Usually they have already had one or several chimney sweeps look at their fireplaces, and each time it’s the same story: The chimney sweep says that the flues have no chimney liner and that they can’t reline the chimney to get the fireplace working again. The only option, they say, is to install a wood stove or some type of insert in the fireplace. If you own one of these beautiful homes, you know this “solution” doesn’t achieve the goal of keeping a house in its original condition.
Why can’t a liner be installed for a fireplace? (Hint: it can!)
This is a trick question, because the answer is: IT CAN! Older chimneys often vent multiple fireplaces, and they were designed with long narrow flues. These flues are usually under 6 inches across and much longer the other way (sometimes over 4 feet!). The only way to reline a flue of this shape and size for a fireplace is to use a long rectangular chimney liner to mimic the existing passageway in the chimney. Round, stainless steel liners cannot be used because you cannot install a single round liner with enough volume to vent a fireplace. Let’s illustrate this with an example.
The first thing to understand is that the size of the fireplace chimney liner needed depends on the size of the fireplace opening. You can figure this out by measuring the height of the fireplace opening and multiplying it by the length of the fireplace opening. Let’s say your fireplace is 42” in length by 32” in height, making the cross-sectional area of your fireplace opening 1344 in2. Now, if you wanted to install a round liner in the flue, you would take the cross-sectional area and divide it by 12; this gives you the cross-sectional area of the liner needed. 1344in2/12 = 112in2, so you would need to install, at a minimum, 12” round chimney liner to vent this fireplace properly ((6in*6in)*3.14= 113in2). The equation gets more complicated from here, so we’ll just leave it at that for now.
Since these kinds of chimneys have long, narrow flues, it’s better to install a rectangular liner. For instance, if we installed a 7”x23” chimney liner in the example above, this would give us a cross-sectional area of 161 in2, which is more than sufficient to properly vent the fireplace.
Picture above showing a 5 fireplace reline project in Woodstock Vermont. Notice the top left chimney liner (long rectangular shape).
What type of chimney liner would you install in this situation?
We would install a stainless-steel chimney liner known as “heavy-wall flex”. It is flexible (which is needed to navigate down the chimney) but has very little corrugation on the inside (meaning it is fairly smooth). This increases draft in the chimney and reduces turbulence of the flue gases, therefore reducing creosote buildup. We believe this is the most durable chimney liner made today, which is important because we want it to last as long as possible.
Why can’t most chimney sweeps install these liners?
Why can’t most chimney sweeps install these liners?
For one thing, cast-in-place liners are round. As discussed above, pre/early-1900’s homes often have long, narrow flues, which makes getting a liner with enough volume to vent the fireplace a challenge.
It is also a common misconception, even among chimney professionals, that the cast-in-place system allows you to navigate large bends in flues. This is not the case; it is actually more difficult to install cast-in-place liners in chimneys that have bends.
How do you seal the liner in the smoke chamber?
We have developed and mastered several ways to seal up the chimney liner in the smoke chamber area. When a liner is installed, there is often a gap between the stainless-steel chimney liner and the brick passageway (flue) that it is installed inside of. This area, known as the smoke chamber, is often several feet above the damper of your fireplace and is hard to reach. This gap needs to be sealed; otherwise, smoke and gases can travel up around the chimney liner. We use the cast-in-place lining material to pour this smoke chamber and seal the gap. We do this by blocking off the fireplace damper and pouring the cast-in-place lining material down the chimney. You can think of it like we’re filling the smoke chamber with concrete. We then allow this concrete-like material to harden and then remove the blocking from the fireplace damper. The cast-in-place material is still not completely dry and we are able to carve a passageway from the fireplace throat to the liner. This cast-in-place material not only seals the gap between the smoke chamber and the liner, it also insulates the smoke chamber, making it safer.
Would I see the stainless-steel liner at the top?
What other obstacles may we run into?
Why does Chimney Savers get the call?
Paul Bianco is the General Manager of Chimney Savers, a family owned and operated chimney cleaning and repair company servicing Vermont & New Hampshire since 1989. With 12 years of experience in the chimney business, Paul has extensive knowledge in all things chimney.
I just had my chimney relined with the intent to burn wood. The liner is 6 inches in diameter and runs the length of the two story house. The fire box is 25 inches high and 18 inches deep. When lit, it fills the house with smoke. My impression is that the liner is far too small and will never allow a wood fire.
