Most chimneys are lined with either clay tile or stainless steel. Each has its place, but they age very differently — and knowing the difference helps you understand your inspection and any relining recommendation.
Clay tile liners
Clay tile is the traditional liner in most older masonry chimneys. It is inexpensive and long-lasting when undamaged, but brittle: age, heat, moisture, and especially chimney fires cause the tiles to crack and separate. Once that happens, the liner no longer safely contains heat and gases.
Stainless steel liners
Stainless steel liners are the modern standard for relining and for venting stoves, inserts, and high-efficiency appliances. They are durable, resist corrosion and cracking, can be sized precisely to the appliance, and typically carry a strong warranty. A quality stainless liner can last for decades.
How they compare
- Durability: stainless resists cracking and corrosion better than aging clay tile
- Sizing: stainless can be matched precisely to a stove or insert; clay is fixed
- Chimney fires: clay tile often cracks; stainless holds up far better
- Installation: clay is built into the chimney; stainless is installed as a reline
Which is right for you?
If your existing clay tile liner is sound, there is no need to replace it. If it is cracked, corroded, wrong-sized for a new appliance, or damaged by a chimney fire, a stainless steel reline restores safe, code-compliant venting. A camera inspection tells you which situation you are in.
Wondering about your chimney liner?
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Call (708) 432-5330Frequently asked questions
Is stainless steel better than clay tile?
For relining and for stoves and inserts, yes — stainless is durable, corrosion-resistant, and precisely sized. But a sound clay tile liner does not need replacing.
How do I know which liner I have?
Most older masonry chimneys have clay tile. A camera inspection confirms the liner type and its condition.
Can a clay liner be repaired?
Minor issues sometimes can be, but cracked or separated tile usually calls for a stainless reline to restore safe venting.
Do gas appliances need a special liner?
Often yes. High-efficiency furnaces and some gas appliances require a correctly sized, corrosion-resistant liner to vent safely.
Written by Adam Evans, owner of Chimney Sweep Brothers and a chimney technician with 12 years of experience serving La Grange, IL and the western suburbs.