Clay liners that cover the inside of your chimney flue are called flue tiles. They insulate your chimney against fire hence keeping it drawing and in proper operation. There are times when the chimney flue can get too hot hence end up cracking. In such occurrence, the tiles should be repaired immediately. There are various methods of repair but in any case, a professional is recommended for the replacement.
Cast-In-Place Liner
Flue tiles can be profoundly damaged, or even some may not be available meaning that they are missing. At this point getting a new flue liner can be a better option. So as to fully fill the sides of the duct with mortar, a cast-in-place liner is the best. It creates a stable coating that is smooth and without cracks. It is the best, especially if the flue looks weak due to tiles that could be cracked.
Isolated Cracked Flue Tile
There are instances when just one flue tile can be cracked. If this tile can be reached from the chimney top, then it’s only best that it is removed and replaced. Using a hammer, break the old tile into pieces. Once the tile is broken, it’s easy to pull it with your hand. Using chimney cement or mortar, fix the new flue pipe in place. The tile will be held securely after just a few days when the cement dries.
Widespread Cracking
Some tiles can be cracked in your flue. If most of them are not in a bad condition, then they can be repaired. With the use of 7 and the performance of strength exercises new mortar that seeps into the cracked area, the whole chimney is resurfaced. A piece of foam is pulled upward through the chimney with the use of a winch. Tightly, the foam fits the sides of the flue and evenly spreads in the whole chimney sealing any cracks.
Stainless Steel Liner
Dropping a stainless steel liner down the chimney is another great way to repair many cracks in a St. Louis chimney. The liner is lowered into place once the inside of the flue is fully insulated. A damper is used to join it. With a stainless steel liner, there is no need to break the old tiles as it covers and repairs all the cracks. The liner cannot crack since it is just one piece. Furthermore, no crack can harm the operation of the chimney as it fully covers them.