Chimney Relining: A New Flue Without Tearing Down the Chimney
Stainless steel liners for cracked clay tiles, unlined flues, and new appliance hookups — a safe, code-compliant flue in about a day.
Clay flue tiles crack from age, settling, and especially from chimney fires. Every crack and open seam becomes a pathway for heat and carbon monoxide to leak into the wood framing surrounding your chimney. A damaged liner means your fireplace or stove stays cold until it's fixed. The straightforward part: fixing it almost never requires tearing down and rebuilding the entire chimney.
Chimney Pros installs insulated stainless steel liner systems—a continuous, UL-listed flue that drops inside your existing chimney, sized exactly for your fireplace, stove, insert, or furnace. Correct sizing restores draft strength and stops condensation damage before it spreads. When the flue geometry is too tight or twisted, cast-in-place relining is an option. Every install finishes with a camera scan of the completed flue to confirm the work.
Warning signs it can't wait
- White or yellow crusty buildup inside the firebox or around the damper area.
- Mortar crumbling or missing from the exterior chimney crown or where bricks meet.
- Visible cracks or gaps running vertically through clay flue tiles visible at the top of the chimney.
- Smoke backing into the room instead of drafting straight up and out.
- A wet or damp smell coming from inside the fireplace even when no fire is burning.
- Rust stains or water pooling on the hearth or in front of the fireplace opening.
- Soot falling into the firebox or black debris appearing on the grate after rain.
- A musty, moldy odor coming from the chimney or the room where the fireplace sits.
Seeing two or more at once? Stop using the fireplace and call — that combination usually means the system is struggling or unsafe to run.
When a reline is the fix
- Clay flue tiles — deteriorated masonry interior that no longer contains heat and exhaust safely.
- Cracked liner — fractured clay allowing combustion gases and embers to contact wood framing.
- Unlined chimney — older masonry with no flue pipe, a code violation for most modern appliances.
- Oversized flue — too large for the appliance, causing condensation and draft loss.
- Offset or twisted flue — angled geometry that catches soot and blocks gas flow.
- Missing chimney cap — rain and animals entering, deteriorating the top of the liner.
- Mortar joint failure — gaps between bricks allowing water to seep inward and freeze.
- Cast-in-place structural damage — masonry weakened by centuries of freeze-thaw cycles.
- Gas appliance exhaust — high-efficiency furnaces or fireplaces exhausting into oversized clay flues.
What chimney liner costs
Chimney liner pricing ranges from $1,200–$3,500 depending on flue size, height, and whether insulation is needed. We start every job with a $199 Level 2 camera inspection so you see the damage and approve one flat quote before any work begins.
| Repair / service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Level 2 camera scan first | $199 |
| Stainless liner install (typical single flue) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Insulated liner / tall or offset flues | $2,000 – $3,500 |
What you get
Insulated Stainless Steel
UL-listed, continuous, and insulated — rated for wood, gas, or oil, with a lifetime warranty on the liner.
Camera Before and After
The scan that found the damage, and the scan of the finished flue — both yours to keep.
Code-Compliant and Sized Right
Correct diameter and insulation restore draft and meet code for the connected appliance.
Flat Project Price
The liner, insulation, connections, cap, and final scan — one written number.
Free camera assessment
We scope your flue, show you the footage, and quote one flat project price for the reline.
How it works
Camera inspection (Level 2)
A high-definition camera probe travels the full length of your flue, displaying the image on a screen so you see exactly what's cracked or missing. This is how we confirm the liner is needed and measure the flue path for the right-sized replacement.
Drop cloths and containment setup
We lay full floor-to-ceiling protection and seal the firebox opening with plastic sheeting to keep soot and debris confined. This means your home stays clean throughout the work.
Flue preparation and cleanout
We remove existing obstructions, loose clay, and soot buildup. The flue is now ready to receive the new liner without kinks or binding.
Stainless or cast-in-place liner install
The new liner—insulated steel or poured cement, depending on your flue geometry—is measured and installed from the rooftop down, anchored at the top and sealed at the appliance connection below. Each section is secured and tested for continuity.
Cap installation and final camera scan
A chimney cap or rain hood goes on top to block water and animals. A second camera sweep confirms the entire flue is seamless and clear from appliance to roof exit.
Walkthrough and before-and-after photos
We walk you through the finished flue on the camera, show you the before-and-after photos of the work, review the drop cloth cleanup, and answer any questions before we leave the site.
Chimney Liner questions
How long does relining take?
Most installs finish in a single day. Complex offsets or cast-in-place jobs may run two days. You'll receive the exact timeline when you approve the quote.
Stainless steel or cast-in-place—which do I need?
Stainless is the right choice for the majority of chimneys: proven performance, backed by manufacturer support, and lower cost. Cast-in-place makes sense for unusual flue shapes or where the masonry needs structural reinforcement. The camera inspection determines which is right for your chimney.
Does a gas fireplace or furnace flue need a liner?
Very often, yes. Modern high-efficiency appliances exhaust cooler, wetter gases that destroy unlined masonry and oversized clay flues from the inside. A stainless or aluminum liner sized to the appliance is the standard fix and usually a code requirement.
Is a liner really necessary if I only see small cracks?
Yes. Flue gases and stray embers exploit exactly those cracks, and NFPA 211 requires a cracked liner to be corrected before the fireplace is used. That crack is the difference between contained fire and heat reaching your wooden framing.
Who fixes chimney liners—do I call a mason or a specialist?
Call a chimney company that regularly installs liners and owns the right tools. General masons often do repairs but seldom handle liner installation. Chimney Pros has the camera equipment, scaffolding, and UL-listed materials to do it right the first time.
Can I clean my own chimney if the liner is cracked?
No. A damaged liner means you should not use the fireplace until it is replaced. Sweeping a cracked flue does not fix the structural damage or the heat and carbon monoxide leakage problem.
What is the cost range for chimney relining?
A Level 2 camera scan costs $199. A typical single-flue stainless liner install runs $1,200–$2,500. Insulated liners or tall and offset flues range $2,000–$3,500. You receive one flat quote approved before any work starts.
Do I need an insulated liner?
Insulated liners reduce condensation and improve draft, especially for gas appliances or in climates with cold outdoor temperatures. They cost more upfront but extend the life of the liner and prevent moisture damage. The quote will outline the option for your situation.
What happens after the liner is installed?
We scan the flue one final time on camera, install a chimney cap to block rain and animals, photograph the before-and-after condition, and walk you through the completed work. You can return to using your fireplace or stove right away.
Ready for a safer, cleaner chimney?
Same-week appointments, honest flat pricing, no scare tactics — and same-day emergency service when it can't wait. Licensed and insured.