Is there any way to correct the problem?
The opening to your fire place is probably too large for the diameter of your flu. This creates a greater negative pressure inside your home than inside the flu, causing the smoke to pull inside the home. A remodeling of the chimney opening may fix this given your flu seems large enough. Consulting a local professional would be your next step. Good luck.
Who can I contact in Oklahoma to get this done? We have a 1940 colonial house that has 4 chimneys. I’d be happy to have just 1 functional. My husband is a disabled veteran and this house has so much work that needs to be done. We have severe rot from both floor levels, major plumbing and electrical work and I cannot seem to find people to show up to provide estimates much less anything else. Is there any way to diy this? I’m not the average diyer as I grew up in construction.
Hi Jamie,
Yes the 6″ liner is too small for that opening. The liner required would be a 7″ round . or like Bee mentioned reducing the opening may be another option. I would also confirm tat the liner was insulated before burning the fireplace.
Looking for a free estimate to repair and restore my chimney.
Hi Linda,
have you contacter our office?
If not just give us a call at 802-728-3900 or drop us an email at info@www.chimneysaversvt.com
Can you recommend a company that does similar restorations in the greater Philadelphia, PA area?
Hi Deirdre,
Sorry that I am just seeing this now
In that area I would recommend DJ Cross, Inc. Chim Chimney Sweeps
http://www.djcrossinc.com
Hi, we need a 6″ liner to attach a wood stove, but our “throat” is only 3.5″ – how can we make the transition from stove up to small throat up to 6″ liner?
Hi Nina,
There are two options;
The first is to remove the damper frame and damper from the fireplace giving you enough room.
The second option is to use an oval to round adapter. However the oval section still needs to maintain the same sq area as a 6″ round. If you simply ovalize the 6″ liner it will reduce the area. There are stock parts supplied by chimney liner manufacturers for this application.
Looks like the only option is to ovalize the 6″ down to 3.5″ but I’m concerned that we won’t have sufficient draw. We have to squeeze the 6″ liner down to 3.5″ to get through the throat, and then back out to 6″ to attach to the stove. If we do it, the risk is ours – because the installer is warning us that the draw might not work. What say you?
We have an 1800’s beehive oven that needs the chimney rebuilt from the top of the 4×4 fireplace opening through the roof, with a liner. Can you recommend someone who would be interested? We are located near Gettysburg PA. Thanks
I like in a 1890s farmhouse in Hudson, OH. Do you know of a reputable company in the Cleveland area? We have used the fireplace for years with no liner and no problems. Not sure this is necessary?
Hi Allison,
Blackburn’s Chimney does a great job but I’m not sure if they service your area. Check them out online and see if they can take a look at the chimney.
We just bought a home built in 1900. I have burned a few small fires and there has been no problem. Smoke goes up the flu, easy peasy. Waiting for an official inspection of chimney and a new chimney liner has already been mentioned, but is this really nec essay? It almost sounds like the liners in xterm create more problems. I mean people have been using fireplaces for hundreds of years. Why, now, all of a sudden we need a liner?
Hi Rose,
Yes a liner would be required. Although a fireplace is operating does not necessarily make it safe. Many of the historic chimneys that we inspect we find very real and dangerous problems with the chimney systems such as mortar joints being extremely eroded (which in an unlined fireplace is your protection from fire escaping the chimney) and wood way to close to the chimney and or fireplace. Codes requiring lining have been developed over the years due to reactions from chimney’s causing house fires also know as historical performance. Also keep in mind that in many of these older homes the fireplace sees very little use throughout the years.
A properly installed chimney liner should not cause problems with draft or safety.
-Paul
We live in an 2860 sea captain home in Westchester County, NY. We have three stacked fireplaces With an interior chimney, none of which are operational. We’d like to restore 2 of them (and forgo the one in our guest bedroom). Could you recommend someone in our area? I’ve spoken to several people, all of whom say to try and convert to gas. Many thanks!
*c.1860 house
Hi Gayle,
Unfortunately I Don’t know anyone in your area that would handle a project like this. Ill send you an email today to get some more information about your project. Thanks
1700s colonial in Chesterfield, MA. 6 fireplaces to restore, mainly linings plus some masonry work. Looking to restore at least two. Recommendations?
