Chimney relining
A cracked or missing flue liner is one of the most common reasons a chimney fails inspection. Relining makes it safe to use again.
The flue liner is the inside of the chimney that carries smoke and combustion gases out of the house. It protects the masonry from heat and corrosive gases and keeps them out of the walls and living space. Many older homes have clay tile liners that have cracked or shifted, 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 tile falling into the stove, fireplace or cleanout
- A new boiler, furnace, water heater or stove that needs a different flue size
- Adding a wood or pellet stove, or switching fuels
- A chimney fire, even a small one
- An unlined chimney
What kinds of liners are there?
- Stainless steel. The most common option. Rigid or flexible stainless pipe runs the full height of the flue, usually insulated. Different alloys are made for different fuels, including oil and wood.
- Aluminum. Used for some gas appliances only.
- Cast-in-place. A cement-like lining formed inside the flue, which can also strengthen weak masonry.
- Clay tile. Possible in a full rebuild, but hard to retrofit.
Oil boilers and liner sizing
When an older oil boiler or furnace is replaced with a more efficient one, the old chimney is often too big for it. Gases cool and condense in an oversized flue, which leads to corrosion, poor draft and soot problems. A liner sized to the appliance fixes that. Venting for oil and gas equipment is regulated work in Maine, so the liner should be sized and connected to meet the appliance manufacturer's requirements, and your licensed heating technician may need to be involved.
Adding a wood or pellet stove?
A stove or insert in an existing fireplace usually needs a stainless liner sized for the stove, running the full height of the chimney. Pellet stoves have their own venting rules. Have the chimney inspected first and follow the stove manufacturer's instructions. Check with your town's code office about permits.
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
Does an oil boiler need a chimney liner?
Often, especially after a boiler replacement leaves the old flue oversized, or when the clay liner is cracked. The liner must meet the appliance manufacturer's venting requirements.
Can one liner serve a boiler and a wood stove?
No. Each appliance generally needs its own flue. A contractor can tell you what your chimney can safely serve.
How long does a liner install take?
Many stainless liner installs take a day or less, depending on the chimney and prep work.
Related services
- Chimney masonry repair and rebuilds
- Chimney caps and crowns
- Chimney leak repair
- Chimney inspection and sweeping
More background: Maine chimney guide.
Heating season and the chimney's acting up?
Call now and a local chimney company will inspect it and quote the repair.