The flue liner is the protective channel inside your chimney that contains heat and directs smoke and gases safely out of the home. When that liner cracks, corrodes, or is missing entirely — as it is in many older Joliet homes — heat and carbon monoxide can reach the surrounding structure. Relining restores a safe, code-compliant flue. Indigo Chimney Sweep installs durable stainless-steel liners sized precisely to your appliance.
When you need a new liner
- Your chimney has no liner at all, which is common in homes built before the 1940s.
- A clay tile liner is cracked or has pieces flaking off, often revealed during a Level 2 inspection.
- You have had a chimney fire, which frequently cracks tile liners even when the chimney looks intact.
- You are installing a new stove, insert, or high-efficiency appliance that requires a specific liner size.
- A metal liner has rusted through from years of acidic gas exposure.
Why stainless steel
We install UL-listed stainless-steel liners because they resist corrosion, handle the high temperatures of wood fires, and carry strong warranties. Each liner is cut to the exact height of your chimney and matched to the diameter your appliance needs for proper draft. An undersized or oversized flue drafts poorly and can be as dangerous as no liner at all, so correct sizing is central to what we do.
The installation typically takes a day. We lower the liner from the top, connect it to the appliance, insulate it where required, and finish with a top plate and cap to keep water out. Afterward the flue is ready for years of safe use.
A new liner is often paired with masonry repair when water has already caused damage. We serve Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, New Lenox, and the surrounding area, and every job starts with an inspection so you know exactly what your chimney needs.
Ask us whether relining is right for your chimney. Call (815) 296-9565 or book online.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my chimney needs relining?
Relining is needed when the liner is cracked, corroded, or absent, or when a new appliance requires a different flue size. A Level 2 inspection with a camera scan confirms the liner’s condition.
How long does a stainless-steel liner last?
A quality UL-listed stainless-steel liner is built to last for decades and typically comes with a long manufacturer warranty when professionally installed and maintained.
Can a cracked clay liner just be repaired?
Minor issues can sometimes be addressed, but cracked or spalling clay tile usually cannot be reliably patched. A stainless-steel liner is the durable, code-compliant fix.
Does a chimney fire always damage the liner?
Not always, but chimney fires reach very high temperatures and commonly crack clay tile. That is why a Level 2 inspection is recommended after any chimney fire.
Why does liner size matter?
A flue that is too large or too small drafts poorly, which can cause smoke spillage, excess creosote, or carbon monoxide problems. We size the liner to your specific appliance.
How long does relining take?
Most relining jobs are completed in a single day, though larger or offset chimneys can take longer. We confirm the timeline after inspecting your chimney.
Do gas appliances need liners too?
Yes. Gas appliances produce acidic condensation that can corrode masonry and old metal liners, so many gas conversions require a properly sized stainless liner.
What does relining cost?
Cost depends on chimney height, diameter, and access. We inspect first and quote a price up front — see our pricing page or call (815) 296-9565.
Reviewed by Jamie Reed, operations manager at Indigo Chimney Sweep — 17 years in the trade, serving Joliet and the surrounding Will County communities.