How do different Flexible Chimney Liners Compare?
In this article we compare different brands of chimney liners and see if there is any major difference. We are comparing three chimney liner brands: Forever Flex, Homesaver, and Flex King.
| Forever Flex | |
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| Homesaver Ultra & Ultra Pro | |
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| Flex King | Flex King Pro |
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Homesaver Ultra and Ultra Pro
Just looking at the liners shows they are very similar in appearance. Homesaver, however, is slightly different in its design. The difference is in the seam and the steepness of the corrugations. Figure 1.1 shows the corrugations and the seam. The seam is located on the top of the corrugation with no crimping. This type of build allows for a slightly more flexible liner. The liner is stronger while lying on the ground. If a heavy man was to stand on it, it would be able to hold the weight without crushing. The liner comes in two thicknesses .006″ and .005″. The Ultra being the .006 and the Ultra Pro being the .005.
Flex King and Forever Flex
Two other liners we are comparing are very similar to each other — Flex King™ and Forever Flex™. Their construction is a little different compared to the Homesaver™ liner. Instead of the seam being at the top of a corrugation, the seam is at the bottom. The seams are folded over each other, creating a 7-ply seam that is crimped.
The steepness of the corrugations are also a bit less than the Homesaver liner. Steeper corrugations can allow more creosote build up–something Flex King avoids!
Flex King Pro
Flex King Pro chimney liner has a machined interior wall which helps increase draft by up to 20%. As a result of the smooth interior walls creosote has a harder time finding a place to get packed in, making it extremely easy to keep clean. The liner is also thicker than normal flexible chimney liners. Remarkably this added thickness doesn’t decrease its flexibility, it’s actually more flexible than regular liner.
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| Flex King | Flex King Pro |
What about Chimney Liner Kit Components?
All three kits offer the same type of components. They feature a clamp securing device. Over the last few years the “Clamp Style” components have been a big seller. They are said to be the easiest to install.
All the liners come with great warranties, but just be aware that if you choose to install the liner yourself certain restrictions may apply. Make sure your retailer will back the factory warranty if you install it yourself. Some manufacturers will tell you their product can be installed by qualified installers because of their UL listing. Our warranty covers installation by do-it-yourselfer’s. And here’s OUR Underwriters Laboratory listing: Click here to view. Before you buy ANY liner, see if the company has a UL listing.
