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What is a chimney liner?

A chimney liner is the lining that runs inside the flue of a chimney, the passage that carries smoke and combustion gases out of the house. It can be fire-clay tile or a listed liner system such as stainless steel, matched to the appliance that vents into it.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

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What does a chimney liner do?

A chimney liner is the lining of the flue, the passage that carries smoke and combustion gases up and out of the house. It also sets the clearance between the flue and the masonry around it and has to stand up to corrosion from the gases it carries. Extension and Department of Energy guidance describe the job this way: University of Missouri Extension says: “The opening in the chimney through which smoke passes is called the flue.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Missouri Extension says: “There should be a 1-inch space between the outside of the flue tile and the surrounding masonry to reduce heat loss through the chimney and thus improve draft.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. The U.S. Department of Energy says: “Corrosion can be caused by condensing flue gases or by exterior water leaks.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-10-30.

How do building codes and extension guides describe a chimney liner?

In a masonry chimney, the liner is the layer of fire-clay tile or another lining the code allows, set inside the brick or stone, and the code ties which lining is acceptable to the appliance it serves. The University of Missouri Extension and Ohio's residential code put it this way: University of Missouri Extension says: “Masonry chimneys should be lined with vitrified fire clay tile (flue tile).” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. In Ohio, “The lining material shall be appropriate for the type of appliance connected, in accordance with the terms of the appliance listing and manufacturer's instructions.” Source: Ohio Administrative Code (via Legal Information Institute), read 2026-10-30.

What is a chimney liner made of?

Traditional liners are vitrified fire-clay tile at least 5/8 inch thick, and Ohio's code also accepts listed liner systems and other materials that resist flue gases and condensate at temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. University of Maryland Extension recommends stainless steel when a stove vents into masonry: University of Missouri Extension says: “This tile is designed to withstand rapid fluctuations in temperature without cracking and has a smooth surface that is easily cleaned.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Missouri Extension says: “Flue tile should be at least 5/8-inch thick.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Maryland Extension says: “If venting into a masonry chimney, it’s recommended to use a stainless steel liner.” Source: University of Maryland Extension, read 2026-10-30. In Ohio, “Clay flue liners shall be laid in medium-duty water insoluble refractory mortar conforming to ASTM C199 with tight mortar joints left smooth on the inside and installed to maintain an airspace or insulation not to exceed the thickness of the flue liner separating the flue liners from the interior face of the chimney masonry walls.” Source: Ohio Administrative Code (via Legal Information Institute), read 2026-10-30.

What are the types of chimney liners?

Ohio's code lists clay flue lining (ASTM C315), listed and labeled systems (UL 1777), factory-built chimney units and other materials that resist the gases, and it sends gas appliances to the separate gas chapter. A liner outside that list needs a permanent label, and the Department of Energy mentions flexible liners in furnace swaps: In Ohio, “Flue lining systems for gas appliances shall be in accordance with Chapter 24.” Source: Ohio Administrative Code (via Legal Information Institute), read 2026-10-30. In Ohio, when a flue is relined with a material outside the code's general list, the chimney must carry a label: “The label shall include the following message or equivalent language: THIS CHIMNEY FLUE IS FOR USE ONLY WITH [Type or category of appliance] APPLIANCES THAT BURN [Type of fuel].” Source: Ohio Administrative Code (via Legal Information Institute), read 2026-10-30. The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America guide says: “The existing furnace may have a flexible chimney liner that may be needed for a common-vented water heater.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Building America, read 2026-10-30.

Is a chimney liner necessary?

For a masonry chimney, yes: Ohio's code says it must be lined, and the Department of Energy says a chimney needs a sound liner or a new one installed: In Ohio, “Masonry chimneys shall be lined.” Source: Ohio Administrative Code (via Legal Information Institute), read 2026-10-30. The U.S. Department of Energy says: “Chimneys should have a sound liner or a new liner must be installed.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-10-30.

How do I know if my chimney liner needs replacing?

Look at the liner every year before the heating season for cracks, missing or broken brick and heavy creosote buildup; University of Missouri Extension lists what to check and what can harm a liner while it is cleaned: University of Missouri Extension says: “Stovepipes and chimney flues should be inspected each year before you use your stove.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Missouri Extension says: “Look for cracked flue liners, broken or missing bricks, heavy creosote deposits, bird nests and other foreign material.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Missouri Extension says: “Tire chains or a weighted bag may damage the flue liner.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Missouri Extension says: “If possible, avoid introducing water into the chimney; the water could damage a relatively brittle heated flue liner.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30.

What is a chimney liner for a hot water heater?

When a gas water heater shares a masonry chimney with a furnace, the liner is what vents it, and replacing the furnace can leave the water heater needing its own relined flue. The Department of Energy's Building America guide and Ohio's code say: The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America guide says: “Special retrofit situations may require relining of masonry chimneys if the furnace is removed from a common vent system with another atmospheric appliance.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Building America, read 2026-10-30. The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America guide says: “In general, Type B Gas Vent systems will not require significant modifications with draft-hood equipped appliances, but exterior masonry chimneys will require relining, as shown in Figure 4.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Building America, read 2026-10-30. In Ohio, “The space surrounding a chimney lining system or vent installed within a masonry chimney shall not be used to vent any other appliance.” Source: Ohio Administrative Code (via Legal Information Institute), read 2026-10-30.

What size is a chimney liner?

The flue has to be sized to the appliance connected to it: University of Missouri Extension puts a stove flue at 25 percent larger than the stove pipe, and lists the common clay-tile sizes: University of Missouri Extension says: “In general, flue size should be 25 percent larger than the size of the stove pipe, which connects the stove to the chimney.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Missouri Extension says: “This means a stove with a 6-inch diameter pipe would require at least an 8-inch flue; an 8-inch stove pipe requires a 10-inch flue, etc.” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30. University of Missouri Extension says: “The most commonly used sizes in residential construction are 8 by 8 inches, 8 by 13, and 13 by 13 (outside dimensions).” Source: University of Missouri Extension, read 2026-10-30.

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