FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TRUSTED EXPERTS IN FIREPLACE CHIMNEY SUPPLIES



Why would you install a stainless steel chimney liner?

Installing a chimney liner of stainless steel will protect your flue from the transfer of heat in your system to combustibles. It is also considerably less expensive than replacing your chimney. If your chimney is in need of repair from damage caused by corrosive gases eating away at the masonry and mortar, relining a chimney with a stainless steel liner is your least expensive and safe solution.

How much does relining a chimney cost?

If you plan on installing a chimney liner yourself, you would only incur the cost of the chimney liner and any related materials. Installing a chimney liner should take you anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete. The average costs to hiring a professional chimney sweep for relining a chimney ranges from between $1500 to $3000 per job.

What damage can creosote cause?

Burning wood and fossil fuels at low temperature causes incomplete combustion of the oils in the wood, which are released as volatiles in the smoke. As the smoke rises through the chimney it cools, causing water, carbon and volatiles to condense on the interior surfaces of the chimney flue. This leaves a black oily residue referred to as "creosote”. Over the course of a season creosote deposits can become several inches thick. This creates a compounding problem, because the creosote deposits reduce the draft (airflow through the chimney) which increases the probability that the wood fire is not getting enough air to burn at high temperature.
Since creosote is highly combustible, a thick accumulation creates a fire hazard. If a hot fire is built in the stove or fireplace, and the air control left wide open, this may allow hot oxygen into the chimney where it comes in contact with the creosote which then ignites - causing a chimney fire.

Will insulating my liner help cut down on creosote buildup?

YES! When you burn wood and fossil fuels, the moisture in the wood mixes with the creosote that is formed from burning wood and rises in the chimney as a gas. When it cools going up the chimney it turns to a solid. The cooler the chimney usually towards the top of the flue the more you will find build up. An insulation kit installed on the liner will keep the stainless steel chimney liner warm all the way to the top of the chimney thus reducing the risk of creosote buildup. 

When installing a chimney liner how do I get past the damper?

The best method would be to remove the damper by cutting it away although this is not always what the homeowner would prefer. You can also go from a round liner to an oval liner using an adaptor and then back to a round liner to connect to the stove or you can oval the round liner yourself to get through the damper and then bring it back to round to make the connection. The latter two choices are not the recommended method (but widely used) as cleaning that area could be tricky so if you do go with one of those choices be sure to thoroughly clean in this area to prevent any creosote buildup. 

Can I install a chimney liner myself?

Absolutely!!  With the help from the knowledgeable staff at Fireside Chimney Supply we will be there for you to answer your questions till the job is complete. If you are handy around the house then you will have no problem relining a chimney. If you are not sure what you need to do the job, call us at 1-877-486-8119

What do I need to know about installing a chimney liner?

You will need to know the inside dimension of the flue you want to line, the length of the run from 8” above the chimney to the top of the appliance you are connecting to or the thimble or hole in the wall you want to go through. You will also need to know the outside measurement of the clay tile or masonry chimney to get the proper fitting top plate. The diameter of the liner in most cases is dictated by the inside measurement of the appliance you are hooking up to. Still unsure? Give us a call at 1-877-486-8119.

What tools will I need for relining a chimney?

It won’t be many, you will need gloves, screwdriver, silicone, tape measure, hack saw and possibly a pulling cone to attach to the liner to help guide it through the chimney.

Do your chimney liners have a warranty?

Our “Lifetime Warranty” means exactly that lifetime, it does not expire. This warranty is the best in the business because it is transferable to the next homeowner. 

Why do I have a nasty odor in my chimney?

The smell comes from burning wood in the chimney and the creosote that is built up on the inside. A good cleaning will help although not always in the spring and summer when the chimney is not in use. Your best solution would be to install a top sealing damper to prevent any down draft from coming down the chimney.