Flue Liner

If a house that is well over fifty or one hundred years old, more than likely it does not have flue liner. Luckily they did not burn down, or cause a major fire. There is not a lot of history on the flue liner, although it is now known that it helps the life of the fireplace and is safer than without one.

Having a flue liner will help with the maintenance and may eliminate the further wear inside the flue. Over time the brick or clay that the chimney flue is made of will worsen as the years go by. Creosote will have built up and can cause fire or a great deal of damage to the fireplace or home. To rebuild the entire fireplace for a safer home can be extremely costly, knocking down the existing brick and starting all over again. A flue liner is a bit less expensive and can save the fireplace.

There are few different types of a flue liner and are made of various materials. Steel being one of them, the tubes or flue liner, is inserted into the chimney of the home. If it has an existing liner, it will slip right into it. Made of stainless steel alloy these are used for low efficiency gas furnaces. A stainless flue liner will last about twenty five years or so.  Some will argue that terra cotta makes a better flue liner, although it is harder to install.  They can last up to seventy five years or more.

When a restorer of old homes is trying to install a flue liner, it can cause some problems. There are different shapes and sizes that might or might not fit the existing fireplace. Good news is there are kits for a flue liner; they are extensive in the instructions. They can tell the restorer how to hook up the flue liner to the fireplace, stoves or boilers.

When a flue liner is installed, it should be insulated. Some people will skip that step and they should not. Insulation will allow the liner to heat properly and thus making for a good draft. It can also help contain a chimney fire.  Some people will use a vermiculite and concrete mixture that will be poured down the flue. That fills up the spaces left between the flue liner and the flue.

Today most flue liners are made of stainless steel. They are easier to install, especially if it is done by a do it yourselfer. If done by the individual the first thing you must do inspect the masonry chimney. A good cleaning of the chimney must be done, that is so that it will be clear of all debris and such. Try to install the widest flue liner you can to get the best draft. Flue liner installations are usually done from the top of the chimney, working down. Although the reverse can be done, it is actually easier to start at the top. With the flexible stainless steel flue liner, there is enough wiggle room to get it down the chimney.

Installing a flue liner, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it will add years to the fireplace and be a lot safer.