Ask about relining: (815) 296-8285 · Stainless-steel & cast-in-place liners · Insured & Bonded · Romeoville, IL
Chimney relining is the installation of a new liner inside the flue that restores a safe, correctly sized channel for smoke and combustion gases to leave your home. The liner is the barrier between those hot gases and the wood framing around your chimney, so a cracked, deteriorated, or missing liner is a genuine fire and carbon monoxide hazard. Masterful Chimney Sweep relines masonry chimneys throughout Romeoville with UL-listed materials sized to your appliance. Call (815) 296-8285 to find out whether relining is what your chimney needs.
What the liner does and why it matters
Older masonry chimneys were built with clay tile liners, and many homes still have them. Over decades of heating and cooling, those tiles crack and the mortar joints between them fail. Once there is a gap, heat and gases can reach the surrounding brick and framing, and moisture and acids attack the masonry from the inside. A sound liner also keeps the flue the right size: a flue that is too large for a modern high-efficiency furnace or stove will not draft properly and can allow condensation and even carbon monoxide to linger. Relining fixes both problems at once.
The relining options we install
- Stainless-steel liners — a flexible or rigid stainless pipe run down the flue and connected to the appliance. This is the most common reline for wood, gas, and oil appliances, and quality liners carry a long warranty. We size the liner to the appliance so the draft is correct.
- Insulated liners — a stainless liner wrapped with insulation, which improves draft, reduces creosote formation, and keeps the flue warmer. This is often the right choice for exterior chimneys that run cold.
- Cast-in-place liners — a masonry-based lining poured in place that both relines and reinforces the chimney structure, useful for chimneys with significant tile damage.
We recommend the option that fits your chimney and appliance, not the most expensive one on the shelf.
When relining is the right call
You may need a new liner if any of these apply:
- A Level 2 inspection found cracked tiles or gaps in the existing liner.
- You are installing a new furnace, water heater, wood stove, or insert — a new appliance often needs a differently sized flue.
- There has been a chimney fire, which frequently cracks clay tiles.
- The chimney has no liner at all, as some very old chimneys do not.
- You see tile pieces in the firebox or persistent draft and odor problems.
Our approach in Romeoville
Relining is a safety repair, so it has to be done correctly. We start with a camera inspection so you can see the liner condition yourself, then recommend the right material and size. Owner Leo Jenkins has 18 years of experience matching liners to the older masonry chimneys common in Romeoville as well as newer systems. The work is quoted up front, we are insured and bonded, and we walk you through the finished installation. If the chimney also needs masonry repair or a new cap, we handle the whole system. See our pricing page for starting rates.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my chimney needs relining?
A flue-camera inspection is the only sure way. It reveals cracked tiles, gaps, and deterioration you cannot see from below. Relining is also standard when you install a new appliance or after a chimney fire.
How long does a stainless-steel liner last?
A quality stainless liner is built to last for decades and typically carries a long manufacturer warranty when it is installed correctly and sized to the appliance.
Can a cracked clay liner just be patched?
Minor issues can sometimes be addressed, but widespread cracking usually calls for a full reline, because every gap is a potential path for heat and gases. We show you the camera footage so the decision is based on evidence.
Do I need to reline when I add a new furnace or stove?
Often, yes. Modern appliances have specific venting requirements, and an oversized or mismatched flue can cause poor draft and condensation. We confirm the correct size for your new appliance.
Will relining improve how my fireplace drafts?
Usually. A correctly sized, insulated liner keeps the flue warmer and the draft stronger, which means better performance and less creosote buildup over time.
Is relining messy or disruptive?
Most relines are completed with minimal disruption, and we protect your home and clean up fully. We give you a clear timeline when we quote the job.
Reviewed by Leo Jenkins, owner of Masterful Chimney Sweep.
Not sure if you need a liner? Call (815) 296-8285 for a straight answer.