Chimney relining
A cracked or missing flue liner is one of the most common reasons chimneys fail inspection. Relining makes the flue safe to use again.
The flue liner is the inside of the chimney that actually carries smoke and combustion gases out of the house. It protects the masonry from heat and corrosive gases and keeps them from leaking into the walls or living space. Many older homes have clay tile liners that have cracked, shifted or lost mortar between sections, and some very old chimneys have no liner at all.
When does a chimney need relining?
- An inspection found cracked, missing or offset liner tiles
- Pieces of clay tile falling into the fireplace, stove or cleanout
- A new furnace, boiler, water heater or stove that needs a different flue size
- Switching fuels, such as from oil to gas, or adding a wood or coal stove
- A chimney fire, even a small one
- An unlined chimney
What kinds of liners are there?
- Stainless steel. The most common relining option. Rigid or flexible stainless pipe is run down the existing flue and connected to the appliance, usually with insulation. Different alloys are made for different fuels.
- Aluminum. Used for some gas appliances only.
- Cast-in-place. A cement-like material is poured or formed inside the flue, which can also add strength to deteriorated masonry.
- New clay tile. Possible during a full rebuild, but hard to install in an existing chimney.
Why does flue size matter?
A flue that's too large for the appliance lets gases cool and condense, which leads to corrosion and creosote. Too small, and it may not draft properly, risking smoke or carbon monoxide spilling into the house. When a furnace or boiler is replaced with a smaller, more efficient model, the old chimney is often oversized, and a properly sized liner fixes that. The installer should size the liner to the appliance manufacturer's requirements.
What about coal stoves and coal furnaces?
Northeastern Pennsylvania is anthracite country, and some homes still heat with coal. Coal combustion produces acidic byproducts that are hard on chimney liners and masonry. If you burn coal, tell the contractor so they can recommend a liner made for coal use and the right inspection schedule.
What affects the cost?
- Liner type and alloy.
- Chimney height and how straight the flue is.
- Insulation and fittings.
- Prep work, such as removing old tiles or widening a narrow flue.
Prices come from the chimney company after they've inspected the chimney. We don't quote prices ourselves, and a phone estimate is only a starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Do gas furnaces need a chimney liner?
Many do, especially when an older furnace is replaced and the old flue is oversized or unlined. The installer should follow the appliance manufacturer's venting requirements.
How long does a stainless steel liner last?
Quality stainless liners installed for the right fuel commonly come with long warranties. Ask about the alloy and warranty in writing.
Can a liner be installed in one day?
Many stainless liner installations take a day or less, depending on the chimney and any prep work needed.
Related services
- Chimney masonry repair and tuckpointing
- Chimney caps and crowns
- Chimney leak repair
- Chimney inspection and sweeping
More background: Northeastern PA chimney guide.
Crumbling bricks or a leak by the fireplace?
Call now and a local chimney company will come inspect it and quote the repair.