Safe, Efficient Draft with Stainless Steel Relining
A properly sized, continuous liner is the backbone of chimney safety. Whether your original clay tiles are cracked, your flue is oversized for a new appliance, or you’re converting from wood to gas, Manchester Complete Chimney Sweep installs durable, code-aware liner systems that restore performance and peace of mind.
Fix Damage, Right-Size Draft, and Vent the Way Manufacturers Intended
The flue liner protects nearby combustibles from excessive heat and directs smoke and gases safely outdoors. Over time, clay tiles can crack from thermal shock or freeze–thaw cycles, and mortar joints may open up—creating ledges that trap creosote and gaps that leak heat. A stainless steel liner provides a smooth, continuous vent path that’s resilient to moisture, acids, and temperature extremes.
Relining is also essential when the flue is the wrong size for the appliance. Many older chimneys were built with large masonry flues sized for open fireplaces. If you install a wood stove or gas insert with lower exhaust volume, an oversized flue can cause weak draft, smoke spillage, and excess creosote. We calculate proper liner diameter for your exact appliance and venting height, then install an insulated system where required to maintain stable flue temps and reliable draft.
Common reasons Manchester homeowners reline
- Cracked clay tiles or missing mortar joints
- Oversized flue causing poor draft
- Appliance conversions (wood → gas or inserts)
- Evidence of chimney fire or heat stress
- Moisture damage, odors, or flaking tiles
Safety-first sizing
We size, insulate, and secure liners for stable draft, efficient burns, and protection for surrounding framing.
Stainless Liners: Flexible, Rigid, and Insulated Systems
We install UL-listed stainless steel liners configured for wood, pellet, oil, or gas appliances. The exact system depends on the chimney’s path, condition, and the appliance you use most. Our goal is a smooth, continuous, corrosion-resistant vent that maintains appropriate temperatures for reliable draft and clean combustion.
Flexible Stainless Liners
Ideal for chimneys with offsets or slight bends, flexible liners snake through existing tiles without extensive demolition. They offer excellent versatility for inserts and many stove installs. We protect flex liners with insulation where required and terminate them with a quality top plate, cap, and appliance connector.
Rigid Stainless Liners
Rigid sections provide an exceptionally smooth interior for efficient flow and easier cleaning. We often use rigid where the flue is straight and accessible, combining pieces with locked seams and insulated wraps when the installation or code calls for it.
Insulation: Wraps and Pour-In
Insulating a liner helps retain flue temperature, improving draft and minimizing condensation that can lead to creosote or corrosion. Depending on clearance requirements and chimney condition, we install either a mineral-wool blanket wrap or a pour-in insulation around the liner for a snug, code-aware fit.
Proper Sizing & Draft Calculations
We evaluate appliance BTUs, flue height, and expected temperatures to determine the correct liner diameter. Right-sizing reduces smoke spillage, odors, and sooting while boosting efficiency and ease of lighting.
Secure Terminations & Seals
Quality matters at the ends as much as the middle. We install solid top plates, storm collars, and caps, then seal connections at the appliance and thimble to prevent leakage and keep weather, critters, and debris out.
From Diagnosis to Reliable Draft
We keep disruption low and results high with a refined, photo-documented workflow tailored to Manchester, CT homes.
1
Inspect & Measure
We document tile damage, verify clearances, measure height, and confirm appliance needs to choose the right system.
2
Prep & Protect
Drop cloths, roof safety, and dust control keep your home and yard neat while we stage materials and equipment.
3
Install Liner
We drop or assemble the stainless liner, insulate as required, and secure with top plate, cap, and appliance-specific connector.
Test & Report
We verify draft, check for leakage, and provide photos plus guidance on break-in burns and ongoing maintenance.
Relining After Damage or Conversions
If a video inspection reveals cracked tiles, expanded joints, or missing sections, relining is often the safest path forward. Stainless steel creates a continuous, fire-resistant barrier that isolates heat from nearby framing, while the smooth interior promotes cleaner exhaust. After a chimney fire, relining can be paired with smoke-chamber parging, crown work, and cap upgrades to restore the entire system.
Wood-to-Gas Conversions
Gas appliances produce cooler, moisture-rich exhaust. In oversized or unlined flues, that moisture condenses and attacks masonry. A correctly sized, listed liner prevents condensation, supports proper draft, and protects the chimney against acidic byproducts.
Insert and Stove Installs
Modern inserts and stoves are efficient because they control air and burn hotter—but they also demand the right vent path. We run a dedicated liner from the appliance to the top of the chimney, seal at the damper area with a block-off plate when appropriate, and ensure easy access points for future sweeping.
Oil & Pellet Venting
We configure liners compatible with oil-fired systems and pellet stoves, accounting for appliance-specific temperatures, vent diameters, and cleaning access. Proper relining reduces residue buildup and improves reliability season after season.
Maintenance & Lifespan
A stainless liner is built to last when maintained. Annual sweeping keeps deposits in check, while a quality cap and top-sealing damper limit moisture entry and downdrafts. If you burn wood, seasoned fuel, proper air supply, and hot start-up fires help maintain clean, efficient operation.
Stainless Steel Relining
UL-listed flexible or rigid liners sized for your appliance. Optional insulation, cap, and damper upgrades available.
Chimney Relining FAQs for Manchester, CT
Answers to the most common relining questions we hear locally.
Ready to reline your chimney the right way?
Get a stainless system sized for your home and appliance—installed cleanly and documented clearly. We serve Manchester, CT with honest advice and long-lasting results.