Sealing Your Chimney With HeatShield: Why It’s Effective

Does your chimney liner need some repair work? In our Houston market, especially, mortar joints tend to get worn away quickly, leading to products of combustion – like soot and sparks – escaping into areas of your home.

If this is the case for you, HeatShield may be the answer you’re looking for. HeatShield fills those holes and seals the flue, leaving your chimney with a hole at the bottom and a hole at the top with no holes in between – just like it should.

Questions? Give us a call or reach out online today – we’re here for you.

What Is HeatShield?

We tell customers to think of their chimneys like giant straws that pull smoke straight up and out of your home. If there are gaps or holes present, smoke will escape through this on its way up and out. If you’ve ever tried drinking through a straw with holes throughout it, then you know how inefficient it can be…your chimney is no different.

HeatShield is a specialized product designed to repair and restore the integrity of chimney flues by sealing gaps, cracks, and deteriorated mortar joints in masonry chimneys. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing dangerous gases, smoke, and sparks from escaping into the home, while also helping to improve the chimney’s overall efficiency.

What does HeatShield protect against?

  • Exposure to harmful and poisonous chemicals 
  • Loss of heat production/system inefficiency
  • Risk of chimney fires

What Are the Consequences of Using an Unsealed Chimney?

Check out these potential real-life scenarios for those who ignore chimney liner damage:

  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A family of symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, includes headaches, dizziness, and nausea. The cause was traced back to a cracked and unsealed chimney liner that was allowing dangerous gases to leak into the home.
  • Chimney Fires: A homeowner noticed a strong smell of smoke inside the house, which led to the discovery of a small chimney fire. The fire was caused by creosote buildup in an unsealed chimney that had not been properly maintained. The fire damaged the chimney structure and could have spread to the rest of the house.
  • Water Damage: A homeowner experienced significant water damage in their living room after heavy rain. The source was found to be an unsealed chimney that allowed water to seep into the walls, leading to mold growth, staining, wood rot, and deterioration of the home’s structure.
  • Structural Damage: A homeowner found cracks in their home’s foundation and walls. The underlying issue was traced back to an unsealed chimney that had allowed moisture to penetrate the bricks and mortar, causing them to weaken over time. This compromised the structural integrity of the home and required expensive repairs.
  • Pest Infestation: A family dealing with a sudden infestation of birds and small animals discovered that their unsealed chimney was the entry point. The chimney had gaps and cracks that provided easy access for pests, leading to nests inside the chimney and unpleasant odors throughout the house.
original infographic stating what can go wrong in an unlined chimney

How Do I Know if HeatShield Is Right for My Chimney?

That’s kind of the tricky part – unless told by a professional after performing a thorough inspection of your fireplace and chimney system, you wouldn’t. That’s one of the main reasons we suggest staying on top of your annual sweepings and inspections. Like so much else when it comes to chimney repairs, issues, and maintenance, it’s sometimes very hard to know what exactly you’re looking at…let alone discern what your options are for fixing or restoring it.

However, if you notice that you have a metal flue liner, you can be sure that HeatShield is not an option for you as their products only work in chimneys that are unlined or have a damaged clay tile liner.

Is HeatShield Relining a Good Long-Term Solution for Chimney Repair?

As long as you work with a certified, professional chimney service company who are applying HeatShield’s patented Cerfractory material, HeatShield is a wonderful investment for long-term chimney repairs. Because of the innovative blend of ceramic and refractory materials, HeatShield products restore your system to its optimum condition and efficiency and thus eliminate the dangers that a damaged flue liner poses by effectively sealing the cracks, gaps, and separations.

Reach Out to Lords Chimney Today

If you have questions for our team, don’t wait to reach out. We’re here and happy to have your back!

What is HeatShield® & How Does it Work?

There’s no denying the importance of having a well-functioning chimney liner. Chimney liners are known for protecting your home and masonry, as well as increasing fireplace efficiency – without them you’d be experiencing gas leaks, poor air flow, and even house fires. Needless to say, a well-fitted and properly installed liner is vital if you own a fireplace.

If you’ve been given the news that your liner is no longer safe for use, you may be feeling concerned about time restraints, labor costs, and the price of the new liner itself. Fortunately for many, there is a more affordable and seamless option out there – HeatShield®.

Heatshield Resurfacing

Will HeatShield® Work for Me?

