Do I need a chimney liner?

If your home or business benefits from a fireplace, you’ll want to maintain its condition and performance long into the future – which may lead you to wonder, do I need my chimney lined? 

In this article we’ll take you through exactly what chimney liners are, why they’re useful and what types of fireplace might require them.

What are chimney liners? 

Chimney liners, also called flue liners, are installed to the inside of your chimney and run the entire length. They are made from a variety of materials, most commonly metal, clay or ceramics. Their purpose is to protect the interior of the chimney against the harsh flue environment, but also to contain and direct combustion materials, such as gases and particulates, out of your home in a more effective manner. 

What are the benefits of chimney liners?

The main benefits of installing a chimney liner in your property are: 

• Keeps your chimney clean and reduces damage caused by build-up of smoke, gases and particulates. This maintains the quality of the chimney itself for much longer. 
• Liners also enhance safety by reducing the likelihood of blockages and therefore chimney fires. The liner can also act as a barrier to fumes, meaning that carbon monoxide and other harmful gases are less likely to escape into your home via cracks and crevices. 
• The final advantage of chimney liners is that they boost the efficiency of a chimney by making it far easier for the gases to pass through the entire length of the chimney and out of your property. In other words, they improve the ‘draw’ of airflow up your chimney. Also, without a liner, gases may condense more readily, increasing the risk of damp forming. 

However, different types of fireplace or stove will have greater need for a chimney liner than others, so let’s explore this in more detail. 

Do I need a chimney liner? 

It’s recommended that you should install a chimney liner if your fireplace or stove falls into one of the following categories: 

• Wood-burning stove
• Gas fire 
• Open fire 

There may be other instances where a liner is recommended, too. For example, if a chimney expert deems your chimney to have the potential to leak fumes, or just not comply with safe and compliant installation without a liner, then they will suggest installing one. You may also want to check if any insurance policies insist on the installation of a chimney liner. 

If you’re still unsure of whether your chimney needs to be lined or not, then consult with the services of an expert who can carry out an assessment. 

You can reap the most reward from a chimney liner by making sure it’s installed by a professional – that’s where Enviro-Flame can help. We’re a leading supplier of fireplaces in London, along with accompanying accessories and services to ensure you get the most value from your fireplace or stove. To find out more about what we do, just chat to our friendly team.