Mortar joints ensure that the building envelope continues to perform as a barrier to the elements. Much research has been done to analyze the destruction caused by the use of inappropriate mortars and pointing methods on historical structures.  Mortar serves many purposes in masonry construction, but its main function is to make the wall assembly watertight. Mortar must be softer and more porous than the surrounding masonry units, thereby allowing it to accommodate contraction and expansion and providing a route for moisture to escape.  The colour, texture and profile of the mortar joints also contribute to the appearance of a historical structure.  Repointing is the process of removing the outer deteriorated layer of mortar from the joints and replacing it with new mortar. Repointing deteriorated mortar joints, however, is more complicated than it may seem. If done incorrectly, it can lead to an unsightly mess, deterioration of the historical fabric, serious loss and water infiltration into the building. It should be noted that while the mortar joints themselves are an important part of the building’s historical fabric, they are meant to be a sacrificial element of the wall assembly. In other words, mortar – unlike masonry units – is meant to deteriorate over time.  Consequently, it is understood that historical masonry structures will require repointing periodically. It is important that repointing is correctly done since improper repointing can cause physical damage to the masonry units themselves, which are more difficult and expensive to repair.  The high, compressive strength of the mortar, compared to the masonry units, has caused the bricks to spall, leading to irreparable damage.  When properly executed, repointing masonry joints conserves the historical character of a building while preserving its physical integrity. Proper maintenance, should ensure that any new repointing work has a long service life. For Your confidence we have been trained properly in historical conservation. We can help identify the cause of mortar failure and assist in the preparation of specifications for the work. When correctly done, repointing will contribute to the architectural character and long-term preservation of your historical masonry structure. Get Your Historic Masonry Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Full Bed Stone VS Thin Veneer Stone A timeless design is only as good as the material used. There are two types of natural stone veneer.  Full Bed Stone The thickness ranges from 3-5 inches, it is the heaviest and densest stone available. These stone structures require ledge footing. The product cost is cheaper than the thin veneer stone, however the freight and installation will be more expensive. It has better durability to the Canadian weather and is primarily used on the exterior.  Thin Veneer Stone The thickness ranges from 1-2 inches, it is lighter weight than full bed stone. There’s no need for special footings. It can be used on both new construction and renovation projects. Thin veneer comes in a wide variety of color and material selections. The cost of the product itself is higher however has a lower freight cost. It can be more prone to weather damaged and can be used for interior and exterior applications.  For a more traditional masonry look Atlantic Brick and Stone recommend brick or full bed stone, if you’re looking for a more modern contemporary style we recommend thin veneer stone.  Get Your Stone masonry Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate