Swede Chimney Sweep Chimney Flues

Swede Chimney Sweep

& Dryer Vent Cleaning

858-573-1672 619-466-1672

Email: office@swedesweep.com

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Masonry Chimney Flues

What is a chimney flue?

A chimney flue is the passageway inside the chimney that the smoke, heat and gases travel through before exhausting to the outside. It is important that the chimney flue be well insulated with an adequate lining material since it can be exposed to very high temperatures--especially in the case of a chimney fire.

Prior to the time around 1940, most standard chimneys were built with the thickness of a single layer of brick and a coating of limestone mortar (parging) being used to coat the inside walls of the chimney flue. With time, age and usage this material wears away.

Even in its best condition, this design is not well suited to stand the high temperatures of a chimney flue fire since heat can move through the brick chimney walls very quickly. It is referred to as an 'unlined chimney' and does not comply with building codes.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, 'Never use a chimney that does not have a liner or has a damaged or improper lining!'

This is the most common flue lining we find for a masonry chimney. It does an excellent job of protection, but if the flue tiles are cracked, the chimney is a MAJOR potential hazard to use.

A cracked lining needs to be repaired by a qualified chimney mason. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for the fireplace NOT TO BE USED if the lining is cracked!

This is a pumice flue lining, which is generally what is now being installed in a masonry chimney, and it also does an excellent job of protection.

The same guidelines do apply to this flue lining as those listed above.

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