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Chimney liners are a necessity if you own a home with a wood- or gas- or pellet- or corn- burning fireplace. A thick, tarry smoke rises from every fire you burn, and without a liner, it will stick to the walls of your chimney and create a fire hazard. Chimney maintenance can be very costly, but with a little hard work you can learn how to install a chimney liner yourself.

  1. Use a light source on a string (or an inspection camera if you have one)to look for bends, or restrictions that could interfere with pulling the liner through.
  2. If for a wood stove/insert, consult the owners manual for proper sizing. For an open fireplace, look for a chart or calculator online.
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  3. To ensure you have enough liner, add an additional 12 inches (30.5 cm).
  4. The liner should come with a kit that contains all the pieces needed.
  5. Hook up the bottom connector to the bottom of the liner. Fasten a hose clamp to the connection with a wrench. Don't fasten it too tightly.
  6. If there is more than 2" clearance between the liner and chimney wall on all sides, the blanket liner is best.
  7. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to be sure you have enough. The overlap can be trimmed later if necessary.
  8. Center the liner on top, and wrap it with the installation. As you pull the chimney liner insulation closed, leave a minimum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) overlap so that you can secure it with tape.
  9. In 12 inch (30.5 cm) increments, seal the seam with foil tape. Repeat this process until you have completely covered the liner with insulation.
  10. From the other end, pull the mesh taut over the liner. Fasten the remaining host clamps on that end, and make sure to keep the wire meshing tight. Use your tin snips to remove any mesh that overhangs the liner.
  11. Specific instructions on how to pull the liner through the chimney may vary slightly from the guidance here. When in doubt, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The most difficult point is typically the damper in the top of the fireplace.
  12. Attach the rope found in your installation kit to the pulling cone or directly to the bottom connector, whichever applies to your specific kit.
  13. Have a second person feed you the liner from ground level, and return to the bottom of the chimney to assist you in the installation process.
  14. Position the bottom connector at the rooftop opening of the chimney, and make sure it is centered to prevent damage to either the chimney or liner. Slowly guide the liner downward. The second person should aid in this process by gently pulling the rope to help the liner's descent.
  15. If necessary, cut the top of the liner with your tin snips to equal 4 inches (10.2 cm) higher than the chimney crown.
  16. Seal the chimney crown with silicone caulking. Place the chimney's top plate over the installed liner, and press it firmly into the caulk to seal it.
  17. Use the pre-drilled holes on the top plate to screw the connection together with 4 tap con screws.
  18. Fit the cap onto the collar of the top plate, and use your monkey wrench to tighten the hose clamp band on to the top plate collar. Make sure the connection is secure to complete the top termination.
  19. Use your tin snips to cut a hole in the insulation and meshing where the tee snout will connect to the tee body.
  20. Cover the connection with the leftover liner insulation.
  21. Complete the connection by attaching it to the heating appliance.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do you need a special knife to cut insulation?
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Not necessarily! You can use a special fiberglass insulation knife to cut it, but you can also use a utility knife. To use a utility knife, mark out the line on the insulation (on the paper side), put a board down on that line, push down, and use the utility knife to cut the material.
  • Question
    Can the old broken flue be taken out before a new liner is put down the chimney cavity?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use a drill and beater tool with extensions to run down the chimney and break out the old liner.
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      Warnings

      • Remember to clean out the creosote in the tee cap or fireplace, depending in your venting application.
      • Stainless steel liners, especially when cut, can be sharp. To prevent potential injuries, make sure to wear protective gloves throughout the preparation and installation steps.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Stainless steel chimney liner
      • Chimney liner installation kit
      • Protective gloves
      • Monkey wrench
      • Measuring tape
      • Tin snips
      • Adhesive spray
      • Silicone caulk
      • 4 tap con screws

      About This Article

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