Why Do I Need Chimney Insulation?

Chimney insulation is a relatively new concept since the popularity of the chimney liner has increased over the past couple of decades.  In the early years chimney insulation was untested and would be a cause of many chimney fires and smoke damage, but these days chimney insulation is cutting edge and can save you lots of money on your heating bill. The main reason you need chimney insulation is to keep your chimney liner warm for longer periods of time which reduces the amount of creosote build-up in your chimney liner as well as increases draft which will have a positive effect on your appliance or stoves efficiency.

What Types of Chimney Insulation are Available?

There are two main types of chimney insulation on the market today; a chimney liner insulation blanket/wrap and pour down chimney insulation. The chimney liner insulation blanket wraps around your chimney liner before you put the chimney liner down your masonry chimney flue.

Chimney Insulation Blanket

This form of chimney insulation adds anywhere from a half an inch to a full inch to the diameter of your chimney liner, so be sure to keep that in mind when ordering your chimney liner. This chimney insulation blanket is fire resistant way beyond the hottest you will ever burn your heating source. It can withstand temperatures up to 2100 degrees.

Pour down chimney insulation is designed for chimney flues that have a small area between the chimney liner and the flue interior wall where a chimney insulation blanket would not fit. Also sometimes people like the ease of the pour down chimney insulation compared to the wrapping of the chimney liner in the chimney insulation blanket. You can think of pour down insulation as cement, with a consistency of point soil, where you have to add water to the mix and then just pour it down the gap between your chimney liner and interior wall of your masonry chimney flue. Also with pour down insulation you will need to do a little more calculating to be sure you get the right amount of chimney insulation for your chimney. Once the pour down chimney insulation has set,  it too will have a very high flash point well over 2100 degrees. The pour down insulation has the same benefits as insulation wrap. It will keep the chimney liner warmer which will in turn reduce creosote buildup as well as give the chimney better draft which is a good thing for your appliance or stove.

Is Chimney Insulation Necessary?

No- chimney insulation is not necessary for gas or oil, but strongly recommended. It is however required in order to maintain a UL listing for solid fuel burning applications. You can compare having chimney insulation with having insulation in your home. If you insulate your home then you will save on heating bills and keep your home warmer in the colder months of the year, but if you do not insulate your home then your heat will go right of your attic and walls which will keep your home colder in the winter. With a well insulated chimney, you will be getting the biggest benefit from your chimney liner and your heating source will be operating efficiently.