The simple answer to this question is yes. The questions and answers below will help you understand why.

What is a chimney liner / what is the purpose of a chimney liner?

Chimney liners are actually quite simple. Chimney lining is the clay, ceramic, or metal system installed inside your chimney. It’s designed to contain the heat and combustion products produced by a fireplace (like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides) and directs them out of your chimney. The lining also lowers the risk of accidental fires by protecting the chimney walls and surrounding construction from heat corrosion. In short, chimney liners make your fireplace safe and chimney more efficient.

Learn more about chimney liners from the Chimney Safety Institute of America – click here.

Chimney Liner Install
Chimney Liner Installation

What type of chimney liner is best?

There are three common types of chimney liners:

  • Clay tiles line most masonry chimneys. They are inexpensive and perform well in properly maintained chimneys, but they cannot withstand the heat of a chimney fire. So annual inspections are especially important to monitor for cracks. Clay tiles are not suitable to line modern gas appliances.
  • Stainless steel chimney liners are most often used to repair and upgrade old/existing chimneys. While stainless steel liners are more expensive than clay tiles, they’re more durable and safer as well. Stainless steel liners are used in wood-burning, gas, and oil appliances.
  • Cast-in-place chimney liners are also known as pumped masonry liners and poured-in-place chimney liners. The cement-like product used to create cast-in-place liners is made of a volcanic rock that is both lightweight and insulating. Installation is far more labor extensive and creates a permanent lining in new and old chimneys. So cast-in-place liners are also the most expensive, costing four times more than the lining types noted above.

Which type of chimney liner is best for your situation will depend on your budget and how important longevity and safety are to you in comparison.

Stainless Steel Chimney Liner

When is a chimney liner necessary?

A chimney liner is always necessary. It is the barrier of protection between the fire burning in your fireplace and the construction holding your chimney and home together. If you have an old open fireplace that is unlined, you should definitely get a stainless steel liner installed. If you have a clay-tiled chimney, it needs to be inspected by a certified chimney sweep once a year for cracks and damage to ensure its safe for regular use. They’ll be able to tell you when it’s time to upgrade to a stainless steel lining too. Sometimes when and if a chimney liner is necessary is not up to you. Building or fire codes may demand it if the safety of your chimney is in question. Your insurance company may require a lining as well.

How do you know when a chimney needs a new liner?

When a chimney liner is cracked or broken, it’s time to replace or upgrade your lining. The only way to know if your chimney liner is cracked is to hire a certified chimney sweep that offers video inspections. You’ll be able to see any damage firsthand before spending money on a new liner. Chimney inspections are quick, affordable, and should be performed once a year.

Chimney Liner Upgrade

Chimney Liner Installation Services from Elite Chimney

Serving clients throughout southeast Wisconsin & northeast Illinois, Elite Chimney installs liners in residential & commercial chimneys. We focus solely on stainless steel liners and always provide a flawless install. We back our chimney liner installs with a lifetime guarantee. Call us at 262-358-4010 to learn more!

Chimney Liner Installation Service