Chimney flue liner installation in Keene's Pointe

Three situations where insulation helps

One manufacturer lists three situations where an approved insulation wrap enhances the performance and life of the chimney. We explain which, if any, apply to your chimney before you decide, and whether insulation in your case is a requirement or a recommendation.

Insulation also changes the space the liner needs, so the decision comes before the route is proven, not after.

• An installation that must meet UL 1777 at zero clearance to combustibles
• A chimney located on the outside of the house
• Appliances expected to produce low flue gas temperatures

What you can check from the ground

From the yard you can often see whether the liner cap is still in place, straight and free of nests or debris. You do not need to climb.

If the cap looks damaged, loose or missing, or rust streaks appear on the masonry below it, let us know and we will check the top of the system. A quick look after strong wind is a good habit, and a note of what you saw and when helps us plan the visit.

Replacing an older metal liner

An older metal liner can corrode, separate at its joints or collapse, particularly if it was never suited to the appliance. Replacing it starts with understanding why it failed, so the new system avoids the same cause.

We remove the old liner, check the flue behind it and size the replacement to the appliance you use now. The old liner goes with us, and its removal is shown as its own line on the estimate.

Why a non-conforming chimney needs insulation

One manufacturer explains that UL 1777 requires insulation where a chimney does not conform to code, for example one with zero clearance to combustibles or another defect. A chimney that meets NFPA 211 construction requirements may not need it.

That is why we look at how the chimney was built before deciding on insulation, instead of adding it by default or leaving it out to lower a price.