N
The Global Insight

How do you reline a chimney

Author

William Harris

Updated on April 12, 2026

The cost of relining a chimney varies. Typically, the cost can be anything between $2,500 and $7,000. Ultimately the cost will be determined by the type of lining you would want to have installed.

How much does it cost to reline a chimney?

The cost of relining a chimney varies. Typically, the cost can be anything between $2,500 and $7,000. Ultimately the cost will be determined by the type of lining you would want to have installed.

How do I know if my chimney needs relining?

If your chimney liner is damaged, you will begin to see flakes of chimney tile accumulate in the fireplace. Shaling flue tiles are a sign that you should have your chimney liner replaced as soon as possible. If left un-fixed, a damaged chimney liner can cause a dangerous chimney or house fire.

Can I reline my chimney myself?

Yes it can – and will! While having your chimney liner professionally installed can be more convenient but ends up being costly, averaging anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. With our DIY Chimney Liner Kits you will have all the components needed to reline your chimney and you wont break the bank!

Do chimneys need a liner?

A chimney liner might not seem like an important part of your chimney, but in reality, it’s extremely important and improves the safety of your fireplace and home. Additionally, a chimney liner is required to be present to pass inspection for property transfer.

Does a brick chimney need a liner?

Many older homes have unlined brick chimneys. They were built during a period when most building codes didn’t require them. Today, most building and fire codes require chimney liners, even if you have a brick chimney. And the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) also recommends them.

How long does a chimney liner last?

Average Lifespan of Chimney Liners The average lifespan of a chimney liner is 15 to 20 years. After two decades you will probably need to get the entire liner replaced to make sure it’s still up to code and not a serious fire risk.

How much does a stainless steel chimney liner cost?

The average cost of a stainless steel chimney liner is around $1,980 when installed by a local chimney professional. For do-it-yourself homeowners, expect to pay around $625 for a ready to install, 6″ x 25′ foot flue liner kit and DIY installation.

What kind of chimney liner do I need?

Stainless will always be the best option when it comes to performance, durability, safety and cost. A stainless steel chimney liner that is properly sized, for the stove, furnace, or fireplace will maintain or improve the venting performance (draft).

How long does it take to reline a chimney?

Stainless steel liners are the most common and should be replaced every 15 to 20 years. Chimney liner installation takes 4 to 8 hours on average. Fire codes require most solid-fuel chimneys to have a liner. Gas or electric inserts typically don’t need a liner.

Article first time published on

What is the purpose of a chimney liner?

Also often referred to as a chimney liner, a flue liner is a flexible tube that is connected to your stove pipe to line the inside of your chimney. It runs up the entire length of your chimney, carrying the fumes up your flue liner instead of releasing them straight into your chimney cavity.

What size of chimney liner do I need?

When sizing a fireplace for a square or rectangular liner the 1/10 ratio should be used. This means that the area of the liner should be 1/10th of the fireplace opening. So in the example above where the fireplace had 1080″ of area, it should be divided by 10 which means a liner with 108″ of area is needed.

What are old chimneys lined with?

Flues are lined with ‘parging’, a render mix used to prevent gases escaping through mortar joints and cracks in the structure. Parging is always somewhat roughly executed and is usually of the same mix as the brick mortar, because it is done piecemeal as the chimney stack rises.

Can you reline a fireplace chimney?

Relining a chimney means installing a new flue liner. If you live in a very old home, there is a possibility that the chimney doesn’t have a lining at all.

Does a gas boiler need a chimney liner?

For optimal use and safety, a liner is needed when installing a new heating system, furnace, boiler, or water heater. Local codes and the International Fuel Gas Code require proper venting and chimney liners for flue gasses to be vented into the outdoor atmosphere.

Does chimney liner need to be insulated?

It is always a good idea to insulate a stainless steel chimney liner. The insulation will enable the flue to heat up more quickly and to a higher temperature. This helps reduce the risk of having an inadequate draft. In addition, while the flue gasses stay hot, less creosote will form and less fuel will be wasted.

Should chimney be cleaned before installing liner?

If you have determined that you will need to install a new chimney liner, you will need to clean your chimney, fireplace or woodstove thoroughly before the new installation begins. … The liner should reach from the top of your chimney to the damper throat or other connection at the bottom of your flue.

What goes inside a chimney?

The flue liner is the interior layer that protects the flue and other parts of the chimney system from heat and fire damage as smoke and other combustion materials move through it. These days, flues are typically made from clay or metal.

Do I need a chimney liner for fireplace insert?

When installing a fireplace insert in your existing fireplace it is now required that you install a chimney liner system to vent the appliance. In addition to your installation being compliant with local code, there are many other benefits to installing a stainless steel chimney liner.

Are chimney liners safe?

Advantages: If properly installed and maintained, metal chimney liners are extremely safe and durable. Stainless steel is suitable for wood-burning, gas, or oil appliances, while the aluminum is an inexpensive alternative for certain medium efficiency gas applications only.

How much does a cast in place chimney liner cost?

Cast-in-Place Chimney Liner Cost Cast-in-place lasts more than 50 years and costs between $40 and $120 per foot for materials only. Homeowners should expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,000 for materials and installation.

What size fireplace damper do I need?

It’s important to ensure that your damper isn’t too small, too low or too far back. It should be the full width of the firebox and at least 6 inches above the top of the opening. The damper is usually closer to the front of the fireplace than the back.