Chimney liner and flue liner
You can easily install a stainless steel chimney liner as a cost-effective, but very safe way to repair a chimney. Chimneys that are damaged or have deteriorated over time are health hazards and can cause health problems.
It isn’t hard to fit one of our chimney liners. They are light and specifically designed for ease of installation. If you have a basic level of DIY skill and a few tools, then you can often fit this yourself by following our simple instructions (see 'fitting a flexible liner').
Why Do I Need One?
You need to install a flexible flue liner to prevent a carbon monoxide leak, chimney fire, or creosote buildup. You should also take into account that UK regulations for carbon monoxide in the home are getting stricter. If you are considering selling your home with an older existing chimney, it is worth getting it checked out, especially for carbon monoxide levels, before putting your home on the market.
The chimney liner not only improves the energy efficiency of your burner or stove but also means that you don’t need to spend anywhere near as much time maintaining your fireplace and keeping it safe.
Why Should I install a flexible flue liner?
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Your chimney leaks smoke and fumes.
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Condensation or tar is seeping through the chimney. This causes stains, inside or outside the building.
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The flue is too large for the type of burner or stove you are using. The smoke cools down and doesn’t go up the chimney properly.
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The chimney flue is too cold. This is a problem if your flue is on an outside wall, and not drawing up the smoke properly.
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If your chimney has a stainless steel chimney liner, the liner is fitted the wrong way up, your chimney can leak tar and condensation
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The old flue surface is eroded and rough. It causes friction and slows down the smoke, which causes problems.
The single most important thing you need to do is make sure you have the correctly sized flexible flue liner for your specific situation. The diameter of your chimney flue liner needs to match the out pipe or exhaust pipe on your burner or stove- sounds like fairly common sense, but sometimes people think that you can do some kind of makeshift job. You can’t. It’s extremely unsafe to do something like that. You need a reliable seal and size match, otherwise, you are risking lives.
The flexible flue liner for your home needs to be long enough to go up and out of the chimney. We recommend you order a little extra pipe, just in case. You don’t want to get caught short by a few inches due to a measurement error.
What is a chimney liner?
A flexible flue liner is the metal tube that you see attached to any kind of burner, or going up on the inside of a house that takes the smoke out. You use it for “re-lining” an existing masonry chimney. Most people have a chimney that has been used or possibly damaged, and in order to make sure you get the smoke up and out of your home safely, you need to add the flexible flue liner.
It can only be installed inside a chimney and has to be totally enclosed. So you can’t have your flue liner going up just anywhere in your house without the chimney. This means that you can’t just have a flue liner going up the inside of your house and going through plasterboard walls, wooden beams, etc.
Rule: A regular flue liner goes inside a chimney, only….!
Our flexible flue liners are manufactured with double-lined stainless steel (we have both 316L or 904L grades) which more than meets all the UK safety standards. You can use them with gas, oil, multi-fuel, wood burners, or any stoves where the maximum flue gas temperature does not exceed 600°C. So this means pretty much any burner on the market - just get the sizing correct and you’re good!
Your flue legally needs to be a minimum of 6" in diameter if you are burning wood. The exception is when you install a DEFRA-approved stove with a 5" flue outlet- then you’re okay to use a 5" liner.
Our highest-quality stainless steel ensures that our customers stay safe and warm for years and years to come.
For information about the legislation, please see our blog about flue regulations
Chimney flue liner for maintenance
Provision should be made for inspecting and cleaning the flexible flue liner, especially on multi-fuel liners for solid fuel applications. The chimney flue liner should be swept at least once a year by a suitably qualified chimney sweep. Chemical chimney cleaners that contain chlorine, fluorine, or metal scarifying devices cannot be used under any circumstances and will invalidate your warranty. Mechanical cleaning with a stiff nylon brush and rods is the only recommended method.
Life expectancy
Under normal operating conditions and providing the flexible flue liner is installed correctly by a competent person, flexible flue liners should last the lifetime of the appliance.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Chimney Liners
Now, let's talk about why stainless steel chimney liners are the real MVPs in the world of chimney protection. First off, these babies are super durable and can handle the intense heat and corrosive byproducts that come with burning fuels like wood or gas. They're like the superheroes of chimney liners, protecting your chimney walls from wear and tear and giving them a long and happy life.
