Heatshield Flue Resurfacing

Over time, masonry chimneys deteriorate, due to water entry and freeze-thaw cycles. The stacked terra-cotta flue tiles which form the insulating flue liners for these chimneys eventually warp, crack, settle, or move, forming gaps between the tiles. These are potentially hazardous:

• Creosote can pass through the gaps between the tiles, and form unsweepable deposits outside of the liner.
• Heat can pass through the gaps and potentially affect combustibles outside of the flue.
• Exhaust gases can pass through the gaps and potentially affect air quality in the home.
• Uncombusted gas fuel can pass through the gaps and build up in pockets in the chimney.

Previously, the only solution to a damaged terra-cotta flue liner was to break out the old flue tiles and try to install new ones, a costly and time-consuming process. Today, Barnhill Chimney Company utilizes HeatShield relining technology to instead resurface these flues with heat-resistant ceramic/refractory cement, at a fraction of the cost.

While there are other options for chimneys with damaged flue liners, including wood stove inserts, direct vent gas inserts, or vent-free gas logs, the HeatShield reline is the only option which results in a traditional, open, woodburning fireplace. HeatShield can even be used to line a completely unlined chimney, such as those in older or historic houses.

HeatShield flue resurfacing has a 20-year manufacturer’s limited warranty, and some earlier installations are still going strong after 40 years.