Garden State Chimney Is a Trained & Qualified HeatShield® Resurfacing Provider
It’s a nice cool autumn evening. Right outside your window, bright vibrant colors swirl about in the breeze as the leaves fall from their branches. Sparked with sudden inspiration to enjoy a nice cozy fire, you approach the hearth and notice flecks of what appear to be hardened clay, almost like a small plant pot fell to its demise in your firebox. When you shine a light up into the flue, you find what must be your chimney liner, cracked and flaking off in pieces. No fire for you tonight.
While chimney liner damage is not always that obvious, operating a fireplace system with any level of liner inefficiencies is extremely dangerous. Fortunately, just because it’s damaged, doesn’t always mean that the only option is to tear out your chimney’s existing liner in order to replace it with something new.
Enter: HeatShield® repair systems – a restorative alternative for terracotta lined chimneys.
Here at Garden State Chimney, our chimney technicians are experts on all things chimney and fireplace. From HeatShield® installation to full masonry rebuilds, annual preventive services like chimney cleanings and level 1 and 2 inspections, our team is equipped to handle it all.
If you live in the Passaic County, NJ area and have been looking for just the right company to trust with all your fireplace and chimney needs, you can stop your search today. Get in touch with us through our website or give us a ring at 973-519-0802. We’d love to work with you.
How Does HeatShield® Resurfacing Work?
Honestly, that is a great question. It’s crazy, right? The way in which a deteriorating clay liner can be revitalized and restored with the application of a specifically designed and uniquely derived material… The result of combining a high-fire ceramic with a high heat- resistant refractory cement…
There’s no doubt about it – HeatShield® is a powerful sealant that not only repairs existing liner damage, but reinforces the strength of the entire structure. What’s even more incredible is the range of damage that can be repaired thanks to HeatShield®, based on the way in which it’s applied. Bill Nye was right, science absolutely does rule.
In order to understand how this product works, we must first understand when and what it is used for. That’s where the level of sustained damage comes in and determines which of the three HeatShield® resurfacing methods would be most appropriate.
For Mild Damage In Mortar Joints…
Considering the reliability of clay chimney liners – they are, after all, still one of the most commonly used materials – it’s possible that only the mortar joints have suffered damages. Nearly impossible to tell without first having your annual chimney inspection or sweeping service, if you’ve been informed that your liner’s mortar is beginning to crack and crumble, the HeatShield® Joint Repair service might be just the perfect one for you.
When doing a Joint Repair service, we create a special applicator blade to the exact dimensions of your chimney’s flue, and utilizing a pulley-type system from the top of the chimney, ensure that each and every mortar joint is sealed by the HeatShield® “Cerfractory®” material. This service ensures that every gap between tiles is completely filled so flue gases and the harmful exhaust created during combustion can’t leak out of the liner and waft back into your living space.
For Cracked and Spalling Flue Tiles…
The next level up, so to speak, is the HeatShield® Resurfacing System. Designed for liners that might have sustained a bit more damage and, as a result, have cracks and spalling happening within the tiles themselves (as opposed to between them), this method requires the entire flue to be coated, not just the mortar joints. Application is relatively similar to that of the Joint Repair, but also a bit more intense, since we have to be sure the chimney is properly cleaned and prepared before applying the actual sealant.
For a Resurfacing service, we set up the specially-made applicator and use it to apply a material meant to remove any remaining dust and other particles from the walls of the flue, so that when we go in with the actual sealant, it adheres properly. After we’re done, we use a special camera to ensure everything is properly repaired and laying smoothly.
For Intense Damage or Unlined Chimneys…
The third and final HeatShield® repair method is used when a liner has suffered serious damage and trauma or in the case of an unlined chimney. This application is called the CeCure Sleeve Relining System and, like the name suggests, it is more of a relining than a repair. Utilizing a combination of HeatShield®’s patented “Cerfractory®” sealant and a thin sleeve of ceramic-insulated stainless steel, this system creates that extra support for a weakened chimney.