Hi Zack, I would be happy to discuss your project in more detail over the phone.
I’ll send you an email!
We have a 1665 house in Duxbury Ma south of Boston. We have been using one fireplace every night for years, but have been told our chimney should be lined. Can you recommend anyone in our area
Hi Anne,
I will be sending you an email regarding this today!
Hi! I just purchased an 1814 home in nj with a hearth, beehive oven and wood burning stove (on other side of the wall) all on one chimney.
Just had a chimney sweep come and say there was “no flue” just brick and mortar wide open space all the way up.
He refused to even clean it and said it would need to have a terra-cotta smoke chamber put in which would involve tearing open the walls etc. is there an alternative and could you recommend someone in Northern NJ?
Hi Jenni,
Without seeing the project I cant say if there are any alternatives to what they recommended. I do know Bill Ryan of Ryan and Son Chimney does a great job and are from NJ. I’m not sure their service area but it would be worth a call to them. https://www.ryanchimneynj.com/ Here is there website address.
Take care and best of luck with your project
Hello,
I live in a Historic home, dated 1741, in Concord,Massachusetts. I have 6 fireplaces off a central chimney, and two on a second chimney. Over this past week an historically significant home burned to the ground in Concord, a chimney fire has been determined to be the cause. I have maintained my home and the fireplaces, I’ve lived here my entire 61 years of my life, following a generation before me.
I would like to have my chimneys inspected, do you do work in Massachusetts? If not, are you familiar with anyone in my area that specializes in old homes.
Thank you for your time. Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year.
Best,
Martha Curran
321 Williams Road
Concord, MA 01742
Hello,
My wife and I are considering buying a restored historic home from 1882 in western Kentucky. It has a 2 fireplaces in the downstairs parlor and upstairs bedroom which appear connected. However when looking at the house exterior it appears that the chimney stack was capped as there is only roof and shingles overlying where the chimney ought to be. My question is could these fireplaces potentially be restored?
Thanks!
Hi Jeremy,
Its hard to say without physically seeing the chimney but I would guess it still would be possible to open up the roof and rebuild the chimney to the proper height and then install chimney liners to make the fireplaces functional. I’m not sure how far you are from Lexington Kentucky but But Barnhill Chimney Co. does a great job! I’m not sure how far they travel but they would be a great resource to start with. Best of luck with the project and let me know if you have any further questions.
I have a similar situation in western Virginia with a chimney that terminates in the attic and the roof was built over top. The chimney is 100 years old and was originally for a wood stove, not a fireplace. Is there any possibility it could be restored to function with a freestanding wood stove again?
Hi Kimberly,
So sorry I’m just seeing this now. It sounds like that is a very likely possibility. While I don’t know anyone in your area feel free to send pictures and more details to my email I may have a solution to discuss with contractors in your area. paul@www.chimneysaversvt.com
Take care
First, I really appreciate your article and all the helpful information it gave.
I also have nearly the same set up in a 125 yr old house– a basement fireplace under a main floor fireplace (same chimney), that is capped in the attic. I am interested in restoration to a wood burning fireplace at least on the first floor. Do you have any recommendations in northwest PA? Thank you!
Hi,
I have a Georgia plantation home built in 1821. We have 5 fireplaces that currently have gas logs. I would like to remove them and be able to burn wood. Do y’all recommend a company in Middle Georgia? Thanks.
Hi Ilicia,
I’m not familiar with any chimney companies in Georgia unfortunately. Ill be sending you an email to get some more details as I know a really great company in Alabama but im not sure if they would travel your way.
Thanks
“You need a local historian or contractor who restores historic houses. They can provide the most assistance and tell you about the restoration process that needs to be done,” says Gambrel.
A contractor and an inspector can help estimate the amount of work that needs to be done and its cost. But it could be helpful to research people with experience in historic preservation.
Hello,
We just bought a home built in approximately built in 1860. We have a central chimney with a wood stove and fireplace on the other side. There is also a beehive oven. We are in Weymouth Ma and are having a hard time finding someone who knows about historic chimneys in our area. Do you have any recommendations for South shore of MA
Hello. We have a early 1900’s historic home in Baltimore where there is one chimney with 4 Flues. Can you recommend someone in the Baltimore/Maryland area that has experience with historic chimneys? Thank you.
