Sylvie Willis
A flue liner is a flexible tube that connects a stove to the chimney, ensuring fumes are expelled safely. The liner also keeps the chimney clean and increases the efficiency of the stove. When selecting a flue liner, it is important to consider the size and grade of the liner, which will depend on the stove's fuel type and usage. The liner should match the outlet diameter of the stove, with most solid fuel appliances in the UK having either a 5-inch or 6-inch flue outlet. While a 316-grade liner is suitable for burning seasoned wood, a 904-grade liner is recommended for burning coal or smokeless fuel and is more durable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To ensure safety, keep the chimney clean, and increase the efficiency of the stove |
| Type | Flexible material |
| Grades | 316-grade, 904-grade |
| Fuel | Wood, multi-fuel |
| Sizes | 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, 7-inch, 8-inch, 9-inch |
| Cost | £19.95 to £97.27 |
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What You'll Learn
Flue liner grades for multi-fuel stoves
The grade of flue liner you should choose for your multi-fuel stove depends on the intensity of use and the type of fuel you intend to burn. If you plan to use your stove frequently and/or burn smokeless fuel, a 904L grade liner is recommended. This grade of liner is designed to withstand heavy use and the combustion of smokeless fuels.
The 904L grade liner is a popular choice for those seeking a durable and reliable option. It is often praised for its perceived "over-engineering," resulting in a product that exceeds expectations and provides a lengthy guarantee period.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the diameter of the flue liner specified by the manufacturer of your appliance. Building Regulations Approved Document J provides guidance on flue liner sizing. The diameter of the flue liner plays a significant role in ensuring the proper draw of stove gases up the chimney and optimizing the performance of your stove.
For example, a wood-burning stove with a 6-inch (150mm) diameter outlet requires a flue liner that is at least 6 inches in diameter. It is important to note that reducing the diameter of the flue liner during installation is not advisable, as it can negatively impact the stove's performance.
When selecting a flue liner, it is essential to consider factors such as stove usage, fuel type, manufacturer's instructions, and relevant building regulations to ensure the optimal performance and safety of your multi-fuel stove.
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Flue liner sizing regulations
Flue liner sizing is an important consideration when installing a new stove or fire. While you do not usually need planning permission to install a new stove and flue liner, there are exceptions, such as if your property is a listed building or if the new flue pipework will run up the outside of your property.
The British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association (BFCMA) emphasises the importance of matching the internal diameter of the flue with the outlet on the appliance. The diameter of the flue liner should never be less than the outlet diameter of the appliance, and the manufacturer's chimney sizing recommendations should always be followed. The appliance installation instructions should specify the flue liner diameter. If this is unclear, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer.
Building Regulations in the UK stipulate that the minimum flue liner size permitted is 6 inches. However, a 5-inch flue liner can be used if you have a DEFRA-approved stove and the manufacturer states that your stove is compatible with a 5-inch liner. It is crucial to use the recommended size of flue liner for your stove, and never use a smaller flue liner than required, as this can pose a serious safety risk.
The diameter of the flue liner will depend on the heat output and the size of the connector collar of the appliance. For multi-fuel burning appliances, the size of the chimney liner will be determined by the heat output of the appliance. For example, a wood-burning stove with a heat output of up to 20kW will require a chimney liner that is at least 6 inches in diameter. For multi-fuel appliances with higher heat outputs, larger flue liners of 7, 8, or 9 inches in diameter can be used.
It is important to ensure that the flue liner is long enough to reach from the top to the bottom of the chimney. Combining two separate flue liners is not only against building regulations but also dangerous. If unsure, it is recommended to order a longer flue liner to be on the safe side, as it can always be cut to fit. A chimney sweep can assist in measuring the chimney length and determining the required length of the flue liner.
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The dangers of an ill-fitting flue liner
The flue liner is an important component of a multi-fuel stove system, and ensuring a correct fit is essential for several reasons. Firstly, an ill-fitting flue liner can negatively impact the performance of your stove. The diameter of the flue liner affects the draw of stove gases up the chimney, and if it is too narrow, it can restrict the flow of gases, leading to poor combustion and reduced stove efficiency.
Secondly, a liner that is too narrow can pose a safety hazard. If the flue liner diameter is insufficient, it may not be able to accommodate the stove's heat and by-products, leading to a potential fire hazard. Additionally, an incorrect flue liner size can cause delays in your installation process, resulting in disappointment and additional costs for a correctly sized replacement.
