Chimney Liner Installation & Replacement in Westchester County

The flue liner is the unsung hero of your chimney. Hidden inside the masonry, it forms a continuous, heat-resistant channel that carries smoke and toxic combustion gases safely out of your home while protecting the surrounding brick and the structure of your house from extreme heat. When a liner cracks, deteriorates, or is missing entirely, your home loses its primary barrier against fire and carbon monoxide. Professional chimney liner installation from Westchester Chimney Pro restores that protection and brings your system up to modern safety code.

We install and replace all three major liner types — stainless steel, cast-in-place, and clay tile — and we size every liner precisely to the appliance it serves. An incorrectly sized liner can cause poor draft, excessive creosote buildup, and dangerous gas spillage, so getting it right matters. Below, we explain the differences between liner types, the warning signs that yours needs replacing, and what our installation process looks like.

Types of Chimney Liners

Stainless Steel Liners

Flexible and rigid stainless steel liners are the most popular choice for relining an existing chimney. They're durable, compatible with wood, gas, and oil appliances, and can be installed relatively quickly without major masonry work. A high-quality stainless liner, properly installed and insulated, carries a long warranty and excellent performance. Because the liner is sized to the appliance, it also improves draft and reduces creosote accumulation — which means less frequent chimney cleaning and a safer system overall.

Cast-In-Place Liners

A cast-in-place liner is a cementitious mixture that's poured into the chimney to create a smooth, seamless, insulated flue passage. This method actually strengthens the chimney structure itself, making it an excellent option for older masonry chimneys with deteriorating internal walls. Cast-in-place liners are permanent, suitable for all fuel types, and provide outstanding insulation, though they require more time and specialized equipment to install.

Clay Tile Liners

Clay tile is the traditional liner found in most older masonry chimneys. It's inexpensive and performs well under normal conditions, but it has real limitations: clay tiles can crack under rapid temperature changes (such as during a chimney fire), they're difficult to repair section by section, and they can deteriorate with age and moisture exposure. When clay tiles fail, most homeowners choose to reline with stainless steel or cast-in-place for better long-term durability.

When Should You Replace a Chimney Liner?

A liner doesn't last forever, and a damaged one is a genuine safety hazard. You should consider relining if a chimney inspection reveals cracks or gaps in the existing liner, if your chimney has no liner at all (common in very old homes), if you're installing a new appliance or insert that requires a different flue size, or after a chimney fire that may have damaged the clay tiles. Watch for these warning signs:

• Pieces of clay tile or flakes of liner material in the firebox
• White, chalky residue or crumbling mortar inside the flue
• Poor draft, smoke spillage, or difficulty maintaining a fire
• Rapid or excessive creosote buildup despite regular cleaning
• An inspection report noting cracks, gaps, or liner deterioration
• Adding a new wood stove, insert, or gas appliance
• An older home with an unlined masonry chimney

Our Chimney Liner Installation Process

Every liner project begins with a thorough inspection and accurate measurement of your existing flue and the appliance it serves. We determine the correct liner diameter, material, and insulation requirements based on your setup and local code. For a stainless steel reline, we carefully feed the new liner down the chimney, connect it to the appliance, add insulation where needed, and secure it at the top with a top plate and cap. For a cast-in-place liner, we use an inflatable form and pour the liner material around it to create a seamless passage.

When the installation is complete, we test the system, confirm proper draft, and clean up the work area. We'll also recommend pairing your new liner with a quality chimney cap to keep water and debris out of your investment. Every liner we install is sized and fitted to give you safe operation, reliable draft, and years of dependable service.

Chimney Liner FAQs