A fireplace is a lovely asset to any home, but your fireplace is only as good as the maintenance you provide. Not only does fireplace maintenance affect the functionality of the fireplace but it can also affect its safety. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, fires in fireplaces can reach temperatures higher than 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your chimney in good shape can keep your home safe from harm when you have a roaring fire, and that includes having your chimney relined. Let's learn more about chimney relining below.

What's a Chimney Liner?

The main function of the chimney liner is to prevent accidental fires. The material used for your chimney is fire resistant but the chimney sits right up against the rest of your home, so the heat from the chimney can transfer and cause a fire. A liner will limit the amount of heat transfer that takes place keeping your home safer.

A chimney liner can also help to prevent damage to your masonry. The bricks used in your chimney are porous and the chemicals that are produced through burning wood can start to eat away at the mortar that's used in the bricks. This could result in damage to the bricks and carbon monoxide leaks into your living spaces. Here are just three signs that you might need chimney relining services.

1. Deterioration

Another sign that you need a chimney relining is if you notice that the walls of the chimney are deteriorating. Chimney walls will deteriorate over time; however, if you notice this happening faster than usual, you probably need a new liner.

2. Condensation

Lack of a liner or a poorly functioning liner will also cause condensation issues. You want to avoid the build-up of water or moisture in your chimney. Any build-up of water or moisture can lead to water damage. A quality chimney liner will help to fight off this moisture and prolong the life of your chimney.

3. Conversion

If you plan to convert your fireplace from gas to wood-burning, you'll definitely need to have a liner installed. A gas fireplace doesn't need a liner but a wood-burning fireplace does. Be sure to talk with the professionals about completing this important step.

These are just a few signs that you need chimney relining services. To learn more, contact our team at Allphase Masonry & Chimney Service today! We're happy to answer all your questions.