Wood-burning fireplace insert installation in Southchase

Rigid sections or a flexible stainless liner

Stainless liners come as rigid sections or as a flexible tube. Rigid pipe suits a straight flue with room to spare. A flexible liner can follow a bend or an offset and slip through a narrow damper opening where stiff sections would bind against the masonry.

Either type has to be one the insert maker and the liner maker allow together. We choose from the shape of your flue, what the manual accepts and how the liner will be brushed in later years, and the estimate names the liner type we plan so there are no surprises on install day.

Clay tile condition decides the short connection

A direct connection only works when the clay flue tile above the joint is sound. Cracked, shifted or missing tile leaves the upper part of the flue unreliable for an appliance that sends hot, concentrated exhaust up a smaller path than the open fireplace ever did.

Where the tile is doubtful, a full liner from the collar to the top removes the question. We describe what we saw in the flue, and why that leads us to recommend one method over the other, so the decision rests on the condition of your chimney.

Reaching the chimney top safely

A liner is lowered from the top, so part of every full-liner job happens on the roof. That means ladders set properly, footing on the roof covering, and tools and liner coil handled without scraping shingles or tile.

The estimate says how our crew will reach the chimney and how the roof is protected while they are up there. If roof access is difficult, we tell you at the inspection rather than discovering it with a liner halfway down the flue.

How an insert estimate should read

A clear insert estimate separates the unit, the liner and its connector, the top plate and cap, the surround, any hearth extension, any fireplace repairs, any electrical work by an electrician and the removal of old parts.

Every line carries upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you can see where the money goes and compare our proposal fairly with anyone else's. Book within 72 hours after the inspection and 10% off is applied right on the estimate.

• Insert model and surround size
• Liner type, size and length
• Top plate, rain cap and any cap change
• Hearth or floor protection work
• Repairs found at the inspection
• Removal and haul-away of old parts