Chimney Liner Installation Across New England
A cracked or failing liner is one of the most serious chimney problems you can have. Carbon monoxide seeps through the walls and the fire risk is real. We install code-compliant liners that actually solve the problem.
Why Your Chimney Liner Matters
The chimney liner is the most critical safety component of your fireplace system. Without a properly functioning liner, your home is exposed to two serious hazards: chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Prevents Dangerous Heat Transfer: The liner contains combustion temperatures and prevents heat from transferring to your home's framing. Without it, wood framing adjacent to the chimney can ignite — sometimes hours after a fire has burned out.
- Blocks CO From Entering Your Home: Cracks or gaps in a deteriorated liner allow carbon monoxide to seep through the chimney walls and into your living spaces. CO is odorless, colorless, and potentially fatal.
- Improves Draft Efficiency: A properly sized, intact liner creates the correct draft conditions for complete combustion — meaning less creosote buildup, better heat output, and a cleaner burn.
of all house fires involving heating equipment are attributed to chimney defects — with cracked or missing liners as the leading cause.
The temperature inside a chimney during a creosote fire. A sound liner is the only thing standing between that heat and your home's framing.
Types of Chimney Liners We Install
The right liner depends on your chimney type, fuel type, and how the flue is shaped. We install all three major liner systems and recommend what actually fits your situation.
Clay Tile
Original / RepairClay tile liners are found in most older New England homes. When intact, they perform adequately — but they crack from heat cycling and are nearly impossible to repair properly once damaged. We replace failed clay tile systems with modern alternatives.
Stainless Steel
Most PopularStainless steel flexible and rigid liners are our most frequently installed system. They work with all fuel types (wood, gas, oil), are easily sized to the correct diameter, and carry a 20-year manufacturer warranty. Installation is typically completed in one day.
Cast-in-Place
Best for Irregular FluesCast-in-place liners are poured as a continuous layer of refractory material inside the existing flue, conforming perfectly to any shape. They are ideal for irregular, offset, or square flues where a round flexible liner cannot be used, and they structurally reinforce the chimney at the same time.
Liner Installation Process
Camera Inspection
We begin every liner job with a full-length video inspection of the flue. This reveals the exact condition of the existing liner, identifies any offsets or obstructions, and determines the correct liner size and type for your system.
Remove Old or Damaged Liner
If the existing clay tile or failed liner needs to be removed prior to installation, we handle that as part of the job. All debris is vacuumed out and the flue is cleared before the new liner goes in.
Measure & Cut New Liner
We measure the exact run length and cut the stainless steel liner to fit. Each section is connected with stainless steel couplers and the entire assembly is wrapped in insulation to improve draft and protect the liner.
Install Top-Down with Insulation
The liner is fed from the top of the chimney down through the flue to the appliance connection. Insulation wrap is critical for achieving proper draft temperatures and extending liner life, and is included on every installation we perform.
Cap and Test Draft
The liner is terminated at the top with a stainless steel cap and secured with a top plate. We then run a test fire or draft test to confirm the system is performing correctly before we leave. You receive a written completion report and all warranty documentation.
Ready to Get Started?
All liner installations include labor and materials. Call us to discuss your chimney and get a detailed quote before any work begins. No hidden fees.
Call (781) 921-6228What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from New England homeowners about our chimney liner work.
Our 1940s colonial had original clay tile liners that were badly cracked — we could see the pieces in the firebox. Above Services installed a flexible stainless steel liner in a single day. The difference in draft is remarkable, and knowing the CO risk has been eliminated is worth every dollar.
Bruce A.
Cambridge, MA • November 2024
We converted our wood-burning fireplace to gas and needed the liner updated. Above Services handled everything — the inspection, sizing, installation, and final test. The tech explained exactly what was needed and why. The liner came with a 20-year warranty which gave us real peace of mind.
Sandra K.
Somerville, MA • October 2024
Had a cast-in-place liner installed in our old, irregular flue. The team was efficient and professional, and the finished system draws perfectly with zero smoke rollout. Camera inspection before and after was included in the price. Excellent service from start to finish.
William P.
Medford, MA • September 2024
Chimney Liner FAQ
Common questions about chimney liner installation in Massachusetts and Southern NH.
How do I know if I need a new chimney liner?
Common signs include chunks of clay tile in the firebox (indicating liner deterioration), poor draft or smoke backing into the room, a strong smoky smell when the fireplace is not in use, visible cracks in clay tile visible during an inspection, or any Level 2 inspection that reveals liner damage. If your home is older and has never had the liner replaced, a camera inspection is strongly recommended before each heating season.
Does every chimney need a liner?
Yes — the NFPA 211 standard and local Massachusetts building code both require that chimneys serving heating appliances have a properly sized, continuous, intact liner. The liner protects your home's combustible framing from heat transfer and prevents carbon monoxide and other combustion gases from seeping into your living space. An unlined or damaged chimney is a serious code violation and a fire hazard.
What size liner do I need?
Liner sizing depends on the type of appliance being vented (fireplace, wood stove, gas insert, oil furnace), the BTU output, the height of the chimney, and the number of elbows or offsets in the system. Our technicians perform a complete load calculation to specify the correct liner diameter for your system. Using an incorrectly sized liner — too large or too small — negatively impacts draft and can be unsafe.
How long does chimney liner installation take?
Most stainless steel liner installations are completed in a single day — typically 3–6 hours depending on chimney height and complexity. Cast-in-place liner systems require two visits: one for the pour and one for inspection after curing (24–48 hours). We schedule both appointments together and confirm your chimney is ready to use before we leave.
What warranty comes with a new liner?
Our stainless steel liners carry a manufacturer's warranty of 20 years on the liner itself, and we back our installation labor with a 2-year workmanship guarantee. Cast-in-place liners are warranted for life by the manufacturer under normal use conditions. We provide all warranty documentation in writing at the time of installation.
Can a new liner fix my draft problems?
Yes, in many cases. A damaged, deteriorated, or incorrectly sized liner is one of the most common causes of poor draft. A properly sized new liner restores the correct draft geometry, improving the draw significantly. In some cases, draft problems have other causes — such as negative house pressure, inadequate air supply, or an oversized firebox — and we diagnose all contributing factors before recommending a solution.
Protect Your Home with a New Chimney Liner
Don't use a fireplace with a cracked or deteriorated liner. Above Services installs code-compliant chimney liners throughout New England. Camera inspection included. Call today.
Licensed & Insured · CSIA Certified · Serving New England Since 2013