A chimney liner protects your home’s framing from heat transfer and corrosive byproducts, contains combustion gases, and establishes a smooth pathway for draft. In many Greenwich, CT homes, the original clay tile liner is cracked, misaligned, or missing mortar between tiles. In others—especially where wood fireplaces were converted to gas—the flue is oversized for the appliance, encouraging condensation, odors, and poor performance. A properly sized, continuous liner solves these issues at once.
Greenwich Chimney Professionals installs UL-listed stainless steel systems (rigid or flexible), cast-in-place liners, and specialized solutions for unique geometry or fuels. We evaluate your system, confirm appliance BTU output, assess venting requirements, and propose a liner that meets code, optimizes draft, and extends the life of your chimney.
Not every chimney needs a new liner, but certain conditions make relining the right—and sometimes required—solution.
Time, heat, and thermal shock break clay tile liners. Missing mortar joints between tiles create pathways for heat and flue gases into surrounding masonry and framing. A continuous stainless or cast-in-place liner re-establishes a safe, sealed flue.
Even a brief flue fire can fracture tiles and compromise integrity. We document damage during a Level II camera inspection and size a new liner to restore safe operation and code compliance.
Switching from wood to gas or installing a high-efficiency insert usually demands a different flue size and sometimes different materials. Proper sizing prevents condensation, improves draft, and keeps odors at bay.
Gas appliances produce cooler exhaust that condenses on cold masonry. An oversized tile flue becomes a moisture trap that corrodes metal parts and damages mortar. A correctly sized stainless liner keeps gases warm and moving.
Older combined vents and orphaned water heaters frequently need new, properly sized liners to maintain draft and meet manufacturer specs. We coordinate sizing with your HVAC or plumber so the system vents safely.
When masonry is rebuilt or repaired, relining can protect the new work and ensure modern safety without altering the home’s exterior character—critical for many Greenwich neighborhoods.
We don’t push one product—we match the liner to your fuel, appliance, and chimney geometry. Here’s how the main options compare.
The gold standard for many relines. Flexible stainless snakes through offsets and irregular flues; rigid sections provide extra-smooth interiors for strong draft in straight runs. We specify alloy type (commonly 316Ti for wood/multi-fuel and 304/316 for gas/oil), insulate where required, and terminate with a proper top plate, storm collar, and cap. Stainless is durable, serviceable, and ideal for most Greenwich applications.
For flues with significant voids, odd shapes, or where maximizing cross-section is important, cast-in-place systems create a seamless, insulated liner that strengthens surrounding masonry. They’re excellent for restoring older chimneys while improving thermal performance—especially beneficial in our freeze–thaw climate.
Some inserts and high-efficiency appliances require proprietary venting systems. We follow manufacturer instructions for diameter, height, and termination to maintain warranty and performance.
A correct reline is part science, part craftsmanship. We follow a clean, methodical process and keep you informed at every step.
We perform a Level II video scan, measure flue height and offsets, record appliance BTU ratings, and confirm required liner diameter. For multi-appliance systems, we evaluate combined venting and local code.
Drop cloths and HEPA filtration protect your interior. On the roof, we set safety gear and protect shingles and landscaping. If tile removal is necessary to make space for the liner, we do so carefully and cleanly.
Flexible or rigid stainless is fed from the top (or bottom in some cases), keeping the run straight and smooth. We connect to the appliance with the proper adapter, ensure correct height relative to the roofline, and maintain clearances at pass-throughs.
Where required or beneficial, we wrap the liner with insulation or pour insulation mix around it to keep gases hot, reduce condensation, and improve draft. We also install required fire-stops at each level.
We finish with a stainless top plate, storm collar, and cap (or top-sealing damper when appropriate). At the crown, we repair or rebuild as needed, and we address flashing or waterproofing issues so your new liner isn’t compromised by water entry.
We verify draft, check for leaks at joints, and confirm appliance operation. You receive photos and a record of liner type, diameter, insulation, and termination—documentation your insurer, buyer, or contractor will appreciate.
Greenwich homes range from historic brick stacks to modern prefabs; each presents different venting challenges. Here are common scenarios where relining has made an immediate difference for our clients.
After years of service, tile liners fracture. A flexible 316Ti stainless liner insulated to spec restores safety and often improves startup and draft, reducing smoke roll-out into the room.
A small-diameter stainless liner sized to the insert keeps exhaust warm and moving, stopping condensation stains and chimney odors. Homeowners notice quicker ignition and steadier flames.
When a furnace is replaced with a sealed-combustion unit, the remaining water heater may be “orphaned” on a large tile flue. A correctly sized liner restores proper draft and keeps the system safe and compliant.
Cast-in-place lining strengthens the flue and improves thermal performance while maintaining the chimney’s exterior character—ideal for older masonry in coastal weather.
A new liner is a long-term investment. Annual sweeping and periodic inspections protect your investment and maintain safe operation. Avoid burning trash or wet wood, which creates excessive creosote; for gas systems, schedule maintenance along with your appliance service.
We also recommend checking the cap and crown after major storms. Greenwich’s wind and salt air can accelerate metal corrosion if inferior materials are used; our stainless components are chosen to resist these conditions, but periodic visual checks are smart.
With proper use and maintenance, stainless liners often last decades. Fuel type, usage, and maintenance frequency influence lifespan. We’ll advise on the right alloy and insulation for your setup.
Almost all work is internal. Externally you may see a tidy stainless cap and top plate; otherwise the appearance of the chimney remains the same—an advantage for historic properties.
Many installations benefit from it—especially for wood and oil. Insulation keeps exhaust hotter, reduces condensation, improves draft, and can be required to meet clearance or listing requirements.
Most single-flue stainless relines are completed in a day. Complex offsets, tile removal, cast-in-place, or multi-appliance systems can take longer. We’ll give you a clear schedule upfront.
Not always. But if the masonry flue is oversized for the appliance, condensation and acid formation are likely. A correctly sized liner is often the safest, most effective fix.
Yes. We routinely coordinate BTU sizing, draft requirements, and venting configuration so every component works together and meets code.
Restore safety, draft, and efficiency with a liner matched to your appliance and built for Greenwich weather. We’ll inspect, recommend the right system, and install it cleanly and correctly.
Call (203) 884-8261 or email info@greenwichchimneyprofessionals.com. We serve Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob, and Old Greenwich.
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