Chimney Liner Kits

Evaluate your home, gather documents before storms

Plumbing

- Know how to shut off water lines in case of a leak in the house. Label the shut-off valve clearly; it’s the first valve where water enters the house.

- Strap your water heater (gas and electric ones) to studs in the wall or to the floor with heavy-duty metal strips to prevent gas leaks and possible fires from broken pipes. You can find strapping kits at home improvement stores.

Electricity

- Buy a portable, gas-powered generator for emergency electricity. Only appliances that can use extension cords should be attached to a generator. A 2,200-watt unit can power a refrigerator and several lamps. Keep fuel in a safe, protected container.

- Learn how to shut off the electricity: Turn off single breakers first, then switch off the main breaker.

To turn back on, switch the main breaker first, then the single breakers. On older panels, pull the main fuse blocks.

Gas

- All occupants should also know how and when to turn off the gas.

If you smell gas after a storm or other emergency, shut off the meter valve found at the first fitting on the supply pipe coming out of the ground.

Use a wrench to turn the valve either way until it is perpendicular to the pipe.

Keep a wrench attached to the gas meter with a wire.

Call the gas company to get service restored.

Structural safety

- Make sure your home is bolted to the foundation and the structure is properly reinforced.

- Check the roof, foundation, chimney and walls for cracks and overall condition. Contact trained contractors in your area for information on retrofitting.

- If you live in an apartment, know where your building’s utility controls are and how to use them.

Household items

- Place flashlights in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms. Keep a flashlight, spare batteries and sturdy shoes under the bed. (Shoes will protect you from broken glass and other debris on the floor.)

- Evaluate each room. Ask yourself: If the home begins shaking, what would fall? Secure appliances, bookshelves and hutches to wall studs. Mirrors should be hung on double hooks; do not lean them against the wall.

- Place heavy objects and electronic equipment on lower shelves. Use large Velcro patches or nonskid rubber shelf liners to help keep items in place.

- Place sand in the bottom of vases and other breakable items to help hold them down.

About Chimney Liners « Kayla's World

A chimney is a vertical structure incorporated into a building and enclosing a flue that carries off smoke. It is extended above the roof for venting hot flue gases or smoke from a boiler, furnace or any fireplace. All chimneys work on the same principle of something called an updraft. Some are as small as a two-inch pipe and others are very large. They all work the same way as long as certain conditions are met. The exterior portion of a pipe is usually rising above the house or building to operate safely. Many efficient furnaces require this appliance with precisely sized chimney liners.

Some flues are typically vertical to ensure that gases flow smoothly. The height of a flue is directly proportional to its efficiency. The height of the pipe plays a role in their ability to transfer gases at higher altitude without affecting the surroundings. It is traditionally built of bricks, but is now also built of other materials in newer buildings. It is the support structure for the flue. A chimney liner is a flexible metal insert that goes inside an existing pipe and as the name implies, it lines the chimney.

The liner is normally located in the appliance, heated by gas or oil through which smoke, heat and fuel by-products are expelled. The three primary types of liners are clay, metal and a version that is cast in place. Traditionally a liner is a clay tile insert that stops gases from leaking back into the house or any other building. It prevents brick and mortar pipes from overheating and potentially causing a fire.

This liner is one of the most important investments you can make to protect both your home and chimney. For new construction or a home renovation, the liner is almost universally required by government building codes. Both wood burning fireplaces and gas fireplaces produce a tremendous amount of heat and deadly gases. These can damage your appliance, fireplace or house or can make you sick. That’s why quality liners are one of the most required fireplace accessories that you can buy.

To install these liners within your appliance, you can hire a professional, although a chimney liner kit with installation instructions can also be very helpful and a great way to save money. It also helps prevent water from getting into the masonry work, where it can cause permanent damage to your pipe.

Article source: http://ezinearticles.

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