How Long Does Chimney Relining Take?

What Happens During Installation

The process starts with roof access and removing the existing chimney cap to expose the flue opening. If old clay liner removal is needed, that happens first — broken tiles are extracted from the top or pushed down to the cleanout at the base. Once the flue is clear, the new stainless steel liner — pre-cut to the correct length and diameter — is fed down the flue from the rooftop.

At the bottom, the liner is connected to your appliance (fireplace, furnace, or stove) with a proper connector and sealed. At the top, a new cap is installed over the liner and sealed to the chimney crown. If the liner requires insulation wrap (standard for wood-burning applications), that is applied before the liner is inserted into the flue.

What Adds Time

Old liner removal: If the existing clay liner needs to be removed rather than simply bypassed, that can add 1-3 hours depending on how well the old tiles come out. Some clay liners break apart easily; others require more effort.

Chimney height and access: Taller chimneys (3+ stories or chimneys with steep roof pitches) take longer to set up safe access and feed the liner.

Multiple flues: Some Hudson and Aurora area homes have two or three flues in a single chimney stack. Each flue is relined independently — a two-flue job may extend into a full day.

Masonry repairs needed: If the pre-relining inspection reveals crown damage, failed flashing, or mortar deterioration, those repairs may be done on the same day or scheduled separately depending on scope.

When Can I Use My Fireplace Again?

For stainless steel liner installations, the fireplace or appliance can be used as soon as the installation is complete and has passed visual inspection — typically the same day. There is no curing time required for stainless steel liners, unlike cast-in-place liners which require several days to cure before use. Learn more about our chimney relining service and warranty details.