Chimney Liner Installation Cost Guide for 2023

A chimney liner, or flue liner, is made of clay, metal or ceramic and is installed inside your chimney to guide combustion fumes outside and to protect your chimney against corrosion and heat.

With wood burners and open fires becoming popular again, many homeowners are discovering that they need a new chimney liner or they don't have one at all. They're vital in keeping your family safe from harmful fumes, so how much will chimney liner installation cost?

How much does it cost to fit a chimney flue liner in the UK?

It can cost anywhere between £350-£1,500 to fit a chimney flue liner in the UK. The exact cost will depend on the chimney liner material you choose, whether you need any repairs and where you live.

These average costs are based on a relatively simple chimney liner installation. If you need additional repairs because your chimney is in poor condition, you should expect to pay more.

Here are some of the additional costs you might experience when having a new chimney liner installed:

What is a chimney liner?

A chimney liner, or flue liner, is a fire-resistant material that goes inside your flue, which is the void inside your chimney where combustion products are taken away from your house. The most popular type of chimney liner is a flexible stainless steel material, but you can also get clay and ceramic liners.

A chimney liner’s job is to contain your wood burner or fire’s combustion products and improve the flow of them to outside. The liner also protects your chimney corrosion and heat.

Types of chimney liner

Stainless steel

Stainless steel chimney liners are generally flexible so they can mould to the inside of the flue. You can get single-skin and twin-walled liners; single-skin liners are suitable for gas fires, while you’ll need a twin-walled liner if you have a solid fuel appliance like a wood burner.

Stainless steel liners cost between £450-£700 to install.

Clay

Clay chimney liners are great insulators and are a good option for relining an old chimney. They can last between 30 and 50 years, and cost between £750-£1,000.

Pumice

Pumice chimney liners are lightweight and are best suited to open fires. They’re one of the more expensive options – it will cost £850-£1,500 to install one.

Ceramic

Ceramic or thermocrete chimney liners are perfect if you need to reinforce your chimney. An installer puts a rubber former down the chimney which moulds to the shape of the chimney.

Then, thermocrete slurry with ceramic fibres is pumped into the void between the chimney and the rubber. This reinforces the chimney’s damaged areas. The installer removes the rubber former and you’re left with a perfect flue duct.

There’s a lot of work involved in installing ceramic chimney liners, so they’re the most expensive to install. They will cost between £950-£1,500 to install.

How long does it take to fit a chimney liner?

How long it takes to fit a chimney liner will depend on the type of liner you've chosen. Flexible stainless steel chimney liners can usually be installed within a day, but twin-walled liners may take up to two days.

Other types of chimney liner may take as long as four to five days to be installed.

It's worth bearing in mind that weather could affect how long it takes to install your chimney liner. If it’s very windy or raining, it won't be safe for your chimney liner specialist to work on your roof, so the work will have to pause until the weather gets better.

Do you really need a chimney liner?

When you have a wood burner or open fire, there is a regulation that says that your installer must be satisfied that your chimney is in good condition and suitable for use. If there is any risk that your chimney could leak fumes into your house, they will have to line it.

So while you don't need a chimney liner, if you want to use your wood burner or fire you will probably need one fitted. If your home is a new build, chimney liners are mandatory.

Can I install a chimney liner myself?

We wouldn't recommend installing a chimney liner yourself. Installing your chimney liner will mean climbing onto your roof, and working at height is dangerous if you haven't had the correct training.

If you've had experience with working at height, you could consider installing a chimney liner yourself. Make sure you have the correct safety equipment and you're confident in fitting the liner before you get on your roof. If you run into unexpected problems, like your chimney needs repairs, consider stopping the project and calling in a specialist.

What is the lifespan of a chimney liner?

The lifespan of a chimney liner will depend on what it’s made out of and its quality. Clay flue liners can last as long as 50 years, while stainless steel ones generally last up to 20 years.

It's worth spending a bit more on a stainless steel chimney liner as low quality ones may last five years or less.

Can a chimney liner cause damp?

A chimney liner is not likely to cause damp itself. If you're getting damp around your chimney breast, it's more likely that your chimney is blocked or sealed up.

If you want to use a wood burner or fire, you'll have to unblock your chimney anyway to allow for the fumes to be released. To reduce the risk of damp, you could have a cap fitted to allow for ventilation but to stop rainwater from getting in.

If you're ready to get a chimney liner installed, post your job on HaMuch. We'll put you in touch with reliable specialists in your area to help you get the best quote.