But wait, there's more! Stainless steel chimney liners are like trusty bodyguards for your home. They make sure that any dangerous combustion products, like carbon monoxide, are whisked away safely out of your house, keeping your family safe and sound. No need to worry about any unwanted guests crashing your indoor party!
Safeguarding Your Chimney Structure
Picture this: you're having a blast with your fireplace, but little did you know that the intense heat and acidic gases are slowly eating away at your chimney's interior. Yikes! That's where stainless steel chimney liners swoop in to save the day. They form a protective barrier, shielding the brick and mortar from harm and preventing expensive chimney repairs down the road. It's like giving your chimney a suit of armor!
Boosting Energy Efficiency
Who doesn't love saving a few bucks on their energy bills? With a stainless steel chimney liner, you can do just that! These liners are excellent insulators, making sure that the heat generated by your fireplace stays right where it belongs—inside your home. Say goodbye to wasted heat and hello to a cozier and more energy-efficient living space.
Kicking Creosote to the Curb
Creosote buildup is every chimney owner's worst nightmare. It's highly flammable and can lead to dangerous chimney fires if not kept in check. But fear not! Stainless steel chimney liners are here to the rescue. Their smooth surface and proper sizing prevent creosote from sticking around, keeping your chimney clean and reducing the risk of any fiery mishaps.
Why Choose Stainless Steel?
You might be wondering why stainless steel is the star of the show. Well, it's pretty simple, really. Stainless steel is incredibly resilient, resisting corrosion and withstanding the harshest of conditions. That means it won't rust or degrade over time, giving you a chimney liner that's built to last.
Getting the Perfect Fit
Now, before you rush out to get your stainless steel chimney liner, remember that one size doesn't fit all! Each chimney is unique, and you'll need to find the perfect fit for yours. Consider the type of chimney you have and the fuel you use. You don't want a liner that's too big or too small—it's all about finding the Goldilocks fit!.
Maintain Like a Pro
Once your shiny new stainless steel chimney liner is in place, don't forget about regular maintenance. Just like any superhero, your liner needs a little TLC too. Schedule yearly inspections and cleanings to keep it in top-notch condition and ensure your chimney works like a charm year after year.
Signs of Trouble
Uh-oh! What if you suspect your stainless steel chimney liner might be in trouble? Look out for any visible cracks, gaps, or signs of wear. If you notice any smoke leaking into your home or water leaks causing discoloration, it's time to call for backup and get those issues sorted ASAP!
Conclusion
Alright, there you have it—the fantastic world of stainless steel chimney liners and why they're essential for keeping your home safe and cozy. They're like the unsung heroes of your chimney, working hard to protect, insulate, and keep creosote at bay. So, if you're a chimney owner, show your chimney some love and invest in a reliable stainless steel liner—it's a decision you won't regret!
Some other Questions you may have
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Can I install a stainless steel chimney liner myself?
- Yes, when you follow the instructions on this website; it is not hard to do.
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How often should I get my stainless steel chimney liner inspected?
- To keep your liner in top shape, schedule a yearly inspection. It's like giving it an annual health checkup!
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Will a stainless steel chimney liner fit any chimney?
- Not quite! Stainless steel liners come in different sizes, so make sure you get the right fit for your chimney type and fuel.
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Are stainless steel chimney liners eco-friendly?
- Yes, indeed! Stainless steel is a sustainable and recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly choice for your chimney.
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Do stainless steel chimney liners require any special maintenance?
- Not really! Regular inspections and cleanings will do the trick to keep your liner in tip-top shape and ready to protect your home for years to come.
Did We Miss Anything?
Hopefully, you just got all the answers you need, but maybe you still have a question. If you want to know about this or any other topic relating to domestic burners and flue pipes, then please check out our FAQ page.
Here is our guide to UK regulations or our installation guide.
If you have a more specific problem, or you need your purchase sorted out quickly, then take advantage of our years of experience and head to head to our contact page.
