CRACKED FLUE TILES? A STAINLESS LINER MAKES THE CHIMNEY SAFE AGAIN.
Most chimneys in the Gallatin Valley are lined with terra cotta tile. It is a good material, and it does not last forever. Heat cycling, freeze-thaw, water and the occasional chimney fire crack it — and once a tile is cracked, the flue no longer contains what it is supposed to contain. We find this constantly during inspections. It is the single most consequential defect we report.
SIGNS WE LOOK FOR
Cracked, spalled, gapped or missing tiles. Tile fragments in the firebox or cleanout. Gaps at mortar joints between tiles. Staining or deterioration on the exterior masonry. Draft or smoke problems that were not there before. Most of it is only visible on camera — a Level 2 inspection is how our certified technicians confirm it.
WHY STAINLESS STEEL FOR A WOOD FIRE
A wood fire runs far hotter than gas, and a wood-burning flue has to tolerate the temperatures of a chimney fire. A stainless steel liner is built for exactly that: it is listed for solid fuel, it installs in a day, and it comes with a long manufacturer warranty. Insulated properly, it also drafts better than the tile it replaces — which means less smoke, less creosote and a cleaner burn.
WHAT ABOUT FURANFLEX?
FuranFlex is the cured-in-place composite liner we also install. Both options exist for relining a masonry chimney, and we recommend one per chimney at the assessment — the flue, the appliance and the condition decide it. Read about FuranFlex →
WHAT IT COSTS
Every chimney is different — height, flue size, offsets and access all matter. We measure and quote before any work starts. After the assessment is complete, you will be provided a multi-page industry standard report.
BOOK A CAMERA INSPECTION
Call or text (406) 629-2936.