OLD DOMINION CHIMNEY LINERS provides construction, repair and renovation of masonry chimneys and fireplaces in central Virginia. Offering stainless steel and cast in place lining systems.

OLD DOMINION CHIMNEY LINERS offers all types of chimney lining systems for masonry chimneys and fireplaces.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF A CHIMNEY LINER?
The chimney liner provides an extra layer of protection to help keep soot and creosote from being absorbed by the bricks and mortar used to construct your chimney. Clay tile liners extend above the sloped mortar crown above the brick chimney top. Clay tile liners started being used in chimney construction in the 1920's. Although clay tile is a poor choice of materials because it is porous, fragile and susceptible to smoke, fire and water damage, clay tiles do meet minimum building code requirements at this time and remain the construction standard today.

Older chimneys constructed without a clay tile liner should be lined, and any chimney with a damaged liner should be relined. Damaged clay tile liners can be due to multiple causes including poor construction, poor maintenance, age and deterioration or from sudden damages such as lightening and chimney fires.

In lining a chimney it is virtually impossible to retrofit a clay tile iner into the chimney and since clay tile is considered to be the least desirable material for this job, there are 2 primary methods of installing a chimney lining system into an existing masonry chimney. We offer both options because particular chimney problems may make one one the clear choice in a given situation.

STAINLESS STEEL CHIMNEY LINERS
Stainless steel chimney lining systems use stainless steel pipe in a variety of styles and sizes that are suitable for different types of chimneys. Stainless steel pipe can be rigid or flexible and is generally either round or oval. (Rounded chimney interiors promote the best draft and provide the optimum pathway for smoke to exit, in comparison to clay tile liners which are most commonly square or rectangular in our area). The stainless steel liner pipe is generally lowered into the chimney from the top and attached to a base support system within the chimney that is affixed from the bottom. Stainless steel chimney liners are suitable as an "all fuel" liner, meaning they are suitable to vent appliances burning wood, oil, pellet and gas. Coal burning chimneys may need an upgraded stainless steel alloy. Stainless steel chimney liners may be used on chimneys venting fireplaces, freestanding stoves and wood, oil or gas furnaces. After lining the chimney with stainless steel, the pipe is insulated to help keep the liner warm to improve draft and to protect combustibles surrounding the chimney casing.

AHRENS CAST IN PLACE CHIMNEY LINING SYSTEM
Ahrens is a cement-type material that is packaged in bags and prepared on-site. the Ahrens Chimney Technique system is suitable for use to reline a damaged chimney or as a lining system for an unlined chimney. Masonry chimneys - old and new - will benefit from Ahrens 2-Liner poured-in-place system. Ahrens is a proven solution to many masonry chimney problems, whether the appliances venting into the chimney GAS, OIL, WOOD or COAL. Only factory-trained technicians are approved to install Ahrens chimney liners, and very specialized knowledge and equipment are required to evaluate a chimney for this system and to perform the installation procedures.

Fireplace chimneys and smoke chambers can benefit from the Ahrens 2-liner system. Structural strength and a properly sized and well insulated flue will improve performance of the chimney protects structural areas of your home that are adjacent to the masonry chimney.

Installing the Ahrens liner is a 2 stage system. The first liner strengthens as a result of the special masonry mixture being mechanically forced horizontally into your existing chimney walls. The first liner fills every crack and crevice creating an interlocking bond for excellent insulation and proper flue sizing. The second liner cures to a thin, hard, glaze-like finish that seals and protects the first liner, helping the Ahrens liner to resist absorption of harmful acids or moisture. Because the second liner is very thin, it heats up quickly, minimizing condensation.

SMOKE CHAMBER LINING
Many lining/relining systems today are limited to the installation in the chimney only. Ahrens' versatility of application to solve a multitude of chimney problems provide the ability to also line the smoke chamber of a fireplace, the portion of the chimney which channels the smoke to the flue. Both research in chimney design and construction - and our experience in the field - confirm it's becoming more and more important to address the smoke chamber area of many fireplaces. The Ahrens System will add structural strength for fireplaces while providing extra insulation and a smooth surface that improves draft to channel the smoke to the flue. Smoothing the smoke chamber walls often provide greater heating efficiency while addressing poor performing fireplaces that smoke into the room.

AHRENS SOLUTIONS FOR CHALLENGING CHIMNEYS

Offsets in chimneys are a common occurrence. By controlling the cable the bell is guided through the turn. Proper placement of the guide pin will assure proper wall thickness of lining material.
Multiple flues in a single chimney are often best lined with cast-in-place chimney lining methods.With or without a brick partition wythe wall, multiple flue chimneys are no challenge. Providing there is adequate room in the chimney, there is no limit to the number of flues that can be installed simultaneously. We find the Ahrens method to be superior in many older homes with multiple flues using the same chimney, where bricks and mortar have suffered extensive deterioration.
Solving chimney sizing problems. Many chimneys are drastically oversized inside; Ahrens versatility enables us to partition the chimney and line one side, reducing material quantities, in turn reducing your cost. If the partitioning area is large enough, another flue can be installed at a later date if ever needed.
Solving clearance problems. Current building codes require combustible building material to be two inches from the chimney. Unfortunately many older homes have these materials actually touching the chimney with no clearance for heat to escape. The Ahrens System has been tested and listed for installation in chimneys with zero-clearance to combustibles to make your chimney safer.

OFFERING CHIMNEY SOLUTIONS
Old Dominion Chimney Liners is a company with vast experience in identifying problem areas of your chimney that could compromise the safety of your home and famiy. After identifying problem areas, we provide the right solution for your home and the functions you expect from your chimney system, which is to safely and efficiently vent deadly fumes from your house and to help prevent excessive buildup of creosote and other byproducts of combustion that can provide fuel for dangerous home fires. A properly performing chimney allows the appliance using it to operate at peak efficiency to save fuel costs, too.

Please give us a call today to inspect your chimney, or to help offer expert advice if you've already been advised of a chimney problem. We'll help provide the right solution! Serving central Virginia - call locally or toll free. You may also e-mail us a SERVICE REQUEST and we'll contact you at your convenience.