Installing the Chimney Liner

Bob and Chris Vila join Andy Grover of Hallsted Welles Associates for the installation of a new, flexible, stainless-steel chimney liner.

Grover has already completed exploratory demolition at the smokebox, above the fireplace. A probe the width of the chimney opening was inserted and run down the chimney to determine the flue length. Then a video-scan camera was inserted and run the length of the chimney to look for any obstructions or irregularities that might need to be cleared.

Grover is using a heavy-gauge, 304 stainless-steel alloy liner with a lifetime warranty for wood-burning fireplace use. Grover explains that there was once a cast-iron firebox that is no longer present.

The decision to use a flexible liner rather than terra cotta means they need only punch a small hole in the brick, rather than tearing out the chimney wall from the fireplace to the roof. A nose cone and hook are attached to the liner and it is winched up from the roof. Once in place, a 30-watt draft inducer will be installed to ensure steady drafting for the new chimney.