Chimney Lining

Basics in Lining a Chimney

Typically, lining your chimney is a DIY (do-it-yourself) endeavor that could be done by two people.  However, since April 2002 when the building regulation law came out, it is best to get expert advice when it is your intention to have a chimney liner installed.

The basic materials and tools needed in fitting a liner to a chimney are cement, sand, rope trowel, unibond, waterproofer, pliers, adjustable spanner, paintbrush, screwdriver (Phillips), hammer, chisel, buckets and metal snips.  It is best to take all due precautionary measures like making use of a roof ladder, goggles, dust mask, ropes for safety, protective hat and gloves.  Remembers that the chimney liner ends are sharp and may be taped (gaffa tape) for protection.  When working on the liner, one person should be on the roof and the other stays at the fireplace.  Remember to first sweep the chimney clean before fitting the liner to the chimney.  Temporarily remove the chimney pot and its mortar, if any.  The two persons working on the liner may communicate by shouting at each other which can be heard through the chimney passage.

Lining a chimney will take many steps.  The first step is to have one end of the rope dropped down the chimney from the roof.  Tie to it the liner and get it back up the roof.   You may then place the closing plate at the liner’s top end and then clamp above that the top fixing clamp.  You should then pull it down the chimney.  Make sure that the liner is straightened and does not curl.

You will still have to undergo several steps to finally fit the chimney liner.  From the clamping of the liner and putting it in its place to the screwing of the register plate in its placed, from supporting it with paving slabs or leca backfill to the replacement of the pot back to its place, from the cementing and waterproofing of the areas where it is needed to the flaunching of the pot area and the cleaning of the chimney pot and finally from affixing the cowls to the connection of the stove to the chimney liner adaptor.  All these and more specific details need to be done if you want to fit a chimney liner buy yourself.

Should you find it too complex and cumbersome, you can always get the help of a professional.