Stainless Steel Flexible Flue Liners

A chimney that hasn't had annual checks can be at risk of catching fire due to old fashioned flue liners consisting of clay or terracotta. The purpose of a flue is to protect the brickwork from the harmful high temperature combustion gases that are present when using fires to heat your home. Over time the clay corrodes leaving the brickwork exposed and any flammable material that has found it way into the chimney over time such as birds nests can catch fire. Some chimneys have no flue liner at all and this can be a very dangerous situation.

The cheapest and less time consuming way to fire proof your chimney is to install a stainless steel flue. Stainless steel flues are available in either ridgid form (to be used in dead straight chimneys) or flexible stainless steel flues (where the chimney isn't straight either by design or just by leaning through age). Most of the time a  flexible liner will be required as in truth very few chimneys are actually straight. A flexible flue liner will help you overcome these difficulties and are preferable to using other methods as they can decrease the draw and encourage a build up of debris.

These type of flues can actually be fitted inside existing terracoota or clay flues. This causes less mess inside the home and is most peoples preferred option. Generally you can buy a good quality length of stainless steel flue for around $40 per metre but often less if you are willing to shop around and do your research. Look for a stainless flue liner that has a titanium alloy mix as this helps the flue resist acid build up that can cut short the life of the flue. This may cost more but it could save you money over the longer term.

Always buy the largest diameter flue liner possible as this will ensure you get a good draw of air up the chimney and in turn will ensure your fire burns well. If in doubt you should ask the retailer or take  advice from a professional.