If your chimney is showing its age with a cracking, crumbling flue, HeatShield could be the solution to saving your chimney! With its durable heat-proof coating, HeatShield can restore the function, safety and durability of your chimney.
What is HeatShield?
HeatShield Cerfractory was created in Europe more than 20 years ago. It combines ceramic and refractory cement. Through independent lab testing and decades of use, HeatShield Cerfractory sealant has been shown to withstand excessive heat from fireplaces — It can bear temperatures of more than 2900 degrees Fahrenheit — as well as moisture and corrosive flue gases. HeatShield provides a more economical option for chimney relining or resurfacing. It’s also manufactured from recycled and naturally occurring materials, making HeatShield an eco-friendly option.
When is HeatShield used?
HeatShield Cerfractory Sealant can be used in a variety of situations to repair your masonry chimney flue by filling gaps or cracks. Leaving these gaps or cracks unattended can allow the smoke and heat from your chimney to reach the surrounding combustible heating materials. Large gaps in the flue structure also can prevent smoke from exiting your chimney efficiently, causing problems with your chimney’s draft. In most of these cases, HeatShield can help.
The primary uses of HeatShield include:
- Joint repair. HeatShield can fill large gaps in chimney joints created by deteriorating mortar or poor design.
- Resurfacing. Over time, masonry chimney flue tiles break down. The excessive heat from your fireplace can cause tiles to crack. Moisture can cause the faces of the tiles to crumble or spall. HeatShield can fill lease imperfections to create a smooth chimney surface.
- Relining. For chimney whose liners are severely deteriorated — or missing altogether — HeatShield can provide an entirely new chimney liner with its CeCure Sleeve Relining System.
How is HeatShield applied?
Depending on the severity of the flue damage, HeatShield can be applied in a variety of ways; the basic process, however, remains the same. All HeatShield applications begin with a foam applicator that is custom made to fit your chimney flue. The applicator, attached to a winch above the chimney opening, is lowered down the flue. HeatShield Cerfractory Sealant is then poured down the chimney, and the applicator is pulled upward to smooth the sealant into place.
For joint repair, just enough sealant is poured down the chimney to fill the gaps. For chimney resurfacing, the sealant is used to create a quarter-inch coating of the flue. For complete relining, HeatShield Cerfractor Sealant is smoothed into place to create a base layer, a custom-built ceramic and stainless steel CeCure sleeve is put down the flue and anchored into place, and then a top coat of HeatShield is smoothed on top. In all cases, your chimney technician will insert a camera into your flue after HeatShield has been applied to ensure that the sealant has been thoroughly applied and smoothed to create a perfect seal within your flue.
How can you learn more about having HeatShield applied to your chimney?
If your chimney liner is deteriorating, and you think HeatShield could be the solution, call Environmental Chimney Service to schedule an appointment today! We can inspect your chimney’s interior and recommend the HeatShield fix that will restore you chimney flue’s safety and function.