Chimney Relining

Do I Really Need to Have My Chimney Relined?

— Advice from the Pros at Soot Soldiers

When you look at a chimney sticking up above a roofline, you’re only seeing a small piece of a much more critical system. Beneath that brick exterior is the flue — the inner lining that carries dangerous gases, smoke, and heat from your fireplace or heating appliance safely out of your home. At Soot Soldiers, we know from experience: a properly working flue is the unsung hero of chimney safety.

What's the Purpose of a Chimney Liner?

The chimney liner (also called the flue liner) creates a sealed passageway that moves combustion byproducts — like smoke, carbon monoxide, and moisture — from the appliance to the outside. If that liner is compromised, you could be facing serious risks. Cracks, gaps, or deterioration in a clay tile liner can allow:

Carbon monoxide to seep into your home — an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly.High heat or flames to escape into the chimney walls, potentially igniting the wooden framing of your home.Creosote buildup, which increases the chance of a chimney fire.

If your chimney’s liner is damaged or missing altogether, it’s not just a code violation — it’s a major safety hazard.

Chimneys Built Before Modern Standards

Homes built before the 1940s often didn’t have a chimney liner at all. Instead, they relied on brick and mortar alone to carry exhaust out — which we now know isn’t safe or effective. Even chimneys built after that time, with terra cotta (clay tile) liners, were typically designed for coal-burning appliances, not for the high-efficiency gas or oil systems common today.

Over time, those clay liners crack or break down from age, chimney fires, water damage, or shifting masonry. A damaged clay liner can't do its job, which means it’s time for an upgrade.

The Solution: Stainless Steel Chimney Relining

The most effective way to restore chimney safety is by installing a stainless steel liner. At Soot Soldiers, we recommend and install UL-listed stainless steel liners because:

We custom-fit every liner to match your system and ensure it meets modern safety standards.

When Should I Reline My Chimney?

We recommend a chimney inspection every year. If our certified Soot Soldiers find cracks, missing tiles, or signs of a past chimney fire, it’s time to reline. We’ll walk you through the process, provide clear pricing, and make sure your home is safe and up to code.