Facts About Relining Masonry Chimney and Fireplace Flues

Reasons to Reline

Repair damage done to the chimney, which may have been caused by a chimney flue fire, deterioration from age and use, lightning strike, or settling of chimney structure.
Update old chimneys which were constructed without chimney liners .
Replace worn / deteriorated liners which may be allowing smoke, creosote, condensation to penetrate through the chimney walls or excessive heat flowing through the chimney walls to the combustible structure around the chimney.
Properly size the chimney for a new appliance; such as converting from wood or oil over to a gas fired appliance.
An adequately insulated Liner prevents excessive creosote buildup inside the chimney flue, thus reducing the risk of having a flue fire.

Flue Lining in a masonry chimney is defined as clay / ceramic, metal or cast-in-place conduit installed inside a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.
Building Codes vary from one state or locality to another, the installation of flue lining has been recommended since the early part of this century. Most fire codes now mandate liners.
In the 1940`s and again in the 1980`s masonry chimneys were tested by the National Bureau or Standards for durability due to rising concerns about their performance and safety. The tests revealed that unlined chimneys were so unsafe that researchers characterized building a chimney without a liner as " little less than criminal".

Type of Liner	Material Type
Clay Tile	ceramic
Stainless Steel	metal
Aluminum	metal
Cast-in-place	powdered volcanic rock and cement