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Neighbors choosing liner upgrades spark a big split among us local sweeps
Lately, I've noticed a bunch of homes on my block getting those flexible stainless steel liners put in. Some guys I work with swear by them, saying they're safer and last longer. But old-timers in the trade say brick chimneys are fine if maintained right and that liners are just a upsell. I had a customer last week who refused a liner because her dad said it was a waste of money. Now I'm worried about creosote buildup in her flue. What do you all think? Is pushing liners being careful or just chasing profit? With winter coming, I see both sides but need some input.
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faith_palmer517mo ago
Wondering if we're overthinking this... brick chimneys lasted decades before liners were even a thing. Proper maintenance probably solves most issues without the extra cost.
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nancy_davis756mo ago
Faith_palmer51, my grandma also thought lead paint was fine because it lasted for years.
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ivanpatel7mo ago
Nobody's talking about how modern furnaces and water heaters run much cooler than old wood stoves. That cool exhaust in a big brick flue creates way more condensation, which soaks into the mortar over time. I've seen chimneys where the bricks are literally crumbling from the inside out from that dampness, not creosote. A liner sized right for the appliance keeps the gases warmer and dryer all the way out. Are we fixing problems that older heating methods just didn't create?
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