Chimney Liner Installation & Replacement
Restore Safe Flue Function
Your chimney liner is the barrier between 2,000-degree flue gases and your home's combustible structure. When that liner is cracked, deteriorated, or missing entirely, heat and carbon monoxide can reach your walls, framing, and living spaces.
Call for Liner AssessmentWhat a Chimney Liner Does
Heat Containment
Flue gases reach temperatures that would ignite wood framing. The liner contains this heat within the flue, protecting your home's structure.
Gas Containment
Carbon monoxide and combustion gases must exit through the chimney—not seep into your living spaces. The liner provides a sealed pathway.
Chimney Protection
Combustion byproducts are corrosive. The liner protects the chimney's masonry from chemical attack by acidic flue gases.
Types of Chimney Liners
Stainless Steel Liners
Most PopularA continuous stainless steel tube inserted down the existing chimney. The most popular replacement option.
Typical Cost Installed:
$1,200 - $2,500
Depending on chimney length and diameter
Cast-in-Place Liners
A specialized cement mixture applied to the interior, creating a smooth, seamless liner bonded to masonry walls.
Typical Cost Installed:
$2,000 - $4,000
Depending on chimney size and condition
Clay Tile Liners
Traditional liner material found in most masonry chimneys built before the 1980s. Clay tiles stacked during construction.
After 30-50 years, clay tile liners commonly show cracking from thermal cycling and deterioration.
Aluminum Liners
Lightweight liners suitable only for gas appliances. Cannot withstand temperatures from wood burning.
Gas Appliances Only
Never use aluminum liners with wood-burning fireplaces
Typical Cost Installed:
$800 - $1,500
Signs Your Liner Needs Attention
Clay Tile Pieces in Firebox
Broken liner material falling indicates the liner is deteriorating
Video Inspection Shows Cracks
Cracks allow heat and gases to reach the chimney structure
Smoke or Odors in Adjacent Rooms
Gases escaping through liner cracks enter living spaces
Uneven Creosote Accumulation
Gaps in liner create turbulence causing uneven deposits
Home Inspector Flags Issues
Common during pre-purchase inspections of older homes
Your Chimney is Unlined
Pre-1940s homes sometimes have no interior liner—requires immediate lining
The Installation Process
Stainless Steel Liner Installation
Assessment
We inspect the chimney to verify dimensions, check for obstructions, and confirm the liner will fit properly.
Preparation
The existing chimney is cleaned thoroughly. Any debris or loose material is removed.
Liner Insertion
The stainless steel liner is carefully fed down the chimney from the top, coordinating technicians at both ends.
Connection & Termination
Liner is connected at the bottom and secured at the top with a cap assembly that seals while providing rain and animal protection.
Insulation (When Required)
For wood-burning applications in exterior chimneys, insulation fills the space between liner and chimney walls.
Timeline: Most installations complete in one day
Cast-in-Place Installation
Assessment & Preparation
Similar to stainless steel, plus evaluation of internal chimney surfaces for bonding.
Form Insertion
An inflatable form is positioned inside the chimney.
Material Placement
The specialized liner mixture is poured or pumped into the space between form and chimney walls.
Curing
The material cures around the form, bonding to the chimney walls.
Form Removal
Once cured, the form is deflated and removed, leaving a smooth, continuous liner.
Timeline: Typically requires 1-2 days including curing time
Why Mad Hatter for Liner Installation
45+ Years of Installation Experience
We've installed liners in every type of chimney across the greater Seattle area.
Master Chimney Sweep Certification
Advanced knowledge of chimney systems, liner requirements, and proper installation techniques.
Both Liner Types Available
We install stainless steel and cast-in-place liners, recommending what's best for your chimney.
Quality Products
We use liners from reputable manufacturers with strong warranties.
Complete Service
From inspection and diagnosis through installation and final testing—one company handles everything.
Video Camera Assessment
We show you exactly what's happening inside your chimney before recommending solutions.
Schedule Liner Assessment
If you suspect liner problems—or if your chimney hasn't been inspected recently—professional evaluation determines exactly what your liner needs.
45 years of certified expertise serving the greater Seattle area