How do you line a chimney for a wood burning stove?

Author: Bert Harris DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, September 11, 2025

It is necessary to remove the chimney pot, fit the chimney liner in place with the plate and clamp, and then refit the chimney pot once installed. The chimney liner passes through the hole in the plate and is gripped in place above this with the top clamp. For a secure fixing, it's recommended to use a top sleeve.

Can I line my chimney myself?

Yes indeed, you can easily install your stove and flue liner system yourself. If you are capable of doing the job yourself, and have experience in building and DIY, then you do not necessarily need to hire a specialist installer.

Does a chimney need to be lined for a wood burning stove?

Should I install a flue liner with my log burner? Although there is not a legal requirement to fit a flue liner with a wood burner, most retailers and stove installers recommend that you do. Without a flue liner, it is difficult to determine the quality and performance of the chimney just by looking at it.

What is the cheapest way to line a chimney?

Aluminum. Aluminum chimney liners are going to be the most economical option for a chimney liner. The aluminum chimney liner can only be used to vent a natural gas appliance that has an efficiency rating of 83% and under. This type of liner does not usually include a warranty.

What are the requirements for a chimney for a wood burning stove?

A chimney must extend at least 3 feet above a flat roof and at least 2 feet above a roof ridge or any raised part of a roof within 10 feet. Sometimes getting enough vertical clearance to prevent eddy currents from affecting chimney draft is impossible. This may be because of unusual heights of nearby trees.

Parts Required When Lining A Chimney For A Woodburning Stove

What is the 3 2 10 rule for chimneys?

This rule means that your chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building that's within 10 feet.

Does a wood stove chimney need to be above the roof line?

If you've been researching Class A chimney pipes, you've probably heard of the 3-2-10 foot rule numerous times. This rule refers to the proper height of the chimney pipe above the roof. Explained, the chimney pipe must be a minimum of three feet above the roof but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet.

Is it legal to install a chimney liner yourself?

Like the majority of chimney and fireplace tasks, chimney liner installation should be performed by seasoned professionals who are licensed, insured and certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the country's most respected certifying body for hearth-industry professionals.

How far can chimney pipe run horizontally?

Sometimes stovepipes may be used in a horizontal position to connect a stove to a chimney. In this case, the NFPA code specifies that the horizontal run be limited. If an uninsulated stovepipe is used, it shall not be longer than 75 percent of the height of the chimney above its point of entry into the chimney.

What material is used to line a chimney?

The best material for lining a chimney, whether gas, oil or solid fuel, is stainless steel. #316 is a very good alloy for chimney lining and is readily available. The liner must be properly sized to the appliance for it to work properly. Either too big or too small is not good enough.

What happens if a chimney is not lined?

Consequences of not lining your chimney

If the chimney is not sound then smoke and carbon monoxide can travel into your (or next door's) property.

How much does a chimney liner cost?

The cost of a chimney liner varies. It will depend on the type of material and the size and shape of your flue, but the cost generally ranges between $2,500 and $5,000. When considering its price, also consider its durability, maintenance, and repairs.

How to line a chimney for a wood burning stove?

It is necessary to remove the chimney pot, fit the chimney liner in place with the plate and clamp, and then refit the chimney pot once installed. The chimney liner passes through the hole in the plate and is gripped in place above this with the top clamp. For a secure fixing, it's recommended to use a top sleeve.

How high should a chimney be for a wood burning stove?

Building Regulations recommend a minimum flue height of 4.5m however the chimney must be high enough to allow for enough draught to clear the exhaust gases.

Do you need a chimney liner for a wood stove insert?

Installing a stove insert will require a chimney liner to be installed to properly vent the stove. Typically for a wood stove insert, a 6" liner is required to be installed in the chimney. Collinear chimney liners are required for venting a gas stove.

Which way up do clay flue liners go?

Which way up should flue liners be installed? Flue liners should be laid with the socket of each section uppermost.

What is the 2 3 10 rule for chimneys?

This is a pretty basic rule for chimney construction. A chimney must project at least 3 feet above the roof on its shortest side and also be at least 2 feet above any roof structure that is within a 10 foot radius of the chimney. That's it.

Does a wood stove chimney have to go straight up?

First of all, the chimney pipes should be positioned so that they are as vertical as possible. It is important to go through walls or partitions with 45° bends. In addition, horizontal runs and 90° bends should be avoided at all costs, as they cause flue gases and clog the flues.

What is the code for wood stove pipe?

The NFPA calls for an 18" clearance to combustible walls for single wall stove pipe(opens in a new tab). Double wall stovepipe is used when you don't have 18" or more clearance from combustibles.

Do I really need a stainless steel chimney liner?

Is a stainless chimney liner a good idea? In a variety of situations, the answer to this question is "yes." Chimney liners are an important component of a fireplace system because they go a long way toward preventing dangerous chimney fires.

Do you need a permit to install a chimney liner?

Permits and Building Codes: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain permits for chimney liner installation. Additionally, your project must adhere to local building codes.

How much does it cost to cast-in-place a chimney liner?

Cast-in-Place

After it dries, the new liner offers exceptional protection against heat and corrosion. Unfortunately, it is a relatively expensive process, and cast-in-place liners cost between $235 and $275 per square foot. For an average chimney, that will range from $5,000 to $7,000.

What is the height of a wood stove chimney for a proper draft?

Wood stove manufacturers generally state that the minimum chimney height should be no less than 15'. Based on their tests, 15' is the height where you will start to have an optimal draft. You can install a Specialty Flue Extension to increase the height of your chimney to help improve the draft.

What are the rules for a wood stove chimney?

The chimney must extend at least 3' above the highest point where it passes through the roof surface and at least 2' higher than any part of the building within a horizontal distance of 10'. Choose the proper Roof Flashing required for your installation.

Can you line a chimney from the bottom?

There are two main ways to install a flexible flue liner - either from the top or from the bottom. Both require at least two people to do the job. Be sure both of you have the correct safety equipment, including masks, goggles and a hard hat before starting.

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