How Much Does It Cost To Have A Chimney Lined?
July 19, 2023
Average Cost to Have a Chimney Lined
The average cost to have a chimney lined by a professional is going to be about $2500. Depending on the type of chimney liner, it could cost up to $10,000. The average DIY chimney liner installation is going to cost about $750 to $3000 for the material depending on the specifics of the installation.
The cost of having the chimney lined is going to be influenced by what the chimney liner will be venting. Having the chimney lined for an appliance such as a wood stove, furnace, boiler, or hot water heater is going to cost much less than having a chimney liner installed for a traditional open fireplace. Installing a chimney liner for a fireplace is going to be one of the more expensive installations due to the average liner diameter and parts.
What Affects the Cost of a Chimney Liner?
The cost of the chimney liner is going to be affected by the type of chimney liner. In some cases, you have the option to use various materials for the chimney liner. Generally, the type of material is going to be dictated by what type of appliance you are venting.
Material
The material grade of the chimney liner is going to affect the cost of lining a chimney. Chimney liners are made from aluminum and various types of stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most expensive option for a chimney liner. Aluminum liners are going to be the least expensive. Both options come with their pros and cons.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel chimney liners are most commonly available in two grades of stainless steel: 304L and 316Ti chimney liners. Stainless steel chimney liners are going to be the more expensive type of chimney liner. Although, stainless steel liners are often required for most installations and offer many benefits.
304L stainless steel chimney liners are going to be the most economical option for a stainless steel chimney liner. The 304L stainless steel liner should only be used for wood-burning stoves. The average cost will be around $400.
316Ti stainless steel chimney liners are the highest grade stainless steel option you can find for a chimney liner. The superior corrosion resistance makes it a great choice to use with the majority of appliances and all fuels. This type of liner usually includes a lifetime warranty. The average cost will be around $550.
Aluminum
Aluminum chimney liners are going to be the most economical option for a chimney liner. The aluminum chimney liner can only be used to vent a natural gas appliance that has an efficiency rating of 83% and under. This type of liner does not usually include a warranty. The average cost will be around $200.
Installation
The cost for installation will vary depending on if you hire a professional or choose to do a DIY chimney liner installation. Installing a chimney liner on a three-story home is going to cost more for the installation than if you were installing a chimney liner on a one-story ranch home. Sometimes an articulating man lift is required to get up to the top of the chimney if the roof is extremely steep. Renting a boom lift can cost up to $500.00 for a day. Though, in some cases that is worth it to ensure the safety of the installation.
Professional Installation
Hiring a professional to install a chimney liner is going to cost much more than doing a DIY chimney liner. The professional installer is going to mark up the cost of the chimney liner and charge an installation fee. Depending on the size of the house, it is common to see a scaffold fee or a man lift fee, if the chimney is hard to access or if the roof is very steep. There may be extra services they recommend, such as waterproofing or brick repair if they see anything wrong at the top of a chimney. For a traditional open fireplace, there may be more work that needs to be done in the firebox than just installing a chimney liner. Smoke chamber parging, damper replacement, and firebrick repair are some cost you will see tied to the installation of a chimney liner for a traditional fireplace. The average cost is around $2,500 - $7,000.
DIY
A great way to save money on a chimney liner installation is to Do-It-Yourself. With a little research and investigating your chimney, a liner can be easily installed. A DIY chimney liner installation can save you thousands of dollars. The DIY chimney liner kits are going to provide you with all the parts necessary to install a chimney liner. Most of the tools required for the installation are common tools that most all DIY'ers already have. Some niche tools like a pipe crimper, grinder, or some masonry tools may need to be purchased if you don't currently have them. This varies depending on the installation. The average cost is around $400 - $1,500.
Which Chimney Liner is Worth the Cost?
Ultimately the best quality and the best value to line a chimney will be a 316Ti stainless steel flexible chimney liner. The 316Ti stainless steel chimney liner is approved for just about any masonry relining installation while also coming with a lifetime transferable warranty. The kits are easy to install in a few hours and will save you a lot of money. If you have any questions on your installation, please reach out to Rockford Chimney Supply's Certified Technicians.
DIY Center
(AKA ‘The Rockford Files’)
From video tutorials to product walkthroughs, we have a variety of DIY resources just for you! Click the button below to view our entire library.