Our Company Blog

Beware of Poured Chimney Liner Insulation Mix

One of the essential components of your chimney system is the chimney liner. The chimney liner protects the wooden framework around the chimney from coming into contact with extremely hot temperatures that a fire produces inside the flue. Your liner also keeps the bricks and mortar joints inside the chimney from becoming damaged by the corrosive gases and vapors in the combustion process. A chimney liner provides a properly sized flue to match the size of your hearth heating appliance if you are updating your old masonry fireplace by installing a newer and more efficient insert. As fireplace inserts have gained popularity over the past decade, the need for chimney liner insulation has increased because of the space left between the old masonry chimney and the new stainless steel liner.

However, not every type of chimney liner insulation works properly. Our experienced chimney technicians at Atlas Chimney have discovered through our years working on chimneys in the Austin area trying to remove damaged liners and having problems because of the poured insulation job. This makes it difficult to get the liner out. We would like to tell you more about this faulty chimney liner insulation and why pouring insulation mix does not work. We will also share how we can properly insulate your new stainless steel liner with the right materials to work properly and meet zero clearance codes.

Why does poured liner insulation that does not work as it claims?

According to Chimneys.com, using poured insulation around a stainless steel chimney liner to get a zero clearance rating is just about impossible to do correctly. One reason is that the consistency of poured insulation mix makes it unable to flow consistently during the installation process. This causes the insulation to be uneven and unable to center inside the space between the older masonry structure and the new, smaller stainless steel liner. Unlike a cast-in-place poured liner, insulation mix does not come with a centering device from the manufacturer. In fact, some manufacturers do not even include the importance of making sure the mix is centered. This is why it can be so challenging to remove a liner that was installed with poured insulation mix.

How can Atlas Chimney properly insulate my chimney liner?

As chimney sweeps that are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), our chimney technicians pledge to ensure every installation will meet all local building and safety codes and standards. We would never use shortcuts that could lead to a failure to get zero clearance. You can trust us to properly insulate your chimney liner with techniques like snap wraps and half-inch foil-faced insulated blankets and a guarantee that our installation of these chimney insulation products meets zero clearance.

Unfortunately, using poured insulation mix with stainless steel chimneys is being pushed and recommended by manufacturers and chimney technicians, even though it could fail to meet codes and lead to problems in the future. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule our professional and trusted chimney liner installation and insulation services.

Structural Damage & Your Chimney

Durable and solid, masonry chimneys are built to last for many years; however, the constant exposure to the elements can lead to damage and deterioration. Repair damaged bricks and mortar joints as soon as possible because they get much worse when neglected. Over 25 years of service, Atlas Chimney has seen many chimneys collapse because of negletcing masonry damage. This type of damage worsens even more quickly during the winter due to cold weather. To keep your chimney structurally sound, we can help you both with professional chimney repair and water penetration preventive services. We want to tell you more about why winter weather is so rough on the structure of your chimney as well as how we can help you keep it safe and sound.

Why does winter weather cause so much structural damage to chimneys?

While masonry materials are strong and durable, they are also naturally porous and absorb moisture, which weakens the bricks and mortar joints. This is why the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has issued such a stern warning to homeowners about water penetration damage to masonry chimneys. The CSIA also warns that this type of damage can quickly worsen during the winter because of freeze/thaw cycles. Any moisture inside masonry materials will freeze and expand every time the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When this water thaws, its force causes the bricks and mortar joints to crack and break apart. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles in one season can lead to bricks and mortar falling from the chimney structure, and if this damage is not repaired in a timely manner, the structure of your chimney could be in serious jeopardy.

How can Atlas Chimney help protect my masonry chimney from structural damage?

We have the necessary skills and experience to replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints. In addition, we also provide several ways to combat water penetration. These include professional chimney cap installation and customized flashing system construction and repairs. We strongly recommend professionally waterproofing your chimney to ensure protection against water damage. This service creates a barrier against water penetration that lasts for a decade and will prevent freeze/thaw damage from occurring during the cold winter months.

Keep your masonry chimney’s structure safe and sound this winter. Contact us today at Atlas Chimney to learn more about our professional water penetration preventive services and to schedule an appointment for your waterproofing treatment.