Stainless Steel Flue Liners – Built For the Modern-day Needs

Today, most of the chimney installation and maintenance companies prefer to use stainless steel flue liners, mainly due to their ease of installation compared to other alternatives. Also, unlike clay tile liners, steel chimney flue liners are a U.L. listed product. So, you are bound to get good warranty from the manufacturer.

Flue liner metal alloys typically range from 304L to AL-29-4C. But these metal alloy differences has no relevance with the actual thickness of the flue liner. In this post, we will look into some important aspects of steel chimney liners and why one should choose it over the others.

Why Install Steel liners?

The term stainless steel originated from the fact that it is a ‘stainless’ metal, meaning it doesn’t stain, rust or corrode like ordinary steel. It is also used to identify grades of steel that has more than 10% chromium.

In a layman language, stainless steel flue liners are anti-corrosion products. They maintain their strength at extreme high temperatures. Moreover, they are suitable for all types of heating appliances, whether they are burning gas, wood or coal.

Steel chimney liners resist toxics and the mechanical stress of hot and cold cycles. And thus, they can be safely used with fuels like coal, wood, pellet, gas and oil. A 304L grade steel liner is quite heavy and a little bit flexible. It is best for chimney liners venting a wood burner. However the latest steel liner manufacturers use a combination of Stainless Steel and Titanium, which results in a very lightweight and very flexible flue liner.

Key advantages of choosing a flexible chimney liner

A flexible chimney liner is the best alternative to the rigid liners. It is made of stainless steel and can expand or shrink depending on the temperature level. Flexible flue liners help homeowners enhance the efficiency of their chimneys.

Here are some major benefits of installing a flexible chimney flue liner in your home.

1. Due to their great flexibility, these liners are very easy to install compared to rigid ones. So, improving your chimney’s performance now falls in your budget and you can save a good amount in long run.
2. It is the versatility, the adjustable length, of flexible chimney flue liners that allow you to perform chimney sweeping and home maintenance work on own. In a way, it helps you keep your maintenance cost down.
3. They accumulate less amount of creosote compared to rigid chimney liners.
4. They are easier to clean and maintain.
5. They reduce the chances of fire break out and increase safety level.
6. Less accumulation of creosote inside the chimney meaning enhanced chimney draft. Flexible liners can improve the efficiency of your chimney to a great extent.
7. A highly efficient chimney adds in home valuation.

Call in the professional

One of the most important factors to consider while buying a flexible liner is the size. Choosing the correct size is very crucial to ensure efficient flow of flue gases, improved draft and great performance of a wood stove or fireplace.  A professional chimney installation person is the most qualified person to determine the right size and install a steel flue liner in the correct manner.

Author's Note

The author Arna kotak is a columnist and a part-time blogger. She has published many posts about Chimney liners & related firm. She strongly recommends UK households to choose flexible chimney liner over other alternatives available out there.