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Why Chimney Flue Tiles Crack

Fireplaces are a beautiful fixture for homeowners, but some don’t recognize the work and care that is necessary to go into it. One somewhat common issue that homeowners experience is cracks in the flue tiles. Not sure why or how this happens? Let’s take a look at this and how you can prevent any future damage.

Chimney Tiles in Tilton, NHWhat are Chimney Flue Tiles?

All chimneys are legally required to have a liner. Some chimneys use stainless steel liner, but some use a clay tile liner. If yours has a clay tile liner, they’re more apt for cracks and damage over time. Clay tile liners were popular for a while because they are less expensive, but they aren’t as durable either. 

How Do The Tiles Crack?

There are a few reasons that cause cracks in liners, specifically clay tile liners. The most common one is uneven heat distribution. Clay doesn’t allow for even heating because it doesn’t absorb heat as efficiently as stainless steel or other liner material. This can lead to buckling and cracking if it gets bad or repeatedly exposed to uneven heating. Alternatively, if there is major structural damage to the chimney overall, it can cause the tiles to break down too. Built up creosote can also be heavily acidic and eat away at the liner causing it to crack eventually. 

What Is The Risk of Damaged Clay Chimney Liner?

The biggest risk of a damaged liner is a serious house fire. The liner works to prevent your home’s building material from excess heat. So, if that is compromised, it can cause that flammable material to catch fire and spread throughout your home. It’s an easily preventable risk but requires regular input from chimney professionals. 

There are a few other risks that are less common. Those are:

  • Less Efficient Fires: If the chimney liner isn’t operating as it should, there is not an efficient draft as expected. It can also lead to more smoke and gases, leading to an overall less enjoyable fire. 
  • Structural Damage: With the lack of a liner, gases and acids can slowly break down the masonry from the inside out. It can cause structural damage in the long term.
  • Carbon Monoxide: Known as the silent killer, the smell-less has can be very dangerous for your household. The chimney liner plays an important role in drawing gas and fumes up and out your fireplace efficiently. It’s important to maintain this flow as it can cause very serious health issues if neglected. Always make sure that your carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. 

Chimney and fireplace repair, flashing and chimney cap repair in New Hampton NH andDamaged Chimney Liner? Call Fire N Stone Today

Fire N Stone is a full-service chimney service that can help if you have a damaged chimney liner. We’re the local, trusted team to call for assistance. No matter the severity of your spalling, our experts can handle it. We also support our clients with routine chimney maintenance, masonry repair, or even outdoor kitchen installation. We never subcontract our work, which means you work with the same trusted team the entire time. Contact us today!