Neighbors choosing liner upgrades spark a big split among us local sweeps

Lately, I've noticed a bunch of homes on my block getting those flexible stainless steel liners put in. Some guys I work with swear by them, saying they're safer and last longer. But old-timers in the trade say brick chimneys are fine if maintained right and that liners are just a upsell. I had a customer last week who refused a liner because her dad said it was a waste of money. Now I'm worried about creosote buildup in her flue. What do you all think? Is pushing liners being careful or just chasing profit? With winter coming, I see both sides but need some input.

3 comments

3 Comments

faith_palmer5127d agoMost Upvoted

Wondering if we're overthinking this... brick chimneys lasted decades before liners were even a thing. Proper maintenance probably solves most issues without the extra cost.

nancy_davis7510d ago

Faith_palmer51, my grandma also thought lead paint was fine because it lasted for years.

ivanpatel27d ago

Nobody's talking about how modern furnaces and water heaters run much cooler than old wood stoves. That cool exhaust in a big brick flue creates way more condensation, which soaks into the mortar over time. I've seen chimneys where the bricks are literally crumbling from the inside out from that dampness, not creosote. A liner sized right for the appliance keeps the gases warmer and dryer all the way out. Are we fixing problems that older heating methods just didn't create?