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Fireplace & Hearth

Fireplace Liner

A fireplace liner is a protective conduit installed inside the chimney flue to contain combustion products, protect the chimney structure from heat and corrosive gases, and provide a correctly sized passage for optimal draft. Many older chimneys were constructed without liners or with clay tile liners that have deteriorated over time, creating potential safety hazards including carbon monoxide leakage and chimney fires. Installing or replacing a flue liner is one of the most important safety upgrades for any fireplace system. Three main types of flue liners are used in residential applications: clay tile, stainless steel, and cast-in-place concrete. Clay tile liners are the most common in new masonry construction and provide good performance when properly installed and maintained. Stainless steel liners are the preferred choice for relining existing chimneys, offering flexibility for installation through offset flues and excellent resistance to corrosion. Cast-in-place liners create a seamless insulated passage that can strengthen deteriorating chimney structures while providing superior protection.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Protects chimney walls from heat and corrosion
  • ✓Contains combustion products within the flue
  • ✓Ensures correctly sized passage for proper draft
  • ✓Critical safety component preventing gas leakage
  • ✓Available in multiple materials for different needs
  • ✓Can be retrofitted into existing chimneys

Types & Variations

Clay tile liner for new construction
Stainless steel flexible liner for relining
Stainless steel rigid liner sections
Cast-in-place poured concrete liner
Insulated liner with ceramic blanket wrap

Common Materials

Clay terra cotta tiles with mortar jointsThree-sixteen-inch stainless steel alloyAluminum alloy for gas appliances onlyRefractory cement for cast-in-place systemsHigh-temperature ceramic fiber insulationVermiculite insulation fill around liner

Works Well With These Styles

TraditionalRusticCraftsmanColonialFarmhouse

Placement & Usage Tips

Liner selection depends on the fuel type, chimney condition, and configuration. Professional installation is essential, as improper liner sizing or installation can create dangerous operating conditions.

💡 Pro Tip

When relining with stainless steel, always insulate the liner with a ceramic blanket wrap or poured insulation. The insulation maintains higher flue temperatures for better draft, reduces creosote formation, and protects the chimney structure from heat transfer.

Related Terms

Fireplace Flue

The interior passage or duct within a chimney through which smoke and combustion gases travel from the firebox to the exterior of the building.

Chimney

A vertical structure containing one or more flues that channels smoke, gases, and combustion byproducts from a fireplace or stove upward and safely out of a building.

Firebox

The inner chamber of a fireplace where fuel is burned, constructed from heat-resistant materials such as firebrick to contain combustion safely.

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