Do You Need A Chimney Liner?

The chimney in your home needs to safely be able to handle heat and sparks without damaging your home. Chimney liners create a metal or ceramic protective liner that insulate heat moving through the chimney. If cracked or damaged, the liner won't be as effective, making burning anything in your fireplace or wood stove risky. If you have an older home or you burn wood regularly, your chimney should be inspected by a professional at least once a year as well as cleaned.

Does your liner need to be repaired or replaced?

• See for yourself. From inside, open the flue and look up as far as you can. From the roof, remove the cap and do a visual inspection. Any signs of cracks or rough edges can signify an issue.
• Hire a chimney professional with a camera. Most companies run a scope down the chimney and, upon request, can record a video to share with you detailing the issues they see.

If your home doesn't have a liner at all, check your city's fire code to see if one is necessary. You may need at least a stainless-steel liner to prevent overheating and risking a fire, especially if you're making changes to or installing a wood-burning stove or fireplace. If your fireplace is not being used and your chimney solely acts as a vent for your furnace or water heater, you may not need a liner. Fireplaces with gas or electric inserts most likely do not need liners because these types of fuel don't produce enough heat to damage a masonry chimney. Consult a chimney professional for questions and to schedule an inspection.