Before & After Heatshield®
The most intense by far, this application process requires several steps and a whole lot of patience to ensure everything is done correctly. Essentially, this CeCure sleeve is sandwiched between two layers of the traditional HeatShield® sealant, which enforces the system much more holistically. And, of course, at the end, we’re sure to check it over using a camera, so we know that everything is properly sealed and ready to be safely operated.
This is a good time to note that just because you have a terracotta liner, doesn’t mean that your system inherently qualifies for a HeatShield® repair service. While they have the various methods to accommodate for a range in liner damage, some terracotta liners are too far gone for any restoration service and must instead be replaced by a liner alternative, like a stainless steel tube.
Are There Alternative Resurfacing Options To HeatShield®?
No, when it comes to having your chimney liner resurfaced, the only option out there is HeatShield®. However, there really isn’t any reason for there to be any resurfacing alternatives because HeatShield® products do such a great job. Look at it this way – if your chimney liner is eligible for a resurfacing service, HeatShield® is everything you need and then some.
It’s important to not confuse “resurfacing” with “relining,” though. If we’re talking about chimney relining options, then HeatShield® is not the only one. Clay liners might be one of the most common, but they are far from the only option when it comes to materials used to appropriately line a chimney. Metal is another commonly seen chimney liner because it is so easy to install and comes in many different kinds and alloys. Stainless steel is an excellent relining option, regardless of whether you have a prefab or traditional chimney system.
Are you worried your chimney liner might be damaged and want to know what your options are? We’re here to help. You can reach us through our website or call 973-519-0802 to speak with a talented member of our team.
What Are the Benefits of HeatShield® Resurfacing?
Provided it is an option for your chimney, there are a great deal of benefits to having your chimney liner resurfaced with HeatShield®:
- Surpasses the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and International Residential Code (IRC) requirements for a refractory mortar
- Proven to withstand moisture, noxious and corrosive gases, and extreme temperatures
- Can be used with all fuel types
- Derived from natural materials, resulting in an environmentally-friendly product
- More affordable alternative to tearing out damaged flue tiles or rebuilding your chimney
- The repair is covered under a lifetime warranty
Before & After Heatshield
How Much Does It Cost to Resurface My Chimney With HeatShield®?
If you’ve spent some time perusing our site, you’ve probably realized that we don’t have any of our prices listed anywhere. Why? Because we honor our customers and our reputation of providing good, honest work at a fair and affordable price, and because each chimney repair or regular maintenance service varies so greatly, we never wish to unintentionally provide false advertising.
However, we’re more than happy to talk pricing and estimates with you should you wish! We only ask that you reach out to us, so we can learn more about you, what you’re looking for, and what we might be able to do for you.
Want to learn more about HeatShield® and see if it might be a great option and work with your existing budget? Please feel free to contact us and ask away. You can get in touch by phone at 973-519-0802 or by filling out our appointment request form online.
Do I Have To Have My HeatShield® Repair Inspected & Maintained?
Absolutely. Just because it is no longer damaged and vulnerable does not mean regular maintenance is no longer required. HeatShield® may be inimitable in its overall quality and flue protecting properties, but as with any other chimney system, annual chimney sweeping and inspection services are necessary to ensure that everything continues to function as it should.
Remember, we’re still talking about a chimney here. And where there’s a chimney, there is fire. No matter what is lining your flue or how frequently or infrequently you use your fireplace, in order to ensure that your system is as safe as possible, it’s important to stay up to date on your regular, preventive services. Plain and simple.
Curious To Know if HeatShield® Will Work for Your Chimney?
If you think HeatShield® would be an excellent option for your chimney, we’d love to set something up. Learn why we’re the preferred chimney service provider in the Northern New Jersey area. Get started today by contacting us online or calling 973-519-0802. Let’s get that fireplace up and running just in time for fall!
Do you know whether your water heater or other utility flues need relining? The technicians at Garden State Chimney are expert at all chimney relining needs, so give us a call today.