Chimney Services · La Grange, IL
Chimney Relining in La Grange, IL
The flue liner is the barrier that keeps heat and combustion gases inside your chimney and out of your home. When it cracks or corrodes, relining restores safe, code-compliant venting. We install stainless steel liners sized to your fireplace, stove, or furnace.
Overview
What relining is and when you need it
Relining means installing a new liner inside your chimney — almost always a seamless stainless steel liner — to safely carry smoke and gases out. The liner is what protects the surrounding masonry and the wood framing of your house from heat, and it's what keeps carbon monoxide out of your living space. Older clay tile liners crack from age, heat, and chimney fires; metal liners on furnaces and water heaters corrode. Once a liner is compromised, the chimney isn't safe to use until it's relined.
Why It Matters
A sound liner does three jobs
Contains heat
Keeps the extreme heat of a fire away from the masonry and the wood framing behind it.
Vents gases safely
Carries smoke and carbon monoxide fully out of the home instead of leaking through cracks.
Right-sizes the flue
A correctly sized liner makes the appliance draft properly, burn cleaner, and resist creosote buildup.
Warning Signs
Signs you may need a new liner
- Pieces of clay tile (thin, curved shards) showing up in the firebox
- A chimney fire — heat can crack tile liners even if the chimney looks fine
- Installing a new wood stove, insert, or higher-efficiency furnace
- White staining or moisture from an unlined or under-sized flue
- An inspection that found gaps, cracks, or corrosion in the liner
A camera inspection is the only way to know a liner's true condition — we scan the flue and show you exactly what's there before recommending a reline.
FAQ
Common questions
What does chimney relining involve?
We remove or clean out the old liner, then install a new, correctly sized stainless steel liner from the appliance to the top of the chimney, insulate it as needed, and cap it. The result is a safe, code-compliant flue.
How do I know if my liner is cracked?
The reliable way is a camera scan of the flue during a Level 2 inspection. Warning signs include tile shards in the firebox, a recent chimney fire, or staining, but only a scan confirms the liner's condition.
Do I need to reline after a chimney fire?
Often, yes. Chimney fires reach temperatures that crack clay tile liners even when the outside looks undamaged. A Level 2 inspection after any chimney fire is essential before you use the fireplace again.
Why do I need a new liner for a new stove or insert?
A modern stove or insert usually needs a specific, smaller flue size to draft and burn efficiently. Running it into an oversized or old liner leads to poor draft, more creosote, and safety issues.
How long does a stainless steel liner last?
A quality stainless steel liner, properly installed, can last for decades and typically carries a strong warranty. It resists the corrosion and cracking that shorten the life of clay and older metal liners.
How much does relining cost?
It depends on the chimney height, liner size, and appliance. We measure, explain the options, and give you the price up front — call (708) 432-5330 or see our pricing page.
Think your liner might be compromised?
Book a flue scan with Chimney Sweep Brothers. We'll show you what's really in your chimney before recommending anything.
Call (708) 432-5330