Chimney Liner Repair: We Reline Chimneys With Stainless Steel, the Best Solution for Flue Damage

What Is a Chimney Liner? What Does It Do?

A chimney liner is a tube or sleeve that is installed inside a chimney flue, lining its interior walls. The three most common types of chimney liners are cast-in-place liners, clay tile liners, and stainless steel liners. But they all serve the same purpose:

• Protect the masonry of the chimney from corrosive effects of smoke and combustion byproducts
• Prevent heat transfer to nearby combustible materials
• Reduce the risk of experiencing a chimney fire
• Prevent carbon monoxide leaks
• Improve venting efficiency

For several decades, chimneys were built with ceramic tile liners, which are affordable and effective. But over time, these ceramic tiles can be damaged by the heat and moisture of the fire or, in some cases, a chimney leak. What happens to these liners over time? Cracks form, holes and gas start appearing, tiles spall and flakes, and you’re left with lots of damage and a fireplace that doesn’t work well – or safely.

When holes, cracks, gaps, and flaking flue tiles are present in the flue, your system is at risk – which is why it’s so important that you keep up with annual inspections and have your flue relined if damage is present.

What Are the Benefits of a Stainless Steel Chimney Liner?

Here at Sleep Easy, we recommend relining your chimney with stainless steel, as these liners are the most cost-effective and efficient option. They’re approved for use with all fuels and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes for a perfect fit. These liners also carry a lifetime warranty, so you won’t have to worry about budgeting for another reline in the near future.

Here’s a list of stainless steel chimney liner pros, laid out for easy perusing:

• They’re highly durable. Built to withstand both extreme temperatures and corrosive byproducts from wood, gas, or oil combustion, stainless steel liners won’t be breaking down anytime soon. Unlike clay or aluminum liners, they resist cracking, warping, and rust, offering long-term reliability.
• They can keep your household safer. Because of their exceptional performance, stainless steel chimney liners create a sealed and properly-sized channel for smoke and gases to exit your home. This can significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires and dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
• They can be installed in almost any chimney. There’s a lot of versatility when it comes to stainless steel chimney liner installation, and we often discover they’re the best fit for older, damaged chimneys. They also work with virtually any fuel type, so if you’re upgrading flues to accommodate new appliances, going with stainless steel is a solid route. 
• They offer improved draft and efficiency. Stainless steel liners provide a smooth, insulated surface that promotes proper airflow and reduces creosote buildup – meaning more efficient combustion and better appliance performance overall.
• They’re relatively low maintenance. The sleek surface of a stainless liner allows soot and creosote to slide off more easily, making routine cleanings faster and more effective for chimney professionals.
• They easily bring fireplaces up to code. Since they meet, and sometimes exceed, modern building and fire safety codes, they’re a great choice when updating an older system. You won’t need to stress that your renovations are violating any important regulations.
• They offer high-quality protection. Because stainless steel is so durable, you can trust it to effectively shield the interior of your chimney from corrosive gases and moisture – helping you avoid the deterioration of bricks, mortar, and flue tiles.
• They usually come with lifetime warranties. Most stainless steel liners come with generous warranties – often lifetime – making them a smart, long-lasting investment in your home’s safety and comfort. Just be sure to invest in annual professional inspection to keep everything valid.

Any more questions about our chimney relining options? Reach out – we’d be happy to speak with you soon.

Kansas City Flue Relining: How Do You Reline a Chimney?

In most professional relining scenarios, we’re replacing a ceramic tile flue, so we start by tearing out the old flue tiles using a tile breaker. While some companies skip this step and simply retrofit the new liner inside of the old, we’ve seen this lead to poor draft and little space for insulation – to us, taking the time to remove the old tiles is worth it because it provides peace of mind.

Once we’ve removed all the ceramic tiles, we install the stainless steel flue liner, insulating it with foil refractory ceramic blankets. The liner is carefully lowered into place and connected at both the top and bottom – usually with a termination cap at the top and a secure adapter at the appliance or fireplace. Once the system is sealed and tested, your chimney is ready to safely and efficiently vent again.

All in all, it’s a fairly simple and straightforward process, when you trust pros like us who are experienced and have plenty of know-how under their belts. And as far as how this installation process affects your home and lifestyle, our team removes all debris at the end of the job and leaves the space cleaner than we found it. The only thing we’ll leave you with is a safer, more efficient home and chimney system.

Call Today To Schedule Your Chimney Flue Relining Service

Is it time to schedule your chimney inspection and flue relining? If you know the service you need, we are happy to provide you with an estimate. However, if you don’t know the status of your chimney system, we can set up an in-depth inspection to help determine what service is right for you.

Having your chimney inspected by one of our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified technicians can save you money, stress, and time in the long run. Call us now or request an appointment online, and see why we’re the top-rated chimney company in the Kansas City area.