Re-lining Makes Older, Masonry Chimneys Safer

Why reline? The most common reason we reline masonry chimneys with stainless steel is to preserve their structural integrity when they've been damaged by a chimney fire or weather-related incident. Another reason we recommend relining a chimney is to prevent the buildup of flammable creosote on terra cotta flue tile surfaces. Your chimney sweep can more quickly, easily, and thoroughly clean a stainless steel-lined chimney than an unlined one.

A Chimney Re-lining Primer

If you're contemplating choosing a company to reline your chimney with stainless steel, here are some basic yet crucial suggestions:

• Evaluate the company's experience and training; choose a chimney specialist rather than a company that provides a wide range of other unrelated services
• Ask questions and assess the thoroughness with which they're answered
• Understand the scope of the work proposed and the expected results
• If you have more than one estimate, be sure to compare "apples to apples" with regard to quality and source of materials proposed, technical expertise of company, and actual chimney relining strategy
• Ask for chimney customer references
• Find out whether your job might be covered by Homeowners' Insurance