Unless you are lucky enough to have a pumice lined chimney flue already, it will need a liner. This is not a reflection upon the health of your chimney but because your new stove is so efficient.

Chimney flues were designed for open fires, they burn fuel in such a way that 80% of the heat disappears up the flue, taking most of the particulates and combustion products with it. Stoves work the other way round, up to 80% of your fuel heat comes into the room, so if you plan to burn wood, these combustion products will condense on the cool inner walls of the flue, forming tar and creosote which is highly flammable and difficult to remove. The Fire Service tell us that there has been a 5% increase in chimney fires across Oxfordshire, the most common culprit being stoves in unlined chimneys.  

It is not yet part of current building regulations to have a liner installed, Document J which covers installation for solid fuels is under review. It is just good, safe practice to do so. 

If you plan to burn smokeless fuel exclusively, then it is possible to install your stove without a liner, but we would only do so if we can demonstrate the health of your flue with a full smoke test. See our sweeping pages for more information. 

 For your chimney flue a flexible liner is installed. It is made of stainless steel and is twin walled to insulate the flue gases, the extra warmth enabling the gases to be expelled. It is completely smooth on the inside so that no combustion particulates will stick. For these reasons it is completely different to a gas liner which must be removed before installation, we can take care of this for you.

Flexible liners are available in two different grades depending on what fuel you intend to burn. A standard grade is suitable for wood. Smokeless fuels require a higher grade of stainless steel as the chemicals can destroy a liner suitable only for wood. It is more expensive, but we supply both types.

 Your liner will cover the entire length of your flue and is installed from the top down. This avoids any damage to the liner or flue.

Before installation every liner is personally inspected by ourselves to ensure it is in perfect condition.

For health and safety reasons a scaffold will be required. This enables us to protect your liner, your roof covering, and our staff. It also means we can still install during inclement weather. We can arrange this for you, or you are welcome to employ a scaffolder of your choice.

 A made to measure register plate constructed of galvanised steel is fixed above lintel height, this prevents  debris from your existing chimney dropping down and also reflects the heat from your stove back into the room.

When complete our staff will demonstrate the operation of your stove and provide a data plate and HETAS certificate of Compliance.

An inset stove installation is generally more labour intensive than a free standing stove. Often the chimney breast or exterior wall will need to be opened up to make the necessary connections, but there are a few insets now where this can be done from inside the stove.

 If you do not have a fireplace and chimney breast you can still install a stove with a twin walled chimney system. Again the types available depend on what fuels you intend to burn. 

A stainless lined system is suitable for wood only and comes with a 10 year guarantee

A ceramic lined system is suitable for multifuels and comes with a 30 year guarantee.

These systems can be installed internally or externally and the cost will depend upon your individual requirements. Like all solid fuel installations they are covered by strict building regulations but provided your flue does not extend beyond one metre from the ridge height you will not need planning permission, and scaffolding is not always necessary.

 If you would like further information or to book a site survey please contact us.