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!

We Offer Chim-Scan Video Inspections

There could be damage that could lead to safety hazards hiding within your chimney! This is one of the reasons why an annual chimney inspection is so important. Even with thorough inspections, sometimes there are areas that can be impossible to see clearly enough to locate damage and deterioration.

To get an up-close look at every inch of your chimney, we use the Chim-Scan Closed Circuit Internal Evaluation System. This technology allows us to easily spot cracks and blockages. Also, anything that could lead to a chimney fire, or a carbon monoxide leak. We would like to tell you more about this helpful technological tool. This way you can understand exactly why we so highly recommend including this service with your annual chimney inspection.

What is the Chim-Scan Closed Circuit Internal Evaluation System?

Also known as video scanners, the Chim-Scan Closed Circuit Internal Evaluation System was developed to record images of the inside of chimneys. In addition, it documents the condition of the flue, and locates hidden damage and defects. This tool can also be used to verify the cleanliness of the chimney after it has been swept. This ensures your chimney is ready to safely and efficiently vent the combustion exhaust out of your home. Chim-Scan can be used with both masonry and prefabricated chimneys.  Also, it’s extremely helpful in assessing the condition of the inside of chimneys after a natural disaster.

What are the advantages of having a Chim-Scan video inspection?

One of our favorite things about this technology is that it allows you to see the condition of your chimney’s interior as we scan the chimney. We welcome our customers to watch the TV monitor with us as we insert the camera to scan the entire flue. If we find any damage, we will provide you with the images of the problem. This can be essential if you need to file a claim with your home insurance company after a natural disaster or chimney fire. Atlas Chimney highly recommends this service to verify the cleanliness and operational readiness of your chimney. Plus, to find the areas that are in need of repair, and to determine the cause and origin of chimney damage.

How do I know if I need this type of chimney inspection?

Atlas Chimney provides all three levels of chimney inspections. These were established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to provide standards to the chimney industry. Your situation determines which level of inspection your chimney should receive. We can recommend the right level for your chimney. While we do not include a Chim-Scan video inspection with the basic Level 1 inspection, we do with every Level 2 and Level 3 inspections we perform.

You will need a Level 2 inspection if:

• You have updated your heating appliance, are buying or selling a home, are having your flue relined, or experienced a chimney fire.

The most extensive and invasive inspection is the Level 3:

• In addition to Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, there is Level 3. This level is recommended if the problem is still unable to be solved . Consequently, this level may involve the demolition of the structure of your chimney. However, we will always discuss the reasons why it is needed before we begin this inspection.

Ensure your chimney is free from damage, blockages, or other problems this winter. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about our Chim-Scan video inspection services!