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Cast Masonry vs. Stainless Steel Chimney Liners

If you are restoring your chimney, your contractor has probably offered you two choices in chimney liners. The two most widely used chimney liners are cast masonry and stainless steel and it is important to understand both types. There are vast differences between the two, so it is vital to understand these points when making a decision as important as this.

Heatshield Chimney Liner

First off, stainless steel chimney liners have a varying degree of quality, so your contractor needs to install the top of the line model. All stainless steel will eventually wear out because of the heat that is produced from fireplaces. However, the rate in which they corrode is firmly dependent upon the quality of the stainless steel.

Cast masonry, on the other hand, does not have this issue with corrosion and it lasts much longer than stainless steel does. Those who are looking for a quick fix and who do not care about the lifespan of their chimney liner should choose steel. For the more quality, longer lasting type of chimney liner, then it is wise to go with the cast masonry instead.

In addition, insurance companies look at chimneys differently than a contractor does and sees stainless steel as an upgrade. Even if the replacement is necessary, only cast masonry is covered by most insurance companies, which is another bonus. Stainless steel would have to be paid for by the homeowner rather than the insurance company and most homeowners cannot afford this expense.

Therefore, when it comes to cast masonry or stainless steel chimney liners, the best option is the cast masonry for more reasons than just one. If a homeowner is insistent upon stainless steel, do not expect an insurance claim to be approved. Only cast masonry has the long life that homeowners prefer and the replacement is covered by insurance.

Better Have That Dryer Vent Cleaned

Almost 15,000 home fires are attributed to clothes dryer vents every single year in the United States alone. Clogged with lint, exhaust ducts are unable to vent the heat generated during the drying cycle, causing sparks which then set fire to the highly flammable lint that has accumulated over time. Additionally, gas powered dryers may emit carbon monoxide, which is highly toxic and may even be fatal.

Have your dryer vents cleaned regularly

Warning signs that a dryer vent is clogged include dryer tops that feel hot to the touch while operating, excessive lint on clothes, clothing that feels unusually hot when it comes out of the dryer, drying time that exceeds what is normal, and a dryer that keeps shutting off. Any of these is an indication of lint buildup in the vent. Additionally, the dryer vent can be equipped with a warning device that alerts homeowners to the accumulation of lint.

There are a few simple steps that can be taken to eliminate the buildup of lint. The lint screen should be cleaned after every load and the area behind the dryer needs to be regularly cleaned. Even the area around the dryer should be kept free of clutter, and space should be left between the dryer and the wall. In addition, the vent duct should carry the exhaust stream out of the house and away from decks, porches and window wells. Both the dryer vent and the exhaust duct need to be cleaned regularly, and accordion-style duct materials should be replaced with semi-rigid metal.

Foil and plastic ducts easily form kinks and ridges where lint can accumulate. If there is a screen at the end of the duct, this too may become clogged with lint and should be regularly checked and cleaned. The more bends in the ducting, the more likely it is that lint will get trapped.

Beyond the safety hazard posed by clogged dryer vents, they also result in higher energy bills and the wastage of dwindling energy resources. Longer running times also add to the wear and tear on a dryer, reducing its lifetime by as much as half. Whether the issue is home safety or environmentally sound practices, a clean dryer vent is essential to peace of mind.

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