This is a good question and it very difficult to give you concise answer without knowing the specifics behind your policy. There are insurance carriers that offer options to insurance failure that are mechanical in nature. It is also important to note how the liner became cracked and under what circumstances to find out if you are covered. A good place to start is by reading your policy to make sure of what coverages you have and then call your agent for further interpretation.
You will need to refer to your policy and the language it contains describing your covered perils.
Typically if your chimney was damaged or suffered sudden loss due to a covered peril, Usually things like Lightning, Wind, Hail, Fire etc. Then it would be covered.
If your chimney has damage due to age, natural wear and tear, lack of maintenance or ground settling then it is not considered a covered loss.
There are three different types of chimney liners. They are clay chimney liners, concrete chimney liners and metal chimney liners
Chimney liners are almost always used in chimneys to keep them clear and to protect them from wear and tear. For the most part, chimney liners are made out of clay and other similar materials.
Cheap chimney liners can be purchased from some of the following: Discount Chimney Supply, Hartshearth, Chimney Liner Depot or Stoves Online. In many cases the cheap chimney liners may be more costly in the long run is they fail and need to be replaced because these liners should be professionally installed and that often costs more than the liner.
Chimney liners help keep soot out of your fireplace by not allowing it to build up onthe inside. Liners also make cleaning much easier, and prevent fire hazards by keeping chimney clear and not clogged.
A good quality stainless steel chimney should never need to be replaced unless it has been damaged in some way. There are several manufacturers of chimney liners that offer a lifetime warranty.
Chimney liners are flame-resistant because they are made from non-flammable materials; such as, ceramic, clay or metal. Not only does it create a flame-resistant layer around the chimney, it also adds to the structural integrity as well as the chimney's insulative properties.
Some good brands of chimney liners are- FlexKing, FlexKing Pro (Manufacturer/marketing: Chimney Liner Depot,) ForeverFlex , Armor Flex(Mfr-Olympia Chimney); M-Flex brand (store: Chimney Liner Pro) HomeSaver Ultra,Homesaver UltraPro(Mfg.Company-Copperfield)
Installing a chimney liner is a great idea. Having one installed will make cleaning the chimney alot easier.
Few things can match the cozy charm of a roaring fireplace, but to keep that fire burning safely, your chimney must have a properly functioning chimney liner. Chimney liners enable the heat and assorted chemical gasses that develop in the fireplace to be carried safely up and through the chimney in order to be released outside. Chimeny liners that become damaged must be replaced as soon as possible in order to operate the fireplace efficiently and safely. Chimney liners should be inspected annually as part of your yearly chimney cleaning chore. Without a properly functioning chimney liner, the mortar between the bricks of the chimney can be eaten away. Instead of having dangerous gasses escape through the chimney and into the fresh air, they can retreat back into the house and harm the home’s occupants. When looking to select a chimney liner for a new chimney or to replace a defective liner, there are three main choices. The most common chimney liners are made from clay tiles which allow for the even distribution of heat as wood in the fireplace continues to burn and vent smoke and gasses. Metal chimney liners constructed of stainless steel or aluminum are a good choice for wood burning or gas operated fireplaces. Cast-in-place chimney liners are the third option, permanent liners that are the most lightweight of the three choices but which can still add stability to an aging chimney structure. Ask your chimney professional which category of chimney liners is the best choice for your chimney structure, Heavy, featuring the strongest and thickest liner construction, High Performance Light or Light. Installing a chimney liner should be done by a professional who will also be responsible for its annual maintenance check. Be sure that the chimney liner you purchase features an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing for optimum performance in preventing fires as well as a lifetime warranty. When a chimney liner is properly secured in place, the venting performance of the fireplace will actually be improved. Chimney liners that are too small can negatively affect the venting process.
A chimney flue liner is something you would put into your chimney to insulate it from variables such as age and temperature. Insulating it in this way helps the chimney mortar from becoming damaged.
The best material for chimney liners is stainless steel. You want a high UL listing and many of the best liners are 7 ply and thicker than others. Many people and fire protection personnel state that stainless steel offers the best fire protection. You can get stainless steel liners that are rigid or flexible and they are easier to retrofit to old chimney than some of the other methods.
I have been told that I would benefit from purchasing a chimney liner. However, I don't have much knowledge about them and whether I really need one for my chimney. Where could I find out more information from?