The best way to know for sure if HeatShield® is an option for you is to have our CSIA-certified sweeps come out to perform an inspection. In these cases, a level 2 inspection will be needed, which means we’ll use our camera equipment to get an accurate and in-depth look at it all.

HeatShield® can pretty much be done on any brick and mortar chimney that is fitted with terra cotta flue tiles and isn’t gas tight. As long as your chimney isn’t completely destroyed (and is up to code as far as sizing, height, etc.), you should be able to fix it rather than invest in an entirely new system.

Whether you’re dealing with inefficiency or are concerned about potential damage after a chimney fire, lightning strike, flood, or other natural disaster, there’s a good chance we’ll be able to help you out, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

How Does HeatShield® work?

So, let’s say you’ve been told this option will work for you, but you’re still wanting to know what to expect. Well, there are actually two methods we can use to ensure your liner is gas tight from here on out – Joint Repair or the Resurfacing Application. Here’s what to expect from both:

  1. Joint Repair: We’ll start by putting an applicator down into your flue, after which we’ll dump a special mortar-based sealant on top. After that we pull the applicator up and let it fill in all of those gaps and missing mortar joints, so that you’re left with a smooth, tight seal. We’ll end the job with a photo scan, so you can see for yourself how effective this method is!
  2. Resurfacing System: If you’re experiencing cracks or spalling, then HeatShield®’s resurfacing will be the option for you. First, we get all that dust out of your flue, ensuring it is fully primed for the application of our HeatShield® products. Then, we apply a thick, quarter-inch of the mix, allowing your chimney to function efficiently from here on out with a restored, smooth, and totally resurfaced liner.

And again, we’ll send up our cameras for a closer look, so you can see the end results – we’re certain you won’t be disappointed!

More Facts About HeatShield®

What else is there to know about HeatShield®? Here are a few more things that reemphasize how reliable and sound this method is:

  • It comes with a 20-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about experiencing issues a few years down the line. If it’s peace of mind you’re after, this is definitely one way to get it.
  • It’s environmentally friendly and made from recycled materials.
  • It has been widely tested and consistently proven effective.
  • It can withstand any corrosive gases your fires produce, as well as moisture and temperatures up to 2900°F.
  • The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) rated it a “Super-Duty” refractory mortar.
  • It’s approved for all fuel types.
  • Only carefully selected sweeps are given the opportunity to be HeatSheild® installers – and Lords Chimney has the only ones in the entire Houston area!

How Do I Know if My Liner Needs Work?

If you know you need professional relining services, then you’re now aware of some options we can offer you. But how do you figure out if relining or repair work is needed in the first place? Well one of the more obvious clues is if your fireplace just isn’t working right.

Holes throughout your structure will cause a lot of inefficiency and affect draft and airflow significantly. Smoke will work its way into your home, you’ll notice condensation issues, and your fires won’t burn as strongly.

Smell smoke in your home when lighting fires? This is another sign that your venting system has holes in it. Think of it like a straw that’s cracked or broken. As you attempt to drink your beverage, a lot of the liquid that comes up will simply spill back out through the holes – your chimney works this same way. If you smell smoke it’s because it has worked its way into your home.

But what’s the best way to know if professional care is needed? A level 2 camera inspection. Our high-tech equipment ensures every nook and cranny of your system is observed, so that you know exactly what you need to stay safer and more comfortable as you finish out your burning season.

We’ll look for any cracks, gaps, and damage, but we’ll also note whether or not there are random clean areas amongst your creosote. Essentially, your chimney should either be all clean or all dirty. If it’s mostly dirty with clean patches throughout, then it’s likely you have holes.

Our Award-Winning Team is Here for You

Lords Chimney has been recognized as one of the top chimney sweeps throughout the Houston area, and we’ve received a large number of positive reviews from satisfied customers. We value education, professionalism, and honesty, and we never skimp when it comes to offering exceptional care or top-of-the-line products.

If you’re looking for chimney care that will stand the test of time, then rely on our team today. We’re here for you!

All About HeatShield

A warm and cozy fire sets the perfect mood for a chilly evening indoors. But not if your fireplace and chimney are broken down, crumbling, or posing any threats to your home. Stressing about gas leaks, house fires, and damaged masonry makes fireplace use anything but relaxing, which is why we encourage homeowners throughout the Houston area to rely on our team of experts for it all.

