Stainless Steel Relining

What Is Chimney Relining?

A chimney liner—or flue liner—is the interior channel that carries smoke and gases up and out of your home. Originally, chimneys were often unlined, but modern standards require liners for safety and efficiency. Over time, tile liners crack, joints fail, and corrosion or soot buildup restricts airflow. Stainless steel relining replaces the damaged interior with a seamless metal system that resists heat, acids, and moisture.

The liner acts as a barrier between high-temperature exhaust and the masonry walls, preventing heat transfer that could ignite surrounding framing. It also improves draft, reduces creosote buildup, and keeps harmful gases like carbon monoxide from seeping into living areas.

When Should You Reline Your Chimney?

• Your clay flue tiles are cracked, missing mortar, or show signs of collapse
• A new appliance (gas, oil, or wood) requires a properly sized liner
• You’ve experienced a chimney fire that damaged the existing flue
• Condensation, staining, or odor issues point to internal damage
• The chimney is unlined or doesn’t meet safety code

Many older homes in Ansonia, CT still operate with damaged or undersized flues. Installing a new stainless steel liner restores compliance, improves performance, and greatly reduces future maintenance.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Relining

• Durability: High-grade stainless steel withstands heat and corrosion better than clay or aluminum liners.
• Versatility: Suitable for wood, gas, and oil appliances of all sizes.
• Improved Draft: Smooth interior surfaces allow efficient exhaust flow, reducing smoke and odor issues.
• Moisture Resistance: Prevents acidic condensate from damaging masonry and mortar.
• Code Compliance: Meets NFPA 211 and Connecticut building standards for venting systems.
• Peace of Mind: Lifetime warranty on most stainless steel liners when professionally installed.

Our Chimney Relining Process in Ansonia, CT

1. Inspection: We evaluate the existing flue condition with cameras to identify cracks, voids, and obstructions.
2. Sizing: Proper diameter is calculated for the connected appliance to ensure optimal draft.
3. Preparation: We remove debris, old tile remnants, and obstructions to create a clear path for the new liner.
4. Installation: The stainless liner is lowered and secured inside the chimney, connected to appliance outlets, and sealed at top and bottom.
5. Insulation: We may wrap the liner with insulation to maintain flue temperature and enhance efficiency.
6. Testing: We test draft and check for proper venting performance before cleanup.

Types of Liners We Install

• Rigid Stainless Liners: Ideal for straight chimneys with minimal offsets, offering superior durability.
• Flexible Stainless Liners: Designed to navigate bends and curves in older chimneys without reconstruction.
• Insulated Liners: Used where condensation or cold exterior walls affect draft and moisture control.

Why Stainless Steel?

Unlike clay tile or aluminum, stainless steel maintains its strength at high temperatures and resists corrosion from acidic flue gases. Connecticut’s seasonal temperature swings and humidity make inferior materials deteriorate quickly, while stainless systems provide decades of reliable performance. They’re also easier to service, inspect, and clean, reducing long-term costs for homeowners in Ansonia, CT.

Connecting Appliances Safely

Every chimney system must match its attached heating appliance. We specialize in properly sizing and adapting liners for gas furnaces, boilers, wood stoves, and traditional fireplaces. Incorrect sizing can lead to poor draft, condensation, or soot backflow. Our technicians ensure proper transitions, seals, and clearances—meeting manufacturer and NFPA standards every time.

Protecting Masonry With Relining

Relining doesn’t just improve venting—it protects your brickwork from further decay. When acidic exhaust contacts bare masonry, it dissolves mortar and accelerates cracking. A new liner isolates those byproducts and keeps moisture away from porous materials, extending the life of the chimney structure itself.

Post-Installation Testing & Maintenance

After installation, we perform a full draft test and smoke check to confirm proper function. You’ll receive a detailed report documenting materials used, system layout, and performance results. Annual inspections and light sweeping help maintain warranty coverage and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all chimneys need liners?

Yes, modern codes require lined chimneys for safety. Liners improve efficiency and prevent heat damage to surrounding materials.

How long does a stainless liner last?

Properly installed stainless liners typically last several decades, many with lifetime warranties.

Can you reline any type of chimney?

Most masonry chimneys can be relined without reconstruction. We customize flexible or rigid systems depending on structure and use.

How soon can I use my chimney after relining?

Usually the next day, once all sealants and components have set and passed draft testing.