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The different types of flue liner in Birmingham
Flue liners in Birmingham – Recommended by Turner Baker
The space within a chimney is referred to as a flue. The main function of the flue is to release hot flue gas with any harmful chemicals that might be lurking to safely disperse into the atmosphere. One individual chimney can contain more than just one chimney flue. That is why you might often see houses with one chimney stack but several pots on top. Each one of these pots represents one flue. If you frequently use your flue for an open fire, stove or gas fire then keeping your flue liner in good condition is important for performance and health & safety. Flues in your home that are no longer being used should still be maintained correctly to avoid degradation.
A flue liner is, in simple terms a tube that fits inside a chimney or even within an existing chimney flue of an older property. Flue liners are available in different sizes and materials including stainless steel, pumice, silica polymer and thermosetting resin. Flue liners are now a legal requirement for all new build properties that have a chimney and must be designed in accordance with building regulations Document J. This requires a new property with a chimney to be suitably lined if it is going to be used for heating purposes.
Furanflex chimney liners
One of the newest additions to the chimney liner market is the Furanflex thermosetting resin lining system. In laymen’s terms, this is referring to a chimney liner that is supplied as a soft malleable material. This liner can be inserted into a chimney which is then steamed or ‘cured’ into a hardened structure and is heat resistant – performing well at higher temperatures. The Furanflex liner was introduced to the UK market back in 2010 after a rigorous and comprehensive testing programme to ensure that all variations of the product met UK standards. The product has since been certified for use by BBA (British Board of Agreement see the website here: www.bbacerts.co.uk.
Using a Furanflex lining system has many benefits when heating your home. Firstly, the product is installed into your chimney or existing liner as a flexible tube. This is ideal for properties with chimneys that have bends in them – and this is certainly the case with a lot of older properties. The Furanflex liner can be installed freestanding and can mould to take the shape of your existing chimney. This will maximise the cross-sectional area of the flue. This is a great perk when choosing a Furanflex system as various other lining systems are a set shape and often reduce the size of the flue which in turn affects overall performance. Also, the Furanflex liner doesn’t connect to the chimney and can be removed if required. This makes it a practical option for heritage properties that are restricted by building regulations that don’t allow for permanent changes to the building’s structure.
The Furanflex lining system has a 25-year guarantee for all properties. In the unlikely event that you experience a chimney fire – systems such as stainless steel will need to be completely replaced before a flue can be used again. Whereas the Furanflex system is able to withstand higher temperatures – and is far more likely to withstand a chimney fire. Regardless of your flue lining system, all chimneys and flues should undergo comprehensive inspection before they are used again.
Stainless steel flue liners from Turner Baker
The entry point into chimney and flue linings is stainless steel.
Stainless steel is available in either a flexible format (to accommodate for bends in the chimney or flue) or as a complete, rigid piece. The range of flexible stainless steel liners are supplied as one long individual piece whereas the rigid stainless steel is supplied in sections which are then slotted together. For all gas and oil appliances, including multi-fuel stoves, Turner Baker can provide a range of flexible stainless steel flue liners.
Should I choose a Stainless Steel Chimney Liner?
Positives
• Relatively inexpensive
• Can be installed as a freestanding unit either on the inside or outside of a property
• Can be used to refurbish existing flues
Negatives
• Short lifespan – many stainless steel liners are only guaranteed for 10 years
• Will not withstand any chimney fire
• Can corrode rapidly with the use of certain fuels
• Easy to damage on installation
Pumice Flue Liners from Turner Baker
Isokern Flue Pumice provides great insulation. This is one of the unique properties that separates pumice liners from all other chimney materials. The insulating properties of Pumice allow the flue gases in the chimney to optimal temperature at a faster rate, thus enabling the heating appliance (stove or burner) to reach an optimum temperature shortly after lighting.
Pumice also keeps the chimney warmer longer even after the heat output of the appliance decreases – once again aiding overall heating performance and reducing the likelihood of condensation and soot build-up.
DM (Double Module)
As a high-quality chimney system, the Isokern Double Module block system is commonly used in Scandinavia and parts of Europe. The double wall system maintains efficient flue gas temperatures while also preventing heat transference to the outer casing. Separating the inner and outer components also allows for effective thermal movement, reducing the risk of the liner cracking and subsequent leaking or staining. The Double Module is a simple and quick liner to build. Available in 3 outer casing sizes, the Double Module is ideally suited to new builds and used when constructing entirely new flues and chimney stacks.
Pumice Flue Liners
The Isokern flue liner range has over 17 different sizes to choose from. They can be used for new build properties, building extensions and even when relining existing chimneys.
For any enquiries regarding flue liners in Birmingham please call Turner Baker Ltd today on 01432 839123 if you are interested in any of these lining products and we will be happy to advise you on the system that is right for you.