When it comes to offering your home and chimney better protection, a structurally sound liner is a must. A good number of homeowners will opt for a stainless liner if relining work is needed, but this isn’t always an option for those with a tighter budget. Fortunately, if you have a clay liner in place, there may be an alternative option – restoring it with HeatShield!

Our team can set you up with everything you need to operate your chimney as safely as possible this upcoming holiday season. For more information, give us a call today, or set up an appointment for your annual inspection so that we can get this process started. We’re always happy to help!

The Role Of Your Liner

chimney against dark sky

First things first, it’s essential to know why a sturdy and reliable liner is necessary when operating your fireplace. For one thing, it keeps the other parts of your home from catching on fire. Your fireplace produces a lot of heat, and if the surrounding woodwork isn’t adequately protected, it could start on fire within a matter of hours. A correctly fitted and well-maintained liner will ensure those high temperatures and stray flames don’t reach any other areas of your house.

Another thing your liner does is keep your masonry in better shape. Your fireplace produces a lot of acidic gases, which can eat away at your brickwork and mortar in a hurry if given full access. The more it breaks these components down, the higher your chances will be of facing gas leaks, house fires, or even a chimney collapse! All in all, broken down masonry is costly to fix, so avoiding the issue altogether will always be your best bet.

Last, but certainly not least, a well-functioning liner will enable your chimney to function as efficiently as possible. It will ensure smoke and fumes are directed up and out of your flue, so nothing leaks back into your household, and it guarantees better draft and airflow all around. In the end, your system will function a lot safer, too, so don’t skimp when it comes to your liner – it’s a vital piece of your chimney’s anatomy!

How HeatShield Works

So, how does HeatShield work? Well, a full relining job would consist of tearing apart your current, broken down liner, after which an entirely new liner is put into your chimney. This is super effective, but it’s also very costly and time-consuming. Many wonder if there’s an easier and more affordable option – and there is! Heatshield is an alternative many turn to, and it also produces great results. In fact, it comes with a 20-year warranty, so you can trust that it’s a method that truly stands the test of time.

There are two HeatShield methods we can apply to your chimney. The first is HeatShield’s Joint Repair which is good for a tile-lined chimney that needs some repair work. If your mortar joints are crumbling, then this mixture will fill in every gap throughout your structure. In the end, you’ll be left with a smooth, seamless surface that can enjoy for the long haul.

Is a whole resurfacing job necessary? Then, HeatShield’s Resurfacing System is what you need. We’ll remove any dust from your flue, then put a thick application of HeatShield throughout the entire interior. Your chimney’s interior will be looking like new in no time!

Whichever method we use, we’ll use cameras to show you how everything looks at the end of it all. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction above everything else, so you won’t need to worry about being disappointed when we’re through. The Lords Chimney crew knows their stuff!

HeatShield: A Consistently Reliable OrganizationHeatshield-logo-image-blog-houston-tx-lords-chimney

So, how can you know that HeatShield is a name you can trust? Well, this product has been utilized in homes for two decades now, so it is clearly a reliable one. All standards meet the Underwriters Laboratories’ regulations regarding chimney liners, and sweeps throughout the country utilize their products on a regular basis for their loyal customer base. This is a company that is dedicated to keeping homes as safe as possible!

We’re The Only Certified HeatShield Techs In The Area!

Throughout the entire Houston area, the team here at Lords Chimney is the only technicians that are certified to set you up with the HeatShield method. This, along with our many years of experience, ensure we can get you taken care of, no matter what. We’ve built up a strong reputation throughout our service area, and we stand by our work every time. If you want to invest in a name you can trust for the long haul, we’re it!

Fall is just around the corner and, soon, you’ll want to start lighting up fires for the festive months ahead. Ensure your home has the perfect aesthetic by getting our team on the job today. We can’t wait to work with you soon!

HeatShield Facts

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that if their chimney looks good from the outside, it must be safe on the inside as well. However, the structure of the chimney means that most of the functional parts of the chimney – including the flue – are inside the chimney structure and therefore invisible to the naked eye. Because of this, damage to these parts of the chimney can be difficult to spot.

One of the hardest areas to identify chimney damage is in the flue. Because the flue stretches from the firebox to the top of the chimney structure, there are yards of flue liner is which damage can occur – and go unidentified. Most damage to the chimney liner is found during an in-depth chimney inspection with the use of technology such as closed-circuit cameras.

