Chimney Lining for Solid Fuel Appliances/Stoves
What is a Chimney Liner and Why Do I Need One?
A chimney liner, also known as flue liner, is a flexible metal tube used for relining traditional masonry chimney stacks. The flue liner is made from stainless steel and normally has a smooth inner skin and a corrugated outer skin. The inner and outer skins of the flue liner can be joined by a triple lock jointing system, recognised as one of the best jointing systems available, to prevent the liner unravelling whilst maintaining flexibility.
The quality and grade of stainless steel used for the inner and outer layers of the liner often affect its lifespan, warranty, and recommended usage. Two grades of stainless steel are used to make a chimney liner – 316 grade and a higher quality 904 grade.
Howards (Tarleton) recommend 316 grade for dry/seasoned woodburning only, and 904 when burning smokeless and Authorised Fuel
If your property does not have a masonry chimney, you can still have an appliance installed. Instead of a flexible liner, a rigid twin -wall chimney system can be fitted. These can run internal through a property, or directly through from an internal room to an outside wall. Both the above are know as metallic flue systems.
Some chimney liner manufactures stipulate in their warranty that 316 is suitable for use when burning smokeless fuels. However over the years, we have seen the effect this has had on liners, having deteriorated due to corrosion in a relatively short space of time when using this type of fuel, so we therefore only recommend and fit 904 stainless steel liners when burning smokeless fuels.
This flue liner shows the markings stamped on the stainless steel at production. The letter D (to the left) denotes that the liner is suitable for dry appliances only, meaning those that will not produce condensates within the flue. Most open fires and wood burning stoves fall into this category. L70… as shown denotes it is a 904 grade of stainless steel. If the liner had been manufactured using 316 stainless stell it would have the marking L40…0r L50… This information along with other markings is known as the CE Designation
Why Install a Chimney Liner?
The most common reasons for installing a chimney liner are:
- Failure of a chimney inspection/ Smoke Testing
- Inadequate draw of the flue system
- Size and area of existing flue too big
- Stove/appliance manufacturers requirement
- Improved efficiency
- Help reduce risk of spread of fire in the event of a chimney fire
- Peace of mind!!
Today’s modern clean burning stoves and appliances are much more efficient and meet stringent emission requirements and are therefore less polluting. These are known as Ecodesign Compliant (Please note, not all Ecodesign compliant stoves are listed in the link, so always check with the manufactures)
Fitting a flue liner to Ecodesign stoves is essential for overall performance of the appliance.
Types of Appliances That May Require a Chimney Liner Include:
- Wood Burning Stoves
- Multi Fuel Stoves
- Open Fires
- Cookers*
- Boilers*
- Gas Fires**
* Some appliances such as solid fuel boilers or cookers are often referred to as being a continuous burning appliance and may have controls such as fans or thermostats fitted. Being a continuous appliance, these often burn at lower flue temperature for long periods and can produce condensates within the flue which are corrosive, and therefore a non-metallic chimney system may be required such as a pumice, clay or cast in-situ chimney linings as these are more resilient to corrosion.
The above pictures show a couple of stove installations that are Ecodesign compliant. Both these appliances where fitted with 904 grade stainless steel liners.
The above pictures show the type of access equipment that may be required to carry out chimney re-lining jobs.
**Only chimney lining systems that have the correct CE Designation code for solid fuel appliances/stoves can be used. NEVER use a single skin chimney liner intended only for gas or oil on ANY solid fuel or woodburning appliance, and ensure you get a copy of the manufacture’s liner warranty on completion of the installation, along with all the relevant Certificate of Compliance paperwork.
Howards Tarleton is a proud member of Safe Trader Scheme and has received fantastic Testimonials from our customers over the years.
We carry full liability insurance and in addition to being Master Chimney Sweep members of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, we are also HETAS Registered to carry out Installation Work and Service and Maintenance of solid fuel appliances.
We have been doing what we do for almost 60 years.
Furthermore, we have strict procedures in place for carrying out all chimney related work to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the process. All this for your added peace of mind and safety.
To discuss a chimney relining further, any issues with your chimney, stove, or appliance or to make an appointment, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Tel: 01772 812714 or Click here to contact us
Local Master Chimney Sweep