What Is the Average Cost of a Chimney Liner?

We all know energy costs have gone skyward the last few years. So if you’re thinking of getting a woodburner, it’s vital to know the overall cost - including installation of a chimney liner.

Liner installation cost typically ranges from £600 to £1,000. The price varies with location, materials used, ease of access and the chimney's condition. We’ll look at all that here.

Highlights

• In the UK, a chimney liner typically costs between £600 and £1,000.
• Stainless steel liners cost around £15 - £20 per metre, while clay liners are priced at £30 - £40 per metre.
• The overall cost may rise due to complex installations or the need for scaffolding.
• The daily labour charge for installing a chimney liner falls between £150 and £250.

What Factors Affect The Cost?

Several things significantly influence the cost of chimney liner installation. These elements include the liner's type, its size, and the labour required for installation. 

Here’s a breakdown :

• The liner's material, such as flexible stainless steel, rigid stainless steel, or pumice/concrete, affects its price.
• The  diameter required - dependent on both the chimney’s size and the stove / appliance being connected
• Length of liner required between fireplace opening and top of chimney
• The choice between professional installation or a DIY approach 
• The need for additional parts such asstove pipe, stove collar, and chimney pot increases the final cost.
• The chimney's condition. In particular, if it requires repair or modification before the liner installation or substantial insulation backfill.

Material Supply Costs

Material

- Stainless steel chimney liners are available at a cost of £15-£20 per metre.

- Pumice chimney liners range in price from £12 to £18 per metre.

- Clay chimney liners cost between £30 and £40 per metre.

Additional Expenses

When you budget for a chimney liner installation, remember to include not only the costs of the liner and labour but also additional expenses. Don’t get caught out by hidden surprises. These extra costs can have a big impact your overall budget so planning for every possibility helps avoid unforeseen expenses.

Consider the following:

Inspection and Cleaning Requirement: A comprehensive chimney inspection and cleaning might be necessary before installing a new liner to ensure it fits properly.

Chimney Cowl: Installing a new chimney cowl /bird guard  may be essential ,as any existing one may be at the end of it’s useful life

Repair Costs: Repairs may be needed to your chimney before liner installation. These might not be apparent until tradesmen are undertaking installation.

Additional Components: Don’t forget the sundries such as stove pipe, stove collar, register plate etc

Types of Liners

Selecting an appropriate chimney liner is vital for the chimney's safety and efficiency. Liners vary in material, cost, and durability, important factors for making a knowledgeable choice. Below is a simplified guide to assist in your decision:

Stainless Steel Flexible Liners: These liners, priced between £250-£700, are designed for existing chimneys. They're a preferred option due to their cost-effectiveness and durability, with a life expectancy of 15 - 20 years. (At National Chimney Supplies we offer a lifetime warranty on our flexible chimney flue liners

Pumice, Concrete, and Clay Liners: Costing between £500-£900, these liners are constructed from natural rock substances. They offer enhanced durability, lasting 30-50 years, and are suitable for various fireplace types. However, they don’t lend themselves well to retro-fititng in existing chimney stacks

Considerations of Material, Cost, and Durability: Evaluating the cost against the material's durability is crucial. Stainless steel liners are popular for their affordable price and satisfactory lifespan. In contrast, pumice, concrete, and clay liners provide greater durability at a higher initial cost.

Making a well-informed choice on your chimney liner ensures the system's safety, efficiency, and longevity.

Installation Duration

The length of time it takes to install varies, typically lasting from 1 to 5 days. This variation depends on two main factors: the material of the liner and the current condition of the chimney.

Stainless steel liners are easily dropped in from the top, meaning that in most cases installation is done in a day.

On the other hand, clay, concrete, and pumice liners take longer - as much as 4 to 5 days. The increased time for these materials results from their heavier nature and the complexity of their installation process.

The condition of the chimney and the type of liner material significantly influence the installation time. Professional installers aim to complete the installation efficiently and effectively within these timeframes. Understanding the potential duration of the installation allows for better planning against the temporary inconvenience, ensuring minimal disruption to daily routines. (More info on chimney installation best practices here)

Cost-Saving Tips 

Here’s a few tips to keep costs under control:

Get several quotes: Getting at least three quotes allows for a comparison of costs from various suppliers and installers, ensuring a competitive price.

Inspect your existing liners: Before purchasing a new liner, verify if your chimney already contains a functional liner.

Choose installation timing wisely: Scheduling installation during the off peak spring and summer may reward you with lower prices. 

Opt for UK-produced liners: UK produced liners (like the Ultraflex liners we retail) are fully compliant with British Standards and HETAS requlations and may cost you less.

Future Maintenance Costs 

The key bit of maintenance is yearly cleaning. And that means getting your chimney swept. This clears any combustion residue and helps avoid chimney fires, and makes your chimney more efficient in the process.

The price for cleaning a chimney liner ranges from £80 to £150 a time. Again this will vary depending on the area and type of chimney you have.

Summing Up

To budget for an average chimney liner installation, anticipate spending between £600 and £1,000 cost depending on the chimney's size, your area, ease of access and the type of liner you choose.