Among the top decisions for the right kind of chimney or flue liner, an important one is to choose among the flexible and rigid liners. While the rigid liners have been in use traditionally, those with flexible designs have started gaining popularity in the past few years. Know how the two categories differ and which one is the better option for a new installation or for lining replacement.
Materials Used
Rigid chimney liners are made of clay tiles, cement as well as rigid metals. Flexible liners are usually made of flexible metals and alloys, the most popular one being the stainless steel. In the UK, Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) approve the grades for stainless steel flexible liners, some popular ones being 316 and 904.
Installation
Rigid flue liners are installed in separate sections or pieces, one after the other, adding to the installation cost as well as the time consumed. A chimney flexible liner on the other hand is installed as one continuous section which makes the installation process simple, easy, fast and less expensive.
Safety
Because flexible liners are installed as a continuous section, there are no joints from where the escaping gases and fumes can escape. This is one disadvantage that the rigid liners boasting of several joints suffer from. It has also been proven that flexible flue liners are less prone to chimney fires as compared to their rigid counterparts.
Maintenance
Creosote accumulation is an unavoidable situation inside the chimneys. However, the problem is significantly less daunting in the case of flues with flexible lining. It is because creosote usually falls off the lining due to continuous flexing. In other words, the process of expansion and contraction in the flexible designs leads to the self-cleaning mechanism which is not possible in the case of the rigid lining. It definitely means lower maintenance in the case of flexible lining solutions.
In addition, the flexible liners can be easily removed for the process of cleaning. Needless to say, one doesn't enjoy this particular advantage in the case of rigid lining installation.
Efficiency
When it comes to the efficiency of chimneys, a lot depends on the chimney draft, which refers to the pressure difference created inside the chimneys by the differences in the inside and the outside air temperature. With smooth wall interiors and other design factors, flexible liners are known to create better chimney draft which adds to the overall efficiency and performance of the chimney.
Durability
Stainless steel is one of the toughest materials known to the mankind. Flexible liners usually boast of double wall construction and with the right thickness to withstand various damaging factors. Moreover, the corrugated interlocked seam design adds to the strength of these liners.
It is clear that flexible liners for chimneys not just help to save a lot of money, but also add great value to the properties. However, it is important that you select the right kind of liner based on your needs and according to the recommendations from the experts.
Materials Used
Rigid chimney liners are made of clay tiles, cement as well as rigid metals. Flexible liners are usually made of flexible metals and alloys, the most popular one being the stainless steel. In the UK, Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) approve the grades for stainless steel flexible liners, some popular ones being 316 and 904.
Installation
Rigid flue liners are installed in separate sections or pieces, one after the other, adding to the installation cost as well as the time consumed. A chimney flexible liner on the other hand is installed as one continuous section which makes the installation process simple, easy, fast and less expensive.
Safety
Because flexible liners are installed as a continuous section, there are no joints from where the escaping gases and fumes can escape. This is one disadvantage that the rigid liners boasting of several joints suffer from. It has also been proven that flexible flue liners are less prone to chimney fires as compared to their rigid counterparts.
Maintenance
Creosote accumulation is an unavoidable situation inside the chimneys. However, the problem is significantly less daunting in the case of flues with flexible lining. It is because creosote usually falls off the lining due to continuous flexing. In other words, the process of expansion and contraction in the flexible designs leads to the self-cleaning mechanism which is not possible in the case of the rigid lining. It definitely means lower maintenance in the case of flexible lining solutions.
In addition, the flexible liners can be easily removed for the process of cleaning. Needless to say, one doesn't enjoy this particular advantage in the case of rigid lining installation.
Efficiency
When it comes to the efficiency of chimneys, a lot depends on the chimney draft, which refers to the pressure difference created inside the chimneys by the differences in the inside and the outside air temperature. With smooth wall interiors and other design factors, flexible liners are known to create better chimney draft which adds to the overall efficiency and performance of the chimney.
Durability
Stainless steel is one of the toughest materials known to the mankind. Flexible liners usually boast of double wall construction and with the right thickness to withstand various damaging factors. Moreover, the corrugated interlocked seam design adds to the strength of these liners.
It is clear that flexible liners for chimneys not just help to save a lot of money, but also add great value to the properties. However, it is important that you select the right kind of liner based on your needs and according to the recommendations from the experts.