A chimney liner is the metal or ceramic tube inside the chimney that carries combustion gases safely out of your home. When the liner fails — cracked clay tiles, rusted metal, corroded by oil condensate — the chimney stops venting safely and can leak carbon monoxide, catch fire, or fail smoke draft.
Relining replaces the liner without tearing down the chimney. The right material depends on your fuel type and appliance.
Liner types, explained
316Ti Stainless Steel — Our standard. Titanium-stabilized stainless that resists acidic condensate from oil and gas. UL-listed, 25-year manufacturer warranty.
Rigid vs. Flex — Rigid is used for straight chimneys. Flex liner bends through offsets and bends common in older Long Island chimneys. Both are acceptable when sized and installed correctly.
Insulation wrap — Mandatory for most NFPA 211 installs. Wraps the liner to maintain proper flue gas temperatures and prevent condensation. Skip it and the liner life is cut in half.
Top plate and clamp — Locks the liner at the top and prevents water entry. We use stainless top plates; galvanized rusts in 5 years.
When to call us
- Clay tile liner is cracked, spalled, or sections missing (visible on camera scan)
- Previous chimney fire damaged the original liner
- Converting from oil to natural gas (fuel switch requires new liner sizing)
- Converting fireplace to wood stove insert (smaller flue = new liner)
- Smoke smell inside the home when the fireplace is burning
- Corroded metal liner from oil furnace venting
- Home inspection identified missing or damaged liner
Our process
- Video camera scan. We confirm the existing liner is failed or inadequate. You see the footage.
- Measure and size. Proper sizing per NFPA 211 and appliance manufacturer specs. Oversized liners cause creosote, undersized cause draft problems.
- Tear-out (if needed). Broken clay tile or old metal liner removed through the top of the chimney.
- Insulation wrap. 316Ti flex liner wrapped with ceramic fiber insulation before being lowered into the chimney.
- Installation and lock-top. Liner fed from top to bottom, connected to appliance, top plate and storm collar sealed.
- Smoke test. We verify proper draft and no leaks before we leave.
- Documentation. NFPA 211 compliant install report. 25-year warranty registered with manufacturer.
