What can damage your liner?
Acidic corrosion is a hidden cause of chimney damage that many homeowners don’t notice until serious problems develop.
Burning inefficient fires and moisture inside the flue create corrosive acids that slowly attack the chimney over time.
Common Causes
- Burning fires below 121°C
Using unseasoned or wet wood
Cold flues and poor weather conditions
What Happens Inside the Chimney
Incomplete combustion leading to;
Excess soot build-up
Moisture inside the flue
The Risks
Over time, this creates: Corrosive acid formation
Weakening of the chimney structure
Damage to Different Chimney Types
Masonry Chimneys: Acids damage brickwork and mortar and can create salts that absorb moisture, leading to damp problems and expensive repairs.
Lined Chimneys: Corrosive acids can eat through liner materials, reducing chimney lifespan, performance, and safety.
Best Protection
Regular Chimney Sweeping
- Sweep your chimney at least once a year to remove soot and creosote before they become corrosive.
Heavy stove use may require sweeping twice a year.
End-of-season sweeping is important to stop corrosive residue sitting in the chimney over summer.
Regular chimney sweeping helps protect both your chimney and your home from long-term corrosion damage.


