Our Company Blog

Does Your Chimney Need Relining?

What is one of the reasons the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend having your chimney professionally inspected every year? Its to check the condition of one of its most important components – the liner. According to the CSIA, you need a good quality chimney liner to protect the combustible parts of your home from the extreme heat that transfers through the flue. In addition, keep the masonry materials from being exposed to corrosive gases.

A chimney liner also provides a correctly sized flue to match your heating appliance. This is so that it will function safely and efficiently. Over time, your liner can suffer from cracking, spalling, and other types of damage that can create gaps and voids. This can lead to hazardous situations, which include carbon monoxide leaks. Atlas Chimney provides professional chimney relining services to the residents of the Austin area. So, now we would like to tell you more about the options we have to restore the integrity of this essential chimney component.

HEATSHIELD

Do you have an older masonry chimney with a traditional fireplace? If so, you most likely have a clay tile liner inside the flue. This type of chimney liner is strong and durable, but the tiles can crack and break apart after years of usage. Repairing this type of liner used to be pricey and time consuming. That is, until a few decades ago, when HeatShield was introduced to the chimney industry.

This revolutionary product is a cerfractory sealant material that we have been trained and certified to apply. We apply it to the inside of your chimney with specialized tools that can restore the condition of your clay tile liner. With HeatShield, we can repair damaged joints and fill in any gaps and voids. We can also reline the entire chimney with its CeCure Sleeve Relining System. Atlas will inspect the condition of your existing clay tile liner. Afterwards, we will be able to recommend which HeatShield system is the best one for your chimney.

OLYMPIA STAINLESS STEEL CHIMNEY LINERS

Considering updating your traditional fireplace into a more energy efficient heating appliance by installing a new gas fireplace insert? To be sure this insert works at its highest efficiency, Atlas Chimney recommends also installing a new stainless steel chimney liner along with the appliance. Most masonry chimneys are much larger than fireplace inserts. This size difference can result in safety and efficiency problems. This type of liner works with all fuel types of hearth appliances. We are proud to sell and install Olympia stainless steel liners. This brand is our favorite because of its durability and strength. Your chimney will be protected for many years after we install an Olympia liner.

Is it time to reline your chimney? Contact us at Atlas Chimney today to schedule an appointment for your annual chimney inspection. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will check the condition of your liner. If we find any damage, we can make recommendations for the type of relining service you need!

The Importance of Storm Collars

Stopping water penetration of your chimney is an important responsibility for homeowners. Water can leak into your chimney and cause a lot of destruction to your home. Consequently, this includes the corrosion of metal components. Including components like the damper and chimney liner and the staining of ceilings and walls. Plus, even the rotting of the wooden structures which are adjacent to the chimney.

Water not only damages your chimney and home. In addition, the presence of moisture in your chimney can also lead to mold growth. Since it rains quite a bit in Austin, TX, Atlas Chimney has been working for over 25 years on preventing chimney water leaks. We know the best methods of keeping water out of your chimney and we will ensure your chimney is leak-proof. One of the best preventive measures we use is a storm collar as part of a flashing system. We would like to tell you more about storm collars. Also, how they are an important part of a good flashing system to protect your chimney from water penetration.

What exactly is a storm collar?

A storm collar is also known as a chimney collar. It is most often used with prefabricated chimneys. This is to prevent rain from getting into the space where the chimney pipe meets the roof. It is usually built into the flashing system around the chimney. Comparable to a chimney cap for masonry chimneys, storm collars are different because instead of sitting at the top of the chimney like a cap does, they fit directly onto the chimney pipe.

How long will my storm collar last?

While storm collars are durable, they do not last forever. Eventually you will have to replace your storm collar.  Notice water in the attic or water stains on the ceiling in the room of your fireplace? If so, it is time to replace your storm collar, according to the Home Guides at SF Gate.

Why do I need a flashing system?

The area around your chimney where it meets the roof is very vulnerable and needs to be protected by a flashing system. This is constructed of sheets of metal that are strategically layered on the roof and wrapped around the chimney. Providing a watertight barrier, water from rain and snow will be unable to enter at this point. Not only does Atlas Chimney repair flashing systems, but we can also construct new customized flashing systems. This will stop water from leaking into your chimney. When our customers have a prefabricated chimney that consists of a metal pipe, a storm collar will always be used as an important part of the flashing system.

Prevent water penetration of your chimney this spring. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about storm collars and our flashing system services!