Is Your Liner in Need of Repairs? Consider Our HeatShield® Relining Options

So, you had your annual 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 need a big, expensive restoration job completed like you might assume.

Rather, if your clay liner isn’t too far gone, it may be a perfect candidate for HeatShield®.

What Is HeatShield®?

What exactly is HeatShield®?

It’s essentially a ceramic material that we can insert into any missing mortar joints or cracks throughout your system. If you’ve ever heard of the straw effect (just compare a broken liner to drinking through a broken straw), then that’s what HeatShield® is designed to address.

We’ll fill up the holes, so that air and fumes can effectively and seamlessly travel through your flue, rather than getting held up by any imperfections.

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. Then, the plug is pushed back down to press it firmly into place, and finally, another coating of the sealant is applied, locking everything into place.

When Will HeatShield® Not Work for Me?

There are some instances when HeatShield® will not work, although, rest assured, this isn’t very common. Basically, if you’re missing entire flue tiles, then another restoration option will be more appropriate for your chimney.

But if your tiles are still at least somewhat intact and aren’t completely missing altogether, then it’s likely HeatShield® will be an option you can explore.

Not Sure if HeatShield® Will Work for You? 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 and get the liner restoration option that’s best for your needs and budget!

Firebox repairs are an important part of our chimney relining skills and expertise, so ask us for details.