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Writer's pictureTexas Family Chimney Care

The different types of chimney liners and their uses.

Updated: Apr 20, 2023

Chimney liners are an integral component of any chimney system, serving to safely vent smoke and gases out of your home while simultaneously protecting it from heat and corrosion damage. There are various types of chimney liners on the market, each providing its own set of advantages and disadvantages.





Interior of a clay mortar chimney flue, showing the brickwork and mortar joints

In this blog, we will discuss the four most common types of chimney liners and their uses.


Clay Flue Liners


Clay flue liners are the most widely-used type of chimney liner and are typically employed to vent wood-burning appliances like fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces.

Clay flue liners provide protection for chimneys against heat and corrosion while providing an even surface for smoke to ascend the chimney. Their composition involves special clay that has been fired in a kiln to form strong and durable flue liners that protect chimneys for years.

Clay flue liners are popular choices among homeowners as they are relatively affordable and easy to install, making them a cost-effective solution.


Stainless Steel Liners


Stainless steel liners are used in chimneys that vent gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and boilers. The stainless steel liner helps protect the chimney against corrosion while providing an ideal pathway for exhaust gases to ascend up into the chimney.

Stainless steel liners are manufactured from a special type of stainless steel designed to withstand extreme temperatures and corrosive gases and then installed inside a chimney with mortar sealant for sealing purposes.

Stainless steel flue liners tend to be more costly than clay ones, but their greater durability could keep your flue operating for many more years.


Cast-in-Place Liners


Cast-in-place liners are made of a special concrete mixture that is poured directly into an existing chimney to harden. They're used to repair and reinforce damaged chimneys that need strengthening or reinforcement.

Cast-in-place liners may be more costly than clay flue liners, but they offer greater durability. A concrete mixture is poured directly into the chimney and allowed to set, creating a strong and long-term barrier from heat and corrosion that protects it.


Flexible Liners


Flexible liners are made of special stainless steel which is flexible enough to be bent to the shape of any chimney, making it the ideal solution for venting wood-burning appliances and gas appliances.

Flexible liners may cost more than clay flue liners, but their longevity makes up for their greater cost. Once placed into your chimney and sealed with mortar, flexible liners provide long-term protection from smoke damage and flue buildup.

Flexible liners are specifically designed to expand and contract in response to temperature changes in a chimney, helping prevent cracking and other damages that might otherwise occur.


Conclusion Ultimately, various types of chimney liners exist, each offering its own set of benefits and drawbacks.


Clay flue liners are the most frequently used type of chimney liner and are typically employed to vent wood-burning appliances like fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces.


Stainless steel liners are widely utilized to line chimneys that vent gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and boilers.


Cast-in-place liners are made from a concrete mixture poured directly into the chimney and left to harden.


Flexible liners are comprised of an exceptionally flexible type of stainless steel that can be bent to conform to the shape of any chimney.


Selecting an effective chimney liner for your home is key to making sure that it remains both safe and effective.


1. Clay Flue Liners: Clay flue liners are one of the most popular chimney liners and are used to vent wood-burning appliances like fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces. Their durable clay composition provides protection from heat and corrosion while providing a smooth pathway for smoke to travel up through.


2. Stainless Steel Liners: Stainless steel liners are used in chimneys that vent gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and boilers to protect the chimney from corrosion and to provide a smooth path for exhaust gases to travel up through it.


3. Cast-in-Place Liners: Cast-in-place liners are composed of a concrete mixture poured directly into the chimney and allowed to be set. These types of liners are ideal for reinforcing damaged chimneys that have suffered structural damage or require repair work, providing immediate reinforcement or reinforcement of existing chimneys in need of repairs or reinforcements.


4. Flexible Liners: Flexible liners are made of flexible stainless steel material that can be bent to conform to any chimney shape. They are used for venting wood-burning appliances and gas appliances.


Are you looking to install or prepare a chimney liner?

Looking for chimney liner installation and preparation services in the Dallas-Ft Worth area? Don't look any further! Our service specializes in installing and preparing clay flue liners, stainless steel liners, cast-in-place liners, and flexible liners - whatever is necessary for safe chimney operation - Our team of highly-experienced professionals is on hand to make sure it gets installed right and safely - we guarantee it! If you would like more information on our services please reach out - we look forward to speaking to you about our services today!



Let us assist with installing or preparing your chimney liner so you can breathe easily - whether it is clay, stainless steel, cast-in-place, or flexible!


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