Stainless chimney liners in Pittsburgh
Cracked clay tiles, a new insert, or a water heater left alone in a big old flue: all of them come down to the liner. We install stainless steel liner systems sized to the appliance they serve, and show you photos of the flue before and after.
The part of the chimney that does the work
The liner is the channel inside the brick that carries smoke and exhaust out of the house.
- Keeps heat in the flue, away from the masonry and the wood framing around the chimney.
- Keeps exhaust out of the brick, including acidic condensation from gas appliances.
- Helps the appliance draft, when it's sized correctly.
You can't see liner damage from the firebox. A Level 2 camera inspection can.
Old clay tile
Most older Pittsburgh homes have stacked clay tiles joined with mortar. Over decades they crack and the joints open up from chimney fires, settling, freeze-thaw and acidic condensate. Some older chimneys have no liner at all. Gaps can let heat reach framing and let exhaust, including carbon monoxide, seep into the house.
Sized stainless liner
A continuous stainless flue inside the old one, sized to your appliance, connected at the bottom, sealed with a top plate and capped. Insulated where the listing requires it.
Six common reasons to reline
Damaged clay tiles
Cracks, gaps or missing mortar joints on a camera scan. Repairing individual tiles high in a flue is rarely practical; a liner fixes the whole run.
After a chimney fire
The heat of a chimney fire can crack tiles from top to bottom. A Level 2 inspection tells us whether relining is needed.
Adding an insert or stove
Most insert and stove manufacturers call for a properly sized liner connected straight to the appliance. We install it as the instructions require.
New furnace or water heater
A new appliance may need a different flue size than the old one. Changes like this are also when NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection.
An "orphaned" water heater
When a high-efficiency furnace is vented out the side of the house, the water heater can be left alone in a flue sized for two appliances. See below.
An unlined chimney
Some older chimneys were built with no liner. If an appliance vents into it, relining is usually the way to make it safe to use.
New furnace, old flue
Many homes here originally vented a gas furnace and a water heater through the same masonry chimney. When the furnace is replaced with a high-efficiency model, it usually vents through plastic pipe out a side wall instead. The water heater stays on the chimney, now alone.
A small appliance in a large, cold flue may not draft well. Its exhaust cools before it reaches the top, condenses on the tile, and slowly damages the liner and mortar. Poor draft can also let exhaust spill back at the water heater.
The usual fix is a stainless liner sized for the water heater. If you've had a furnace replaced and nobody looked at the chimney, it's worth an inspection.
Signs your liner needs attention
- Pieces of tile or flaky debris in the firebox, cleanout or at the base of a furnace flue
- A camera report showing cracked tiles or open joints
- Smoke or odor showing up in other rooms or the attic when the fireplace is in use
- Rust, soot or moisture around the water heater's draft hood
- White staining or damp brick on the outside of the chimney, especially in winter
- You had a chimney fire, or suspect one
A complete liner system
- Level 2 inspection. Relining is a change to the system, so the full flue is inspected and recorded on camera first.
- Sizing to the appliance. The diameter comes from the appliance's requirements and the chimney's height, not from what's on the truck.
- A listed stainless system. Liner, connectors and top plate installed to the manufacturer's instructions, with the alloy chosen for the fuel.
- Insulation where it's required. Many listings call for an insulation wrap, especially for wood-burning and where clearances to framing are tight.
- A proper connection at the bottom. A tee and cleanout for stoves and inserts, or a connector for a furnace or water heater.
- Top plate and cap. Sealing the top of the chimney around the liner and keeping rain and animals out.
- Before-and-after photos. So you can see the new liner in place, top to bottom.
Relining, step by step
Inspect and measure
Camera scan, flue measurements and appliance details. You get photos and a written estimate.
Prepare the flue
We sweep the old flue. Where needed, broken tile or obstructions are cleared so the liner can pass.
Install and connect
The liner goes in from the roof, is connected at the appliance, then sealed at the top with a plate and cap.
Test and record
We check the draft and connection, then send you the after photos.
Before and after the liner
Chimney Inspections
Every reline starts with a Level 2 camera scan, so you can see why it's needed.
Fireplace & Stove Service
Inserts, wood and pellet stoves and gas fireplaces that the new liner will serve.
Chimney Sweeping
Stainless liners still need sweeping, with poly brushes that won't scratch them.
Chimney relining across Greater Pittsburgh
From city homes with original clay flues to newer suburban chimneys.
Chimney liner questions
Already have a camera report from another company? Call and we can talk it through.
(412) 555-0142Can't you just repair the cracked tiles?
How much does a chimney liner cost?
Does a gas furnace or water heater need a liner?
Will a liner change how my fireplace drafts?
Do stainless liners need to be swept?
Why does my old chimney need a Level 2 inspection before relining?
Pick a time. We'll handle the rest.
Send the form and we'll text you within one business hour to confirm your service, your price and a 2-hour arrival window.
- Price in writing first. Nothing starts until you've seen it and said yes.
- 2-hour arrival window, with an on-the-way text and your technician's name.
- No mess. Drop cloths, shoe covers and a HEPA vacuum.
- Photo report texted to you the same day.
- Licensed & insured. Saturday appointments available.
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Thanks! We'll text you within one business hour to lock in your arrival window. Need us sooner? Call (412) 555-0142.