In the Greater Milwaukee area, where the colder months increase demand for heating appliances, a properly lined chimney is a necessity. Whether your chimney serves a wood-burning fireplace, a gas stove, or any other liquid or fossil fuel heating appliance, it must have a liner. Not only does a chimney liner reduce fire and health hazards and improve efficiency, but it is also required to remain compliant with local building codes.
With options ranging from terra cotta and cast-in-place to stainless steel, choosing the best liner for your setup can be challenging. Our certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of chimneys, vents, and heating appliances in the Greater Milwaukee area, and they are here to help you select the best liner for your specific needs. Even if you own an older or historic home with an unlined chimney, we can assist you as well.
Why Every Chimney Needs a Liner
A chimney liner is a non-combustible protective layer installed inside the chimney flue. It serves three essential purposes that are critical for the safe and efficient venting of smoke and contaminants produced by heating appliances in your home.
- Protects the Masonry: Combustion byproducts, such as smoke, gases, and other particles, contain acidic compounds that can erode mortar joints inside your chimney. This gradual erosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stack. The liner helps keep these corrosive materials away from the masonry walls.
- Prevents Fires: An unlined or damaged chimney allows superheated gases and creosote to escape through cracks and gaps in the mortar, potentially igniting nearby combustible materials, such as framing or insulation, in the walls. The liner contains the heat and byproducts within the flue, so they exit the home at the top of the stack.
- Ensures Proper Draft: A liner must be of the correct size for the flue and heating appliance it serves, providing an optimal draft. A proper draft is essential for smoke and toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, to exit the home, rather than backing up into the living space.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Relining
A chimney liner’s condition can deteriorate from normal wear and tear, water damage, or a chimney fire. Watch for these common warning signs that your chimney may require relining:
- Clay Tiles in Firebox
- Cracked or Decaying Mortar
- Burning Odor
- Smokey Fireplace
Chimney Liners We Offer
Our certified technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of your chimney, assessing its condition and the type of heating appliance it serves. Based on this evaluation, they will recommend the best liner or relining option for your specific needs, budget, and chimney.
Stainless steel
We highly recommend stainless steel liners for new installations and relining. They are a durable, long-lasting, and versatile solution for chimney flues serving wood, gas, oil, or pellet-burning appliances. They are a popular choice due to their resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures.
HeatShield®
HeatShield is a cast-in-place cerfractory liner that quickly repairs damaged terra cotta liners, enhancing their durability without the expense of traditional liner replacement. Applied by our certified professionals, this process creates a UL-listed heat-resistant, seamless, and durable liner that seals all cracks and gaps, ensuring a smooth finish. It is also an ideal solution for relining historical and older chimneys.
Chimney Liners for Sale & Installation in Greater Milwaukee
Smoke Stacks is Milwaukee’s premier source for top-quality chimney liners, relining, and installation services for all fuel types. Our service area includes Oak Creek, West Allis, Franklin, Wauwatosa, and surrounding southeastern Wisconsin townships. We treat each customer like family, ensuring that every chimney liner repair and installation is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Family Pride. Exceptional Results.
