by Mark Hudson | Jul 31, 2019 | Chimney Liner
The chimney liner is vitally important to the proper operation of a chimney system. Like human skin, the liner is one of the largest parts of the whole system and operates as a barrier that keeps the system working safely and properly. The liner keeps the heat of the fire in its place and prevents the gases and heat from traveling through the masonry and affecting the rest of the home as it rises out of the chimney. When there is damage to the liner, it can put your family and home at risk. The problem is, this type of damage is hidden from sight and may not be recognized right away. When liner damage is reported by a professional, it’s important to schedule a repair right away. When your chimney expert is Hudson Chimney of Jacksonville, Florida, you can count on a repair using HeatShield chimney products.
HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant
No matter how serious your liner damage, we can fix it using HeatShield Cerfractry Flue Sealant. This cerfractory technology combines the strength of ceramic with the heat resistance of refractory 
material, allowing your chimney professional to repair and restore your liner with an easy application of a specially-formulated hybrid product.
- The Test of Time – HeatShield was developed over 20 years ago and has withstood the test of time in the industry as well as actual factory-testing before the products hit the market. In fact, HeatShield has been tested against temperatures over 2900 °F. When you choose HeatShield you get a product that is safe for all fuel types, long lasting like a stainless liner, and one that restores the integrity of your chimney’s flue completely.
- Independent Certified Installers – HeatShield installers are certified and experienced using this product for your liner repairs and restorations. When you hire a professional HeatShield installer, he or she will be factory trained and will use specially designed tools to expertly repair your liner using the only cerfractory sealant on the market.
- Economical and Eco-Friendly – Made of recycled and naturally occurring materials, HeatShield is a cheaper alternative to replacing your entire liner. With this product, you can have the specific damage repaired only without damaging the rest of the liner.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty – No matter what your chimney needs, if we use HeatShield to repair or restore it, the product is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Joint Repair and Resurfacing with HeatShield
One of the most damaging things that can happen to your liner is that the joints can become riddled with gaps and cracks. When this happens you may find pieces of mortar or clay tile pieces in the fireplace. No matter how extensive the damage, we can restore the joints with HeatShield by placing the product in a custom applicator placed beneath each affected area. As we pull the custom foam blade upward, the product fills cracks and gaps. If the damage is extensive, this process can be used to resurface the entire flue from the bottom to the top, restoring the liner completely.
Using HeatShield products we can clean the flue, repair, resurface, and even reline the flue. Not sure what type of repair your liner needs this summer? Let us take a look. Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159 and we’ll get your flue fixed before fall.
by Mark Hudson | Feb 13, 2019 | Chimney Liner
Your chimney is important. It may be the largest system in your home. It changes the air pressure, can allow or stop drafts, adds heat and ambiance to your favorite spaces, and can even affect your breathable air. Your chimney is important to you, and it’s important to us too. Chimney professionals know the ins and outs of chimney science. We know things that homeowners don’t know, and we use that knowledge to prevent devastating fires and accidents. We want to help your chimney be the safest and most efficient system possible, and we do this by offering services and repairs that are absolutely essential. Liner replacement and repair is one service that is essential for chimney life and safety.
Your Chimney Liner
One of the most common problems with old chimneys has to do with the chimney liner. Liners may be clay, ceramic, or metal, and older liners may become damaged without you ever knowing. Although hidden from view, the liner is one of the most important parts of the chimney system. Like human skin, it covers a lot of area and is extremely durable because it is an important barrier. The liner should keep your fire, heat, and gases inside the chimney. Without a liner, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide can escape and poison your family. Carbon monoxide can cause permanent organ injury and even death. A cracked or damaged liner can also allow high temperatures to affect beams and other structural materials in your house. You might notice that your masonry is extremely hot to the touch, which is a liner problem. You may also notice pieces of ceramic or clay tile in the fireplace. This is also a sign of a damaged liner. Once a problem is recognized, it needs to be addressed before you use your fireplace again. Discontinue use and have the liner repaired by a professional.
Reasons to Replace a Liner
If the damage to your liner is extensive, it may need a full relining. Other reasons your liner may need to be completely replaced include:
-There is no liner in the chimney
-The liner is an old and badly damaged clay tile liner
-You are switching fuels and the current liner is not safe for use with your new fuel
-The flue needs to be resized to match the capacity of a new fire appliance.
At Hudson Chimney we can help you determine whether your liner needs a quick repair or a full replacement. We install stainless steel liners which are long-lasting and safe for all fuel types, and we also design and install custom liners in all sizes, shapes, and designs. Bring your old chimney up to new standards. Your chimney will work better and safer when you trust Hudson Chimney.
If you know you have a liner problem, contact Hudson Chimney to price your new liner or repair. Call us at 904-282-4159 today.
by Mark Hudson | Jan 28, 2017 | Chimney Liner
The interior of your chimney is often forgotten because the old adage is true: out of sight, out of mind. The chimney’s interior is used and abused all winter long and can become damaged from simple wear and tear, and the homeowner may never know. This is one reason that the yearly chimney inspection is vitally important. This is the only time a professional will look at your chimney from top to bottom.
