Chimney lining for wood burning and multi-fuel stoves
A chimney has one job: to remove the products of combustion safely to the outside of your home. It works because hot gases rise and escape to the cooler air outside. Anything that cools those gases — running the appliance too slowly, or cold air leaking into an oversized or damaged flue — can affect how well the chimney performs. A modern flue liner restores that performance and keeps the installation safe.
Do I need my chimney lined?
The answer is often yes. Newer chimneys may not require relining, but systems pre-dating 1965 frequently need a modern lining solution. You are likely to need a liner if:
- The flue has lost integrity, causing smoke to leak.
- Condensates or tar deposits are seeping through the chimney and staining the building.
- Insulation is needed to improve appliance and flue operation — especially where the chimney runs along an external wall.
- A defective flue is eroded and coarse, creating resistance and poor up-draught.
- An oversized flue needs reducing — many manufacturers specify a smaller flue for efficient operation.
The flue liner we use
For wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we fit 904-grade flexible stainless steel liner. It offers the best resistance to the corrosive by-products of solid fuel and is backed by a longer manufacturer guarantee than the thinner 316 grade. Where a chimney runs cold or externally, we add insulation around the liner to keep the gases hot, promote a strong draught and minimise heat loss.
Fitted properly, to HETAS standard
Although Building Regulations do not require every existing chimney to be lined, the installer must be satisfied the chimney is safe for use — and a liner is often how that is achieved. We recommend a HETAS Registered Installer for any lining work, and all of ours is carried out by our own employed HETAS engineers. To keep your chimney in the best possible condition we suggest:
- Buying your stove from a HETAS Approved Retailer showroom.
- Using a HETAS Registered Installer to fit it.
- Having it serviced annually by a HETAS Registered Installer or Approved Servicing Technician.
- Having the chimney swept and maintained by a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep.
Alongside our full stove installation services, we are also happy to provide lining systems on a supply-only basis.
Frequently asked questions
Does my chimney need lining?
Not every chimney needs a liner, but many older masonry chimneys do — either because the flue is oversized for a modern efficient stove, because the brickwork has degraded, or to meet current Building Regulations. We assess the flue during your free home survey and only recommend lining where it is genuinely required.
What type of flue liner do you use?
For wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we fit 904-grade flexible stainless steel liner, which offers the best resistance to the corrosive by-products of solid fuel and is backed by a longer manufacturer guarantee than the thinner 316 grade.
How long does chimney lining take?
Lining is usually completed as part of the stove installation, typically within a one to two day fit. The exact time depends on the height and condition of your chimney, which we confirm at survey.
Book a free home survey and we will assess whether your chimney needs lining.
