Chimney Liners in New Jersey

What a liner does

A flue liner has three jobs. It contains the products of combustion so they leave through the chimney and not into the house. It protects the masonry and nearby framing from heat and from corrosive byproducts. And it gives the appliance a flue of the right size.

Signs the liner has a problem

• Cracked or missing pieces of clay tile found at inspection
• Gaps or missing mortar between tiles
• Flaking or rust on a metal liner
• No liner in an older chimney
• Flue deposits that seep through the masonry
• A new appliance connected to a flue that was not built for it
• Damage after a chimney fire

Why liners fail

• Age and repeated heating and cooling crack clay tiles
• A chimney fire can crack tiles or damage a liner
• Moisture and acidic condensation attack liners and mortar joints, especially with gas and oil appliances
• Water entering from the top rusts metal and deteriorates joints
• Changes to the appliance or fuel can leave a flue oversized or unsuitable

Liner types

Which one is right depends on the fuel, the appliance and its manufacturer's requirements, and the condition and size of the existing flue. We explain the options and why one fits.

Relining or resurfacing

If the existing flue is basically sound but has cracks or open joints, flue resurfacing may be an option. If it is badly damaged, or the appliance needs a different size, relining is more likely.