When damage to the chimney liner is found, relining the chimney may be recommended. While there are a number of techniques and products that can be used to reline chimneys, one of the most innovative products available today is HeatShield.

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All about HeatShield

In the fireplace industry, HeatShield offers one of the most effective and long lasting methods of chimney relining. HeatShield is a cast in place chimney liner, meaning it is applied directly into your existing flue. This allows the product to form and fit your flue exactly. What sets HeatShield apart from the competition, however, is that it can be used in both small and large areas. Whether your need the entire flue relined or simply need to reinforce a few areas in the chimney, HeatShield can provide a safe and effective barrier against the heat, sparks, and embers created by the fireplace.

HeatShield also stands apart from the competition because of how it is made. Unlike similar products on the market today, HeatShield is made of only environmentally friendly, naturally occurring, and recycled materials. This means that when you choose HeatShield you can rest assured that you and your family will not be exposed to any dangerous chemical compounds.

The HeatShield application process

Unlike attempting to replace the existing clay tiles in the flue, the application process for a cast in place liner such as HeatShield is a relatively easy and mess free. Before relining the flue, a special brush will be created and fitted to your chimney; this ensures that HeatShield can be evenly applied throughout the chimney structure. After application, HeatShield is smoothed over the areas in need of repair, creating a level finish without any gaps or cracks.

HeatShield is unique in the fireplace industry in that it can be applied to both small and large areas. This means that if only a small portion of the chimney has been damaged – such as the flue tiles at the top of the chimney – you can repair the damaged areas without needing to reline the entire chimney.

If you have been told your flue is damaged or the chimney needs to be relined, choose HeatShield products to create a smooth and durable chimney liner that will last for years to come. Contact Lords Chimney today to learn more about what HeatShield can do for your chimney!

Relining Your Chimney With HeatShield

Many homeowners pay little attention to their chimney flue. As it is not easily accessible or visible, most do not pay it a second thought. Because of this, many people are shocked to learn that their flue has been cracked or damaged. Likewise, the idea of having a chimney completely relined can seem daunting to many homeowners.

Having your chimney relined with HeatShield is an excellent way to restore the integrity of your chimney flue without the construction of a full flue replacement. Before you go through the time, cost, and mess of having your flue tiles removed and replaced, consider relining your chimney with HeatShield products!

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What is HeatShield?

The average person has most likely never heard of HeatShield. Despite its relative lack of name recognition, it is one of the most innovative products for fireplaces and chimneys on the market today.

HeatShield is a specially formulated sealant that can withstand the high heat of the flue, preventing heat, sparks, embers, and dangerous gasses from entering the home. By coating the inside of the flue, HeatShield is able to eliminate the risks created by a cracked or damaged tile flue.

In addition to eliminating the need reline your chimney, our HeatShield products are environmentally friendly, made entirely of naturally-occurring and recycled materials. To give homeowners additional peace of mind, they also come with a 20 year limited warranty.

What HeatShield methods are available?

At Lord’s Chimney, we offer two HeatShield methods to homeowners. The first is the HeatShield joint repair system. This is ideal for homes that have tile lined flues with defective joints. Using a foam applicator that is custom fitted to your chimney, all gaps are filled with the HeatShield product and smoothed using a blade.

The HeatShield resurfacing method is ideal for homes with extensive cracking or spalling. A tie coat, or primer, is used first to remove any dust. After, a quarter-inch layer of HeatShield is applied to the entire length of the flue.

After applying either HeatShield method, a camera is used to verify that there are no remaining gaps or voids and that the chimney has been completely repaired and restored.

Benefits of a correctly lined chimney

Although it may not seem like much, a correctly installed and undamaged chimney liner can greatly impact chimney performance. The primary purpose of a chimney liner is to protect your chimney structure and the rest of your home from the extreme temperatures created by the fireplace. Likewise, chimney liners are also an essential part of stopping chimney fires from spreading to other parts of the home.

In addition, chimney liners prevent carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses from seeping back into the home. By containing and directing these byproducts of combustion out of the home, the chimney liner does more than just extend the life of your brick and mortar chimney. It also keeps your family safe!

If you have questions about how HeatShield products can be used to repair your damaged flue, contact Lord’s Chimney today!