Do I Need To Insulate My Chimney Liner?

You don’t need to insulate your chimney liner; however it is a beneficial investment. For some ordinances, it may be required due to the safety code. However, this isn’t necessarily the case for all situations. Regardless of safety code regulations, though, it may be the best decision for your household. 

Let’s take a closer look at why insulating your chimney liner could be a good choice. 

Should I Insulate My Chimney Liner?

One of the biggest drivers to insulating your chimney is if you’re dealing with chimney draw issues. When the flue isn’t insulated, it stays cool, and smoke struggles to rise properly. Not only does this negatively impact your fireplace’s efficiency, but it can also turn into a safety issue. Acting quickly is important — without insulation, creosote can build up faster than normal, and you might even see early corrosion inside your chimney.

But even if you’re not noticing any immediate problems related to draw or increased creosote, there are other situations where insulation could make a big difference.

Do you have a…

Chimney on an exterior wall?

If your chimney runs along an exposed wall, it’s more affected by the temperature outside. Unlike a chimney surrounded by the warmth of your home, an exterior chimney doesn’t have much help staying warm. Insulating your liner helps prevent heat loss, improves your draft, and cuts down on buildup inside the chimney.

Large chimney diameter?

If you downsized from a large, open fireplace to a smaller, efficient stove? That may leave you with a flue liner that’s much smaller than the chimney itself. The extra space allows temperatures to drop, which affects performance. Insulating the liner helps hold in the heat and keeps your system running efficiently.

Tall chimney?

Very tall chimneys can have their own challenges. As smoke rises, it cools — and if the chimney is too tall, it can cool too much before it exits. This impacts the draft and can lead to poor performance. Adding insulation helps maintain a steady temperature all the way up.

If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, it may be time to seriously consider insulating your chimney liner. If you’re on the fence or unsure about the best path forward, it’s likely time to chat with a chimney professional for advice.

Need Assistance with Chimney Liner Insulation? Call Twin City Today

With so many components in a fireplace, it can be overwhelming to keep up with all repairs, but they can be a simple fix for the professionals. Twin City is a full-service, family-owned fireplace company with locations in Edina and Woodbury, MN. Our staff is highly experienced and knowledgeable and will make sure your chimney is in the best shape possible, fixing any cause of excess smell.

We specialize in the sale, service, and installation of gas and wood-burning fireplaces for indoor and outdoor spaces. We’re also licensed general contractors, gas fitters, and skilled masons to give you a seamless experience from the first call to the finished installation.