What is a Liner?
The liner protects the house from the heat of your chimney. In an unlined chimney the heat can transfer from the chimney to structural combustibles. The liner also protects the chimney itself from the corrosive byproducts that exist in the chimney. Without a liner, the chimney is susceptible to erosion contributing to a shorter life. The liner is also essential to your fire’s ventilation. It is professionally installed so that it’s sized specifically for the capacity of the fireplace or appliance. This means that your masonry chimney can be used even if you change appliances and fuels. The chimney can be relined, but won’t require a rebuild.
Signs Your Chimney May Need Relined
- You’ve noticed water damage in your fireplace there is most likely damage to the flue liner. If there are water stains on the chimney’s masonry, it has most likely penetrated the liner.
- Seeing pieces of your clay liner falling into your fireplace then it needs to be relined. The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 211 requires that chimney liners be replaced if they are cracked, broken, or missing.
- If your liner isn’t appropriate for the type of fuel you’re burning, you need to get another liner installed. Stainless steel liners are the most durable, and appropriate for use with wood, gas, and oil burning fires.
- Purchase a new appliance or having your fireplace rebuilt you may need a new liner. The liner should be sized appropriately. Wood stoves and oil furnaces require a correctly sized flue to perform properly. If the chimney doesn’t vent properly you risk flue fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and decreased efficiency.
The Most Important Time to Have Your Chimney Liner Checked
The most important time to have your chimney liner checked is when you’ve purchased a new home. This is because you probably don’t know anything about your chimney. When you schedule a chimney inspection with a certified chimney sweep you can save money in the future. A chimney expert can catch flue liner damage before it becomes a serious fire hazard, and a chimney expert can repair minor damage without relining!
At Hudson Chimney our technicians are certified HeatShield® technicians. HeatShield® is a cerfractory flue sealant that combines the strength and durability of ceramic and concrete to resurface the chimney lining. It’s ideal for clay flue liners and is rated for use with all fuels. Even if your entire chimney needs relined, HeatShield® is right for you as long as your chimney is structurally sound. This relining process can be just what you need to avoid a complete relining or rebuild.
Hudson Chimney is Jacksonville’s chimney choice for over 30 years. We will put your chimney first every time. Contact Hudson Chimney today to find out how we can help you.
by Mark Hudson | Apr 7, 2016 | Chimney Liner, chimney maintenance
If you have an older masonry chimney, you most likely have a clay tile liner. While these liners are durable and long-lasting, the clay tiles do crack and break off over the years. Repairing clay tile liners can be costly and time-consuming, but, fortunately, there is another alternative. Hudson Chimney is proud to offer the HeatShield system to repair and reline clay tile liners. We have been certified by the company that manufactures HeatShield, so you can trust our skills, experience, and training to use this product properly and successfully. We are often asked about this relining system, so we would like to tell you more about HeatShield and how it can restore your chimney liner.
What exactly is HeatShield?
A specially created “Cerfractory” sealant, HeatShield was developed 20 years ago in Europe to restore your chimney to its original level of safety and efficiency. When your clay tile liner is damaged with cracks and gaps, it can be dangerous as these voids allow toxic gases like carbon monoxide to leak back into your home. An environmentally friendly product made from recycled and naturally occurring materials, HeatShield is a less expensive way of relining a chimney, compared to rebuilding your chimney or removing clay tiles to install a new liner.
How does HeatShield repair my clay tile chimney liner?
If Hudson Chimney determines that your liner simply needs repairing, we can use one of two HeatShield methods: the Joint Repair System, if only defective mortar joints are found, or the Resurfacing System, if you have both damaged mortar joints and other minor defects in the tile liner. With the Joint Repair System, we take a special foam applicator blade that has been customized to fit your chimney and place it down your chimney to position it below each gap or void. We then add the HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant mixture to fill in every void. Once the voids have been filled, we will pull the blade upward, which will smooth the repaired voids. The Resurfacing System is very similar, except we will use a customized foam applicator plug. This plug will be placed at the bottom of your flue and attached to a winch at the top of the flue. A primer is applied first, and then we will add the HeatShield mixture. As the plug is pulled up by the winch, the mixture will be smoothed to the right thickness. For both systems, the work will be checked by viewing the footage from the video camera at the bottom of the blade or plug. This ensures the repairs have been done properly.
How can HeatShield replace my liner?
If your clay tile liner is damaged beyond repair, Hudson Chimney can use the CeCure Sleeve Relining System. This process begins with a coat of HeatShield, which is applied with the same type of plug used in the Resurfacing System. Next, the CeCure Sleeve, which is a ceramic insulation sleeve that has been reinforced with stainless steel fabric, will be lowered into your chimney and attached mechanically to the top of the chimney. We then pull the plug down the chimney to press it into the first coat of HeatShield. Finally, another coat of HeatShield will be applied over the CeCure Sleeve. This procedure will also be video recorded and viewed afterwards to be sure the sleeve is in the proper place.
If your clay tile liner needs repairing or replacing, HeatShield can be the perfect solution. Contact us at Hudson Chimney to schedule an inspection of your clay tile liner today.
