What Is HeatShield? Do I Need It?
If you have an older masonry chimney, chances are you have a clay tile liner inside the flue. While clay tile liners are durable, they do not last forever. Because they are ceramic, these tiles cannot evenly distribute the heat that occurs when the temperature rises rapidly when a fire is burning. This uneven heating causes the tiles to expand at different rates, and this makes the tiles to crack and break apart. Once the clay tiles begin to deteriorate, the rest of the tiles are at risk of becoming damaged, which can cause your chimney to not work safely. Any cracks, gaps, or voids in a clay tile liner can lead to carbon monoxide leaks as well as residential fires. A couple of decades ago, the cost of replacing clay tiles was exorbitant because of the labor involved as parts of the chimney will need to be rebuilt. Many homeowners had to have stainless steel chimney liners installed to make their chimneys safe again. Fortunately, CeCure Chimney Systems developed a revolutionary product about 20 years ago called HeatShield as a new way to reline a clay tile liner. Santa’s Friend Chimney Service is proud to have chimney technicians who have been trained and certified to use HeatShield when relining chimneys, and we would like to tell you a bit more about this option.
What exactly is HeatShield?
A specially formulated “Cerfractory” sealant, HeatShield can restore your clay tile liner to be able to vent away hazardous and toxic flue gases by eliminating the dangers of cracks, gaps, and voids in the flue. If you have an older masonry chimney with a clay tile liner, you need HeatShield to repair or restore your old liner. An economical way to repair damaged clay tiles, HeatShield does not require any rebuilding of your chimney. If only the mortar joints in your flue have deteriorated, Santa’s Friend Chimney Service can use HeatShield’s Joint Repair System to fill in the damaged mortar joints to prevent further damage. If you also have cracked or spalled clay tiles, we can use HeatShield’s Resurfacing System to coat the entire flue and make it safe to use again.
Why should I choose HeatShield?
This product is extremely durable because the formula is a combination of ceramic and refractory materials that withstands moisture, toxic and corrosive gases, and temperatures over 2900 degrees Fahrenheit. HeatShield actually goes above and beyond the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Residential Code (IRC). If you are concerned about how long this type of liner will last, a 20-year warranty is included with your HeatShield services. As we mentioned above, HeatShield is an economical solution to repair and restore a clay tile liner. If you are concerned about the environment, you will be glad to know that this formula is created with recycled and naturally occurring materials to give you a green option for relining your chimney.
If it has been quite some time since your clay tile liner has been in use, you most likely need HeatShield. Contact us at Santa’s Friend Chimney Service to find out more about this chimney relining option.