Older homes often need rigid chimney liners to make them more efficient and safer. Unlined chimneys are vulnerable to creosote, acidic gases and the risk of chimney fires which weaken both the mortar and the brick. To own the right chimney liner, it will depend on the kind of chimney one has. The rigid stainless steel chimney liners do provide uninterrupted and smooth surfaces that creosote cannot cling to. These liners are inexpensive to install and fit older unlined chimneys. Being multipurpose, the steel liners are good for oil, wood and gas appliances. They are faster to install than clay liners.

Aluminum chimney liners work well to retrofit homes for the gas appliances. They are rigid liners but lighter in weight than stainless steel, and are cheaper. However, they cannot hold up to the combustion byproducts of oil burners. Clay tile is the oldest form of chimney liners. When installed correctly, these rigid liners can last fifty or more years. The material used is inexpensive and the tile is durable. They are also available in different sizes and shapes and fit nearly any chimney. They are a good choice for wood burning and gas appliances. The rigid cement chimney liners are universal liners which fit all unusually shaped or sized chimneys that do not fit other liners. They work with any type of flue and are impervious to acid and condensation.