Getting A Stainless Steal Chimney Liner Installation

Once in a while, you may notice a tall shiny steel tube being dropped down a chimney in your neighborhood. It’s hard to miss, because the tube appears to be as tall as the house as it bends across the roof while workers handle it. The tube is a stainless steel chimney liner, and homeowners who have them installed are taking a big step toward fire prevention and a longer life for their chimney.

Are all chimney liners made of stainless steel?

Stainless steel chimney liners are popular for many reasons (see below), but liners also can be fashioned out of clay tiles and a concrete-like compound that is poured in place in the chimney flue.

Do all liners do the same thing?

The purpose of a chimney liner is to encourage efficient smoke drafting and to protect the masonry of the chimney and combustible building materials of the home near the chimney.

 

In these senses, all chimney liners do the same job. There are differences, however, between stainless steel and other types of chimney liners.

What are the differences?

First, stainless steel products are easier and less-expensive to install when it comes time to replace your chimney liner. Clay tiles and poured-in-place compounds require quite a bit of work and time to install. A stainless steel liner tube is simply run down through the flue and then connected and secured.

Additionally, insulation can be added around the steel liner to keep the flue warmer from top to bottom, thus reducing the formation of flammable creosote, which is created when smoke condenses in cold flue air.

Finally, stainless steel chimney liners are round, making it easier for chimney sweeps to remove more creosote and soot during cleaning tasks – there are no hard-to-access tight corners where creosote can build up.

How long will my stainless steel chimney liner last?

If the liner is maintained properly and is made of good-quality material, you should expect excellent performance for up to 20 years. These products are very resistant to corrosion, but you’ll get the maximum life out of them by having them cleaned once a year by a certified chimney sweep.

Can this kind of liner work in any chimney?

Because stainless steel liners are flexible, they’re the perfect choice for most chimney designs.

They’re made in various diameters in order to create a custom fit for your specific size of fireplace.

Can I install a new liner myself?

It’s not advisable for an untrained individual to install a chimney liner. There’s more to the job than just dropping the tubing down the flue opening. Also, keep in mind that many insurance carriers will not cover chimney/fireplace-related damage when installation and repair work are performed by an unqualified amateur.

Like the majority of chimney and fireplace tasks, chimney liner installation should be performed by seasoned professionals who are licensed, insured and certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the country’s most respected certifying body for hearth-industry professionals.

If you would like to know more about stainless steel chimney liners and how one would work in your chimney, call Hudson Valley Chimney of Poughkeepsie, NY. We provide expert liner installation as well as chimney sweep services and all levels of chimney repair and inspection. Reach us today at (845) 471-1071.