Flue Lining

Some chimney lining terms explained

FLUE - The flue is the passageway through which the products of combustion travel to the outside from the fire or stove.
CHIMNEY – The chimney is the structure surrounding the flue or flues.
FLUE LINER The flue liner is the material used to form the flue.
STOVE PIPE - The stove pipe connects the appliance to the flue within the chimney.

Why use a flue liner?

Stoves and Ranges

For a stove or range to work successfully, it must be connected to a sound chimney and correctly sized flue.

Stoves are efficient heating appliances can release up to 85% of heat from the fuel burnt into the room. This is unlike an open fire that can loose up to 95% of its heat up the chimney. Because of little heat loss from an efficient stove, it becomes essential to use an efficient flue liner to keep a reasonable flue gas temperature to achieve a natural rise.

A lined and well-insulated flue will result in an efficient and safe appliance. Unlined flues can result in costly building renovation work being required in the future.

Chimney relining

Here are a number of indications that an old chimney needs relining:

• The flue is leaking smoke and fumes into other parts of the building
  
• Condensation or tar is seeping through the chimney walls causing staining either outside or inside the building.
  
• The flue is too large for the type of appliance being used.
  
• The flue is too cold. This can happen particularly if the chimney is on the outside wall and therefore not drawing properly.
  
• The old flue surface is damaged or eroded. This can cause leakage, chilling or poor up-draught