Roofing cost · Chimneys & Skylights
Chimney Liner Cost
The answer: Installing a chimney liner costs about $2,500 on average, and most homeowners pay $1,500 to $5,000, according to Angi. Labor alone runs $400 to $1,250. Stainless steel liners cost about $65 per square foot, cast-in-place about $25 and clay about $10. HomeGuide lists liner work at $1,500 to $7,000.
| Chimney liner, installed | $1,500–$5,000 |
|---|---|
| National average | $2,500 |
| Sources checked | 4 |
Angi puts installation at $2,500 on average, with most homeowners paying $1,500 to $5,000.
Cost by liner type
| Liner | Price (Angi) |
|---|---|
| Clay | about $10 per sq ft |
| Cast-in-place | about $25 per sq ft |
| Stainless steel | about $65 per sq ft |
| Aluminum | $100 – $300 |
Angi's materials range is $10 to $300 per square foot, depending on type.
Labor
Angi lists labor from a local chimney pro at $400 to $1,250.
Other estimates
HomeGuide's chimney repair guide lists a liner at $1,500 to $7,000 (and $900 to $7,000 in another section). Angi's chimney repair guide lists installation at $625 to $7,000.
When you need one
HomeGuide lists a Level 2 chimney inspection at $250 to $600. See chimney sweep cost.
Before the liner goes in
Angi lists a professional sweep before installation at about $255 and a chimney inspection at about $450. Standard flues are 6 to 8 inches across, and Angi notes a permit may be required depending on where you live.
Liner vs. other chimney work
| Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| Liner installation (HomeGuide sweep guide) | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Liner replacement (HomeGuide repair guide) | $1,500 – $7,000 |
| Flue tile repair, a few tiles (HomeGuide) | $200 – $400 |
| Flue tile repair (HomeGuide) | $65 – $100 per sq ft |
| Smoke chamber parging (HomeGuide) | $800 – $2,000+ |
| Chimney cap replacement (HomeGuide) | $200 – $850 |
| Chimney sealing (HomeGuide) | $150 – $400 |
Labor rates
HomeGuide lists chimney labor at $50 to $200 per hour, rising to $300 per hour for emergency repairs. Angi's liner guide puts labor for a liner job at $400 to $1,250.
Inspection levels
A Level 1 inspection runs $100 to $250, Level 2 $250 to $600 and Level 3 $900 to $5,000 (HomeGuide). A Level 2 inspection includes a video scan of the flue.
Liner material vs. fireplace type
Angi notes that stainless steel liners work for both wood and gas fireplaces, aluminum liners for gas only, clay liners for wood, and cast-in-place liners for both.
Rebuild instead of reline
When the flue is beyond relining, Angi's chimney repair guide lists a full chimney replacement at $10,000 to $15,000 and a chimney stack rebuild at about $150 per linear foot.
What a chimney liner does
A chimney liner is a protective channel inside the chimney. It carries smoke and combustion gases up and out, protects the masonry from heat and corrosive byproducts, and helps prevent heat from reaching nearby wood framing.
Why liners need repair or replacement
- Clay tile liners can crack from age, heat or a chimney fire.
- A new furnace, water heater or wood stove may need a liner of a different size or material.
- Older chimneys may have no liner at all.
Types of liners
- Stainless steel: the most common choice for relining. It works with wood, gas and oil when the correct type is used.
- Aluminum: used for some gas appliances only.
- Clay tile: the traditional liner in many older masonry chimneys.
- Cast-in-place: a cement-like material poured into the chimney to form a new, smooth liner.
What affects the price
- Chimney height and the size of the flue.
- Liner material and whether insulation is needed.
- Whether the chimney has bends or offsets.
- Removing an old, damaged liner.
- Cap and top plate.
Questions to ask
- Did you inspect the liner with a camera, and can I see the footage?
- Is the liner sized for the appliance it serves?
- Is insulation included?
In Texas
Many Texas homes use fireplaces only a few times a year, so liner damage can go unnoticed for a long time. A camera inspection before the first fire of the season is a good habit, especially in an older home.
Why the liner must match the appliance
A chimney liner must be the right size and material for the appliance that vents through it. A liner that is too large lets exhaust gases cool and condense, which leads to creosote buildup in wood-burning systems and acidic condensation in gas systems. A liner that is too small cannot carry exhaust out fast enough, which can push smoke or carbon monoxide back into the house. This is why switching from a wood stove to a gas insert, or from an old furnace to a new one, often requires a new liner sized for the new appliance.
Signs your liner needs attention
- Pieces of clay tile or flakes found at the bottom of the fireplace or in the cleanout.
- Smoke entering the room when the fireplace is in use.
- A recent chimney fire.
- An inspection camera showing cracks, gaps or missing mortar between tiles.
- A water heater or furnace that has trouble venting.
A chimney professional can inspect the liner with a camera to see its condition along the full height.
Stainless steel liners
Stainless steel liners are common for relining because they can be installed through the top of an existing chimney without major masonry work. They come in rigid and flexible forms. Insulating the liner, usually with a wrap or poured insulation, keeps exhaust gases warm so they draft better and form less creosote or condensation. Insulation may also be required to meet the liner's safety listing.
Cast-in-place liners
A cast-in-place liner is created by pouring a cement-like mixture around a form inside the chimney. It can seal small cracks and add strength to an old chimney. It is usually more expensive than stainless steel and is chosen when the chimney structure needs reinforcement.
Inspections after relining
After installation, the chimney professional should inspect the liner and confirm it is connected properly to the appliance. Annual inspections are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association for chimneys and vents in use.
Some cities require a permit for relining.
Add a cap when relining.
Stainless steel liners often carry long manufacturer warranties. Ask what is covered.
How long relining takes
Many stainless steel relining jobs are completed in a single day. Cast-in-place liners and chimneys that need repairs first take longer. Rain caps with spark arrestor screens keep water, animals and debris out of the new liner, and a top plate seals the gap between the liner and the old flue so rain cannot run down the outside of the liner.
Sources
Roofing contractors in Texas
Our Texas business directory lists 1,413 roofing contractors across 6 major cities. The ratings below are the average Google rating of the listed businesses in each city, and the review counts are the total number of Google reviews they have received.
| City | Businesses listed | Avg. Google rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 458 | 4.8 | 30,851 |
| Dallas | 221 | 4.6 | 16,129 |
| San Antonio | 249 | 4.6 | 22,474 |
| Austin | 200 | 4.8 | 17,830 |
| Fort Worth | 189 | 4.8 | 11,127 |
| El Paso | 96 | 4.4 | 4,730 |
Source: twupro Texas business directory, built from public Google Maps listings.
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