Relining a chimney can be a daunting task but if not if you were to follow the right steps. Not only that relining your chimney is important for the safety of your family members as well. Plus, you should also be aware of the local building codes in order to reline your chimney without facing any legalities. This is why homeowners leave this to chimney contractors who perform these things on a daily basis. Let’s take a look into how you can reline your chimney the right way.

Step 1: Take Correct Measurements

The first step of the chimney relining process is taking correct and accurate measurements so that you know what type of liner to buy along with the tools you are going to need. To begin measuring, measure at least 1’ above the chimney down to the point where the appliance will be connected. This measurement will give you the length of the pipe you will need to buy to line the chimney.

Once you have measured the length of the pipe, you need to go ahead and purchase a premium quality liner kit. Keep in mind that a liner is one of the most important components of a chimney. So, you will need to spend some cash instead of opting for cheap, low-quality liners that won’t last a year.

And make sure the liner kit comes with all the necessary components you will need to properly install the liner.

Step 2: Attach The Connector To The Appliance

After taking out the liner from the package, the next step is to attach the connector to the appliance. Your liner kit might include a regular appliance connector or a tee connector. Tighten the hose clamp on the connector to the liner itself. However, make sure that you do not over-tighten the clamps as they could damage the liner.

Moving on, you should measure the chimney liner insulation. Keep in mind that the liner insulation should be a minimum of 1/4” and should cover the entire length of the liner. Determine the width of the insulation wrap you will be needing. Once you are done measuring, lay down the insulation wrap with the foil inside facing the ground and placing the liner in the center.

Next, use an adhesive spray and wrap the insulation around the chimney liner. The spray will prevent the insulation from slipping.

Step 3: Secure The Insulation With Wire Mesh

Now that the insulation is done, use foil tape at the seam. Next, you will be needing a wire mesh to secure the insulation. The reason is that the wire mesh will prevent the insulation from tearing as the liner system is dropped down the chimney. Then, unfold the mesh and use the clamps provided to attach it to one end of the liner. Continue lowering the mesh until it fits and attach hose clamps to the opposite ends.

And now that you have ensured everything is secure and tight, the liner is ready to be dropped into the chimney.

Step 4: Drop The Liner Into The Chimney

Finally, it is time to drop the liner into the chimney. This is the most important part of the process and will require additional helping hands as well. At the same time, you should also wear safety equipment as handling such a large pipe could be dangerous. To make things easy, you might want to attach a pulling cone at the bottom of the liner so that it pulls through instead of simply dropping it down through.

How To Tell If You Need To Reline Your Chimney?

If your chimney does not have a liner, you will need to get one as soon as possible. Some states like Chicago make sure properties have chimney liners, otherwise punishing homeowners via fines. One of the most common signs that you need a chimney liner is that you will notice your chimney walls deteriorating at a faster than normal pace.

If the chimney liner is not working properly, there will come a time when you will need chimney tuckpointing or brick replacement to restore the area. Furthermore, condensation problems also point toward a chimney needing a new liner. If you find moisture in your chimney, it means you don’t have a good situation in hand.

Remember, moisture is a chimney’s biggest enemy and you will need to protect it at all costs by offering regular maintenance.

Final Word

Concluding, chimney relining is an intimidating process at first. However, if you were to follow the steps mentioned above, you are likely to come out successful. But if you are not willing to do it on your own, hire chimney relining services Columbia MD who will get it down in a matter of hours.