Hi Michael,
Did Paul recommend someone or were you independently
able to find someone reputable in Baltimore area?
Hi Amy,
I’m so sorry that I am just seeing this now. For some reason our email notifications on this article have not been coming through. If you haven’t reached out already via email please do so at Paul@chimenysaversvt.com
Any chance you know of a chimney lining service similar to yours near Madison, WI. I have an 1885 home about 45 minutes south that I am trying to figure out how to update the chimney for so we can use the fireplace again.
Hi Chad,
I’m so sorry that I am just seeing this now. For some reason our email notifications on this article have not been coming through. If you haven’t reached out already via email please do so at Paul@chimenysaversvt.com.
Unfortunately I’m not familiar with many chimney Service companies in WI. I have heard that Butlers Chimney Service does an excellent job. Maybe you could reach out to them.
Thanks
Hello,
We recently purchased a colonial Salt box farmhouse (circa 1860)in New Milford, CT
Looking to restore our historic chimney with three fireplaces (one containing a masonry oven!)
We have been told by a sweep that it’s too old… I would like a second and expert opinion.
Please help.
Best,
Marina
Great article and thank you for taking the time to answer readers’s questions.
We live in Georgia, near Atlanta, in an 1860’s farmhouse. Our chimneys are made from field fired brick (very soft) and have mortar from that time. We had one chimney lined with a cast in place product where we have an insert.
We would love to use the kitchen fireplace for wood but have not found a company that offers a solution.
Do you know of any southern based companies we could contact or offer any other ideas for us?
We are handy people doing much renovation ourselves but have no knowledge in this area.
HI Mary,
I’m sorry for the late response but I’m not familiar with anyone in your area that provides that kind of work. I wish I could be more helpful. Take care
Hi!
I’m looking for someone who does this type of work in Fairfield ct. we were told our 1854 chimney is half lined with clay liner and need it fully lined to use it safely.
Thank you!
Does anyone know of any restoration companies in South East Michigan (or North West Ohio)? I don’t know of anyone doing cast-in-place in this area–it’s all stainless steel.
PS, for those with cut off chimneys, it might be possible to run a liner and then transition to a stainless steel stack to go through the sealed roof.
Hi Tec,
I’m sorry I don’t know anyone in the area. But yes that is a possible solution, unfortunately if you use that option the chimney liner and metal chimney extending up through the roof must both be round in shape, which is not always possible in historic chimneys.
We need to find a contractor to line a 100 year old fieldstone chimney with a large fireplace opening, near Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Any suggestions? Many thanks!
Hi Sam,
I would reach out to Hudson Valley Chimney Service in NY. They are not that far from you and have a great reputation!
Feel free to email me with details on the project or questions Paul@chimenysaversvt.com
Thanks for reading.
Greetings — We bought an 1890 three story home in Providence in 2016 and were told there were three “working fireplaces.” Well, I’ve had four chimney experts look at these and they say that since they are unlined and too narrow to install a liner, they are unsafe to use. Is it possible to replace the existing chimney and fireplace in one of the downstairs ones so that we can have a wood burning fire safely? Would this be hugely expensive? Any suggestions would be appreciated. One person told us there was a way to install some kind of synthetic liner that is poured in, but we haven’t been able to find anyone who says they could do it and it would work. I am guessing the only way to achieve what we want is to completely rebuild.
Hi – We live in Wilmington, North Carolina in a house built in 1886. We would like to restore two of our chimneys. Do you know of anyone in the area.
Thanks!
L. Driscoll
Hi Leza,
I’m not sure if they travel all the way to you but I would recommend Chimneys plus Gutters in Durham NC.
-Paul Bianco
Hi – we own a cottage from 1895 located in western Pennsylvania near the town of New Florence. We are in the middle of a full home renovation and just found out that the flue is very small and the stones were laid in a pattern which does not provide clear flow of smoke up the chimney (the smoke would have to to move around stones jutting out one side then the next). Do you know of any chimney experts in this area to help us?
Hi Susie,
Unfortunately I’m not familiar with any chimney service providers in your area. You could check https://web.csia.org/search to find a Chimney Safety Institute Of America Certified Chimney Sweep in your area.
Best of luck