How to Install a Chimney Liner in 9 Steps

Open up your liner kit and uncoil the liner itself on a level surface such as your lawn. Attach the bottom of the liner to the bottom vertical connector piece found in your kit and fasten them together with a hose clamp using your wrench or screwdriver.

Chimney liner kits come either pre-insulated or with separate insulation that you attach yourself. If your liner is pre-insulated, skip this step and proceed to step three.

• Measure and cut insulation: If there is at least a two-inch gap between the liner and the chimney walls, wrap the liner with an insulation blanket. Cut the blanket to width by measuring the circumference of the bottom termination of the liner. Multiply that measurement by 3.14, then add one inch of overage.

• Attach insulation: Lay the blanket flat with the foiling side facing down. Center the liner on it, then wrap the insulation around, overlapping by at least an inch. As you wrap each segment of the blanket, affix it with spray adhesive and seal the seam with foil tape. Repeat until the entire liner is covered.

• Wrap with wire mesh: Finally, roll out the wire mesh that came with your kit and wrap it around the entire liner. Clamp the mesh to the bottom connector with a hose clamp, pull it taut, and use another hose clamp to secure it to the top of the liner. Cut any excess mesh with tin snips.

To install a chimney liner, one person will need to lower the liner from the roof while the other partner guides it from inside at the bottom of the flue. The specific method to do so will vary depending on your kit, so always review the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them as closely as possible.

In general, however, you'll want to attach the included rope to either a pulling cone or bottom connector, then get on the roof. Have your partner feed the liner up to you from the ground. Once you have the liner on the roof, your partner should go inside and stand near the bottom of the chimney. Throw the rope down to them.

Position the end of the liner with the attached bottom connector over the rooftop opening of the chimney. Slowly begin to guide it down while your partner helps using the rope. Do your best to avoid snags, and gently twist the liner if it gets caught on the chimney walls.

Lower the liner until it reaches the thimble or hole on the side of the chimney in your living space where it will attach. Call down to your partner to hold the connector in place.

The top plate will seal the flue to prevent rain and pests from entering your home through the chimney. Slide the top plate down the liner until it's sitting on the top edge of the chimney flue. Different kits will have different requirements, so follow your manufacturer's instructions. One method for sealing the flue is sealing the plate with weather-resistant caulk.

Find the locking bolts on each side of the top plate and use your screwdriver to secure the top plate to the flue. Don’t tighten too much or the flue may crack.

Use your tin snips, hacksaw, or reciprocating saw to cut excess liner material at the top, leaving four inches of length above the chimney crown.

With the top plate secured to the flue, you'll also need to secure it to the liner so it can properly bear the liner's weight. Tighten the hose clamp on the inside collar of the top plate using the screw on the outside of the collar.

Climb down from the roof and head inside. Attach the connector on the bottom of the liner to the other connector piece from your kit using any provided clamps. You may need to cut a hole in the mesh and insulation layer to make the connection. This assembly should then connect directly to your fireplace or wood-burning appliance.

Your last step will bring you back to the roof. Insert the collar of the top plate inside the rain cap to secure the two together. There will likely be a hose clamp at the bottom of the rain cap. Tighten the clamp with your screwdriver to complete your installation.