If you have an old chimney it’s best practice to line it. The liner creates a direct and even channel between the wood burner and the top of the chimney, which means soot and tar have less uneven surfaces to stick to. Any soot or tar that is created is much more likely to fall back into the burner to be recombusted. In an unlined chimney this soot often causes a blockage at the flue pipe. Lining the chimney also ensures there's no leakage from the chimney during the life of the wood burner, which could otherwise be a risk in an old house.
There’s a lot of chimney liner on the market and it can vary in quality. When we supply liner for our jobs we either use Schiedel or Poujoulat. Both have good reputations.
Insulating your chimney liner isn’t mandatory but we do recommend it, especially if you don’t live mid-terrace. Insulating the liner helps keep the flue gases hot all the way up the chimney, which helps keep a good draw on the fire, and it helps protect against rust from condensation over time. We usually use Leca® backfill insulation.
We love renewable tech and energy efficiency. We choose not to line chimneys for gas fires or open fires. Both these types of fire are a waste of fuel, and gas is a finite resource. If you’re thinking of having a gas fire give us a call and we'll do our best to change your mind.