Cracked Chimney Flue Tiles

Since the early to mid-1900s, chimney liners have been required in most U.S. jurisdictions. There’s a good reason for this. Multiple studies have shown that unlined chimneys start fires far quicker than chimneys properly lined with stainless steel, a poured-in-place compound or clay tiles.

Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share some helpful information about clay tile liners, including the purposes they serve and what can happen when they become damaged.

The value of a chimney liner

Chimney liners surround the inside of the flue from just above the smoke chamber to the top of the chimney structure. Their job is to contain:

• Smoke
• Flames in the event of a chimney fire
• Intense heat during normal and abnormal operating conditions
• Carbon monoxide
• Acids released by creosote, which forms when smoke condenses in the flue

Chimney liners save lives and homes. That’s why it’s important for yours to be in excellent shape.

Clay chimney liner damage

A new clay tile liner provides a secure safety barrier and a smooth passage for the drafting of smoke. As years pass, individual tiles may crack or split, or fall away entirely from the flue walls. This can be caused by:

• Uneven distribution of heat in the flue, which makes tiles expand unevenly
• Chimney fires, both large and small
• Water intrusion from a chimney leak
• Prolonged contact with the acids in creosote
• Normal house-settling or problems with the chimney footing
• Cheap tile materials or poor workmanship

The dangers of a damaged clay tile chimney liner

Four serious concerns arise when a clay tile liner is compromised.

Smoke and gases can escape

The biggest danger here is the escape of carbon monoxide, which is present in smoke. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it is known to be potentially fatal when inhaled in sufficient amounts. A cracked tile liner can allow smoke and gases to leave the interior chimney and seep into your home’s interior.

Inefficient drafting

If there are openings in parts of the clay liner, the chimney won’t draft properly. Instead of air carrying smoke directly up and out of the flue, the draft will be hampered, letting smoke escape from the liner and possibly back up into the house.

Excess creosote buildup

The jagged edges of broken or cracked flue tiles make perfect trapping points for creosote. It doesn’t take long for this substance to build up in a broken liner. Creosote is highly flammable and causes most chimney fires in the U.S. each year.

House fire

In the event of a chimney fire, flames can get through compromised areas within a damaged liner and set fire to adjacent materials of the home.

Is your liner in good shape?

The only way to know the condition of your chimney liner is with a licensed chimney inspection that uses video imaging to see way down into the flue. If a few clay tiles are damaged, repair may be an option. With widespread damage, the best solution is to reline the flue with a sturdy stainless-steel chimney liner.

Doodlebuggers provides licensed chimney inspections, chimney liner repairs and chimney relining for our Florida customers. If it’s been more than a year since your last chimney inspection, call us today.

You can reach a chimney expert at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.