Relining Old Chimneys

It is common to find that old chimneys are in a poor condition and can leak fumes, particularly if the flue is not lined. Over time hot smoke, tars and acids eat into the chimney walls and erode mortar joints causing staining to the exterior stone or brickwork, and leakage of dangerous fumes into the property. Large and uneven flues can also create poor up draught causing smoke to blow back into the room.

It was only in 1965 that Building Regulations required new chimneys to be built with suitable flue liners to protect the chimney structure and provide a smooth flue for efficient performance of the heating appliance.

Old chimneys should be checked by a professional competent person before being put back into use. This should identify what work or repairs are needed. It is prudent, and often essential, to fit a new liner to provide a smooth sealed flue way that ensures maximum safety and efficiency. Most stove and fire manufacturers require their appliances to be used with chimneys that have a suitable liner.

This is quite common situation that can usually be easy to rectify. In most cases the chimney stack would have been taken down to just below the roof, which was often the preferred choice instead of repairing or rebuilding the chimney if it was in poor condition or leaking in water.

In most cases this problem can be easily solved by fitting an insulated metal chimney, which is quicker and cheaper than rebuilding the chimney in bricks or blocks.

• Multifuel double skin flexible flue liners

• Single skin flexible flue liners

• Rigid stainless steel liners and flue pipes for connecting stoves to chimneys

• Pumice concrete flue liners

• Gathers and register plates for relined chimneys