Furthermore, an ill-fitting flue liner can lead to leakage. Without a proper seal, gases and smoke can escape into your living space, creating a health and safety issue. It is crucial to ensure that the flue liner is secured correctly and that it fits snugly within the chimney to prevent any potential leaks.
To avoid these dangers, it is essential to consult the appliance installation instructions or contact the manufacturer to determine the recommended flue liner diameter for your specific stove. Building regulations and safety standards also provide guidance on flue liner sizing to ensure a safe and efficient installation. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure the optimal performance of your multi-fuel stove while maintaining the safety of your home.
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Flue liner installation checklist
Before you begin, ensure you have the correct flue liner size for your stove. The diameter of the flue liner should match the size of the exhaust hole on the appliance, which is typically a minimum of 6" for wood-burning stoves. If you have a DEFRA-approved stove with a 5" flue outlet, you can use a 5" liner. For smokeless fuels, a 904L-grade liner is recommended.
Tools and Materials:
- Utility knife/razor knife
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Caulk gun
- Working gloves
- Safety glasses
- Power drill
- Grinder, saw, or hacksaw
- Chimney liner
- Connector
- Top plate
- Rain cap
Installation Steps:
- Chimney Preparation: Clean the chimney to ensure no residual soot or obstructions hinder the installation.
- Test-Pull: Pull down a small section of the liner (e.g., a 1-meter length) as a test to ensure it fits down your chimney.
- Chimney Pot Removal: If you're not using a suspended cowl, check that you can easily remove the chimney pot for installation.
- Liner Installation: Install the liner from either the top or bottom of the chimney stack, ensuring sufficient clearance around the liner to avoid friction or catching bricks.
- Connecting the Liner: Start pushing the liner, nose cone first, down the stack. Two people are required for this step, with one at each end of the stack.
- Attaching the Cowl: Once the liner is all the way down the flue, attach it to the cowl.
- Top Plate Installation: Thread the chimney liner through the round collar of the top plate, then center and secure the top plate to the clay flue using locking bolts, being careful not to over-tighten.
- Excess Liner Trimming: Cut off any excess liner, ensuring it is flush with the top of the collar of the top plate.
- Rain Cap Installation: Secure the rain cap to the top plate to seal the flue from rain, wind, and pests.
Note: Always refer to your appliance's installation instructions and seek professional advice if needed.
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The purpose of a flue liner
Flue liners are highly recommended for the installation of most types of stoves, including wood-burning stoves. They protect the chimney and your home, ensuring that your stove is safe and in proper working order for a long time. Flue liners also protect combustible items inside your home that are near your fireplace, preventing them from igniting and starting a house fire.
The correct sizing of a flue liner is important. The diameter of the flue liner will affect the draw of stove gases up the chimney and the performance of your stove. If your liner is not long enough for your installation, there will be delays and additional costs. It is better to have too much than too little. The appliance installation instructions should specify the flue liner diameter, and if this is unclear, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer.
Flue liners are usually made of metal or clay tiles. Metal liners are typically used to upgrade or repair existing chimneys, and they can be made of stainless steel or aluminum. Metal liners last a long time and are safe when properly installed and insulated. Clay tile liners are effective and long-lasting, offering solid protection from the deteriorating effects of smoke. However, clay tiles will eventually crack and deteriorate, leading to harmful fumes leaking into your home.
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Frequently asked questions
A flue liner is a tube made of flexible material that connects a stove to the chimney. It ensures fumes are expelled out of the chimney and do not linger in your home.
The size of the flue liner depends on the stove outlet. The stove pipe is the visible part of the flue system that connects the stove to the flue. Most solid fuel appliances have either a 5-inch or 6-inch flue outlet. The minimum flue liner size in the UK is 6 inches.
There are two main types of flue liners: 316-grade and 904-grade. 316-grade is cheaper but only suitable for burning seasoned wood. 904-grade liners are more durable and suitable for burning coals and other fuels that burn at a higher temperature.
You should never reduce the diameter of the flue liner compared to the stove outlet. The diameter will affect the draw of stove gases and the performance of the stove. It is also important to consider the length of the flue liner; it is better to have a liner that is too long than too short.
