A Cost Effective Alternative to Relining
When homeowners are faced with a damaged or deteriorating chimney flue, the traditional solution has often been a full chimney relining. While effective, relining can be expensive, labor-intensive, and sometimes more invasive than necessary. For chimney sweeps looking to offer their customers a reliable and cost-effective alternative, ceramic coating systems provide an innovative solution.
Why Consider Ceramic Coating Instead of Relining?
Relining with stainless steel is a significant investment for homeowners, and while it remains the right choice in most cases, ceramic coatings can be a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing safety or performance. By sealing cracks and gaps, reinforcing the existing flue, and providing a smoother surface for improved draft, ceramic coatings extend the life of the chimney and help restore proper venting. They’re also versatile enough to be applied in a range of flue types and shapes, making them a flexible solution when a liner isn’t the best fit.
Recommended Products: FireGuard & HeatShield
At New England Chimney Supply, we recommend two well-established ceramic coating systems, FireGuard and HeatShield. Both have been widely used by sweeps across the country and are trusted for their durability and performance.
The FireGuard System
The FireGuard ceramic coating system was the first of its kind
introduced in the United States back in 2003, and it remains one of
the most advanced options available today. FireGuard is known for
its
durability, its rigorous certifications, and its innovative
application method.
Its patented vibration technology allows the ceramic material to
penetrate deeply into problem areas, creating a strong, seamless
surface that strengthens the chimney from within. In fact, FireGuard
is the only system that combines vibration motors and custom foam
applicators, giving sweeps a reliable way to achieve an
exceptionally smooth and consistent finish.
FireGuard has been certified and listed through Guardian Fire
Testing Laboratory under UL standards, providing added assurance for
both sweeps and homeowners. It also carries the
highest temperature rating in the industry at just over 3,200
degrees, which means it’s built to endure the toughest chimney conditions.
With its two-component ceramic formula, FireGuard achieves excellent
bonding strength, ensuring a long-lasting repair. For homeowners,
the lifetime transferrable warranty provides peace of mind,
while for sweeps, the system’s proven track record and unique
application process make it an attractive option to offer as a
premium ceramic coating solution.
The HeatShield System
While FireGuard is recognized for its innovative application system and unmatched temperature rating, HeatShield brings a legacy of proven European technology with a focus on adaptable repair methods.
The HeatShield Flue Sealant & Repair System offers another
strong path for chimney restoration, particularly for clay tile and
masonry flues. In suitable chimneys, HeatShield can be tailored to
the situation: it can be applied just to fill missing or defective
mortar joints, or it can be applied as a thin, continuous coating
over the entire flue to repair cracks, seal gaps, and reinforce the
interior walls.
What sets HeatShield apart is its Cerfractory technology, a hybrid
blend of ceramic and refractory materials first developed in Europe
more than 30 years ago. This blend combines the strength of
high-fired ceramic with the heat resistance of refractory cement,
producing a durable seal that restores venting safety. By
eliminating gaps, cracks, and spalling, HeatShield significantly
reduces the dangers caused by chimney deterioration.
HeatShield is also noteworthy for being eco-friendly, since it is
made from recycled and naturally occurring materials, and it
provides a less invasive, less costly alternative to full chimney
rebuilding or tile removal. The system is thoroughly tested and
exceeds industry standards: it is rated “Super-Duty” under ASTM
testing.
Training with NECS: Learn from the Inventor of FireGuard
At New England Chimney Supply, we don’t just supply products—we also provide education and training to help sweeps grow their skills and businesses. We’re proud to offer a FireGuard ceramic coatings training class, hosted by Jay Endre, the inventor of the FireGuard ceramic coating system. Jay leads a hands-on class that teaches chimney professionals everything they need to know about the application process, system benefits, and how to confidently add ceramic coatings to their service lineup. By learning directly from the innovator behind the product, sweeps can bring the highest level of expertise and trust to their customers.
Final Thoughts
Ceramic coating is not just a quick fix, it’s a proven, durable method that allows chimney sweeps to extend the life of flues, enhance safety, and provide customers with an affordable alternative to relining. Because NECS is the only supplier that carries both FireGuard and HeatShield systems, chimney professionals can streamline their supply chain, simplify logistics, and rely on a single partner for both flagship coating technologies. By offering ceramic coating solutions such as FireGuard and HeatShield, and by taking advantage of NECS’s FireGuard training opportunities, chimney sweeps can deliver long-term value, peace of mind, and trusted results to homeowners.