Is Your Liner in Need of Repairs? Consider HeatShield® Relining Options With English Sweep!

Some people prefer summer with the warm sun kissing their skin and an aura of youthfulness that pervades all else. Others like the smell of rain and the gift of rebirth that comes after the last of the dreary cold gives way to spring.

But not you. The cool crisp air of autumn turns you into an absolute fall fanatic. It’s the time of year to focus on the simpler things in life like cozy blankets and hours spent relaxing in front of the fireplace. You look forward to it every year, even the prep, especially when it comes to your hearth – ensuring that all the preventive maintenance is checked off the list and out of the way well before the burning season begins in order to not miss out on a single second of fire burning bliss.

So, you had your annual chimney inspection and got some bad news – your liner is in pretty bad shape. This isn’t ever something homeowners want to hear, but it doesn’t always mean you’re in need of a big, expensive restoration job, either. Yes, it requires timely attention and a certain level of repair work, but, provided your clay liner isn’t too far gone, it may be a perfect candidate for HeatShield®, a repair system designed to reinforce your liner walls so you can get back to properly enjoying your favorite time of the year.

If you’re a homeowner in the greater St. Louis, MO area, there is no one better to trust with such a service than English Sweep, Inc. From routine annual services like chimney cleanings and inspections to full system rebuilds and HeatShield® chimney repairs, our team is capable of handling it all.

You can schedule an appointment by filling out our online form or by giving us a call at 636-225-3340. We’re here to help with anything relating to your fireplace, chimney, or other hearth-related needs.

What Is HeatShield®?

So, what exactly is HeatShield® and how does it work to restore an existing clay tile liner?

Essentially, it’s a special curated blend of ceramic and refractory materials – appropriately coined “Cerfractory” – we can insert into any missing mortar joints or cracks throughout your system. Since chimney liners are essential for the entire system to function, HeatShield® aims to restore the tiles already in place as a way to maximize resources and offer an alternative to complete liner replacement for those with traditional brick chimneys. If venting a fireplace through a cracked or otherwise damaged and broken flue liner is like drinking through a broken straw – possible, but inefficient and not ideal – HeatShield® offers a unique solution to a dangerous problem.

We’ll fill up the holes, cracks, and gaps so that air and fumes can effectively and seamlessly travel through your flue, rather than getting held up and dispersing back into your home.

Is HeatShield® Chimney Resurfacing a Cost-Effective Alternative To Rebuilding a Chimney?

Oh, absolutely! Considering the lifespan of some of the harder-to-reach areas and elements within a chimney structure, we’d likely not do anything but completely rebuild chimneys for a living if there weren’t other repair options! Rest assured, if something is wrong with your liner or some other component, it’s rare that it will require a complete rebuild. Thanks to innovation and modern technology, there is so much we can do to work with your existing chimney that will be much quicker, easier, and more affordable than knocking the whole thing down and starting over.

Whether your clay liner is a candidate for any of the three HeatShield® applications or you’d rather replace it with a stainless steel chimney liner, more often than not, you’ve got more affordable options than rebuilding. That said, we will always be upfront with you if we believe you are in need of something more drastic than a “simple” restoration or part replacement. At English Sweep, you never have to worry about being taken for a ride – when it comes to any of the services we offer or especially our prices. Interested in more information about HeatShield® chimney repair systems and if they’d work for you? Give us a call at 636-225-3340 or reach out online to get in touch with someone from our team. We’d love to answer your questions so you can feel confident in your relining options.

Exploring Your Options With HeatShield®

There are three main routes you can take with HeatShield®: the Joint Repair System, the Resurfacing System, and the CeCure® Sleeve Relining System. Here’s some info on each.

• Joint Repair System: If damage is sporadic or sparse, we can use the joint repair system. With the joint repair system, we’ll start by making a foam applicator blade that is customized to your flue. This goes below the gaps and holes in your chimney, then the HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant mixture is added on top of the deteriorated areas. The mixture fills in the voids, and is smoothed out when we pull the applicator blade over the surface.
• Resurfacing System: For more extensive damage, there’s the resurfacing system. The resurfacing system also utilizes a custom-made applicator plug. Yet, rather than use it to merely fill any holes present, it’s placed at the bottom of the flue, then pulled up with a winch to apply a ¼ inch thick layer of HeatShield® to the entire interior chimney surface. After everything is completed, cameras will be used to verify that your system is sealed and looking good. This is most appropriate for chimneys that are mostly sound with some spalling or cracking throughout.
• CeCure® Sleeve Relining System: Is your system more significantly damaged or not even lined at all? Then, consider the CeCure® Sleeve. Again, that foam applicator plug will be put to use and placed at the bottom of the flue. We then pull it up as we apply the HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant. After this, the CeCure® Sleeve (a thin, ceramic insulation sleeve that’s reinforced with stainless steel) is lowered into the chimney and securely attached to the top of it. Finally, the plug is pushed back down to press it firmly into place, and another coating of the sealant is applied, locking everything into place.

Are There Any Maintenance Requirements After My Chimney Has Been Resurfaced With HeatShield®?

Other than maintaining a regular preventive service schedule, no, there is nothing specific (or out of the ordinary, normal requirements) you need to do for your newly resurfaced liner. The HeatShield® sealant may be durable and designed to last a lifetime, but that doesn’t mean it is immune to creosote accumulation, animal intrusion, water entry, or any of the other issues that commonly plague chimneys. It’s just as important as before the HeatShield® resurfacing to keep up with annual cleanings and inspections to ensure the flue remains clear of blockages and other potential inefficiencies.

Other questions? Comments? Concerns? Whether it’s specifically related to HeatShield® resurfacing products and applications or not, we encourage you to reach out to us. We know firsthand how overwhelming all of this can seem and are always happy to provide as much information as we can. Reach us by phone at 636-225-3340, or fill out this appointment request form and someone will get back to you at their earliest convenience.

When Will HeatShield® Not Work for Me?

There are some instances when HeatShield® will not work, although, rest assured, this isn’t usually very common. Unless your terracotta clay liner is missing entire flue tiles or really large chunks of them, your system should be an excellent candidate for a HeatShield® flue sealant product – that’s why it comes in more than one application method!

If, however, your liner is missing whole tiles, you’ll more than likely need to consider looking into alternative options, like replacing the clay liner with one made of metal. At English Sweep, we’re in favor of stainless steel due to its longevity and durability. But, don’t worry. We’ll go through all of that before you have to make any final decisions so you can be sure to weigh your options.

Not Sure if HeatShield® Will Work for Your Chimney? Call Us for Guidance & Book Your Appointment

When it comes to relining work, you clearly have a lot of options. Fortunately for those living in St. Louis and the towns surrounding, our experts are here to help. We have a large number of Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified sweeps on our team, and company owner, Gregg Boss, is the only CSIA Master Chimney Sweep in the state. We’re certain we have answers to any relining-related questions you have!

Call 636-225-3340 today or book your appointment online and get the liner restoration option that’s best for your needs and budget.

Once you realize the importance of chimney relining, you may want to consider relining with stainless steel. Ask us for details.