Different Types of Liner – Focus on Furanflex
Furanflex Chimney Liners
Having established that your chimney or flue needs to be lined the next question is – which type of liner do I go for?
There are many different types of liner on the market made with lots of alternative materials. The main differences between the liners can be simplified into three variables – durability, longevity and price.
A relative newcomer to the market is the Furanflex thermosetting resin lining system. In laymen’s terms this refers to a liner that is supplied as a soft malleable material which can be inserted into a chimney and which is then steamed or ‘cured’ into a hardened structure that is resistant to heat and high temperatures.
If you are personally looking for chimney lining in Oxford then contact Turner Baker today on: 01432 839123
Furanflex Chimney Lining in Oxford
The Furanflex liner was introduced to the UK in 2010 following a rigorous testing programme to ensure that the product met UK standards. The product has been certified by BBA (British Board of Agrement see website here www.bbacerts.co.uk).
There are many benefits to using a Furanflex lining system. Firstly, the product is installed as a flexible tube. For properties with chimneys that have bends in them – and this is certainly the case for a lot of older properties – this is a great benefit.
The liner can be installed freestanding and it can mould to take the existing shape of the chimney which maximises the cross-sectional area of the flue. Various other lining systems are a set shape and may reduce the size of the flue which in turn affects performance.
Additionally, the Furanflex liner doesn’t adhere itself to the chimney and can therefore be easily removed if necessary. This makes it an ideal option for heritage properties with listing restrictions which won’t allow for permanent changes to the structure.
Applications of the Furanflex Lining System
The Furanflex lining system is guaranteed for 25 years. In the event of a chimney fire – systems such as stainless steel will need to be replaced before a flue can be used again. The Furanflex system is able to withstand very high temperatures – and in theory should be able to withstand a chimney fire. However, any flue that has suffered from a chimney fire should always be inspected along its length prior to being reused.
This system is available in a range of different diameters and lengths which makes it flexible to install – a solution can be found for most types of chimney.
The potential downsides of the Furanflex system are that it is slightly more expensive than other options available. Having said that, the 25 year guarantee gives the product a much longer life span than some other chimney lining systems, particularly stainless steel liners.
Also, the Furanflex lining system can only be installed by chimney professionals who have been trained to use the system and have the specialist equipment required to be able to install it. If you are a self-builder looking for a low cost solution that you can install yourself then the Furanflex system is not for you.
Furarnflex Lining Formats & Installation
Furanflex comes in two different formats – the Furanflex Black has been tested to 400 degrees Celsius and is suitable for all Decorative Fuel Effect type gas fires, gas and oil heating boilers – especially high efficiency and condensing applications, ductwork, pipes and re-sleeving applications.
Furanflex RWV has been tested to 1000 degrees Celsius and is suitable for solid fuel appliances and solid fuel open fires.
If you would like to see a video showing a Furanflex installation, please click through to the Furanflex page on the Turner Baker website here: http://turnerbaker.co.uk/linings-products/furanflex25/
The team at Turner Baker have all been trained to carry out Furanflex installations. We have been successfully installed them in residential properties, schools and businesses for the past four years.
If you would like more information on Furanflex, or if you are looking for a chimney lining company in Oxford, please contact us on 01432 839123.
Alternatively; please contact by calling any of our regional branches:
Cheltenham: 01242 649660
Shrewsbury: 01743 343544
Worcester: 01905 611663
Hereford: 01432 839123
Oxford: 01865 236763
Bristol: 0117 336 0470
Cardiff: 02921 151303
Leamington Spa: 01926 257404