fireplace liner vs no liner

We recently bought an old fixer upper with a wood burning fireplace (also old). We had two fireplace companies come out to check out the whole fireplace. The first looked inside the house at the fireplace and told us we needed to install a liner and damper (about $2500) The second looked inside and climbed up onto the roof to check the outside and told us that there are about 5 bricks that are bad and it needs a damper (less than $1,000) He also told us that he never reccommends liners and tells people its best to take them out (something about creostat buildup). This is our first fireplace so we have no clue about liners or repairing ourselves. Safety is our first concern and any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

 

Thought I do not know for myself the interior condition of your fireplace so I couldn't tell you whether you need a new liner, I wouldn't trust the second guy as far as a could throw him (excuse the cliche).

This statement he made "he never reccommends liners and tells people its best to take them out (something about creostat buildup)" is not only unfounded but is also irresponsible. In my experience, most companies say things like that because they think it's what you want to hear and hope that you will go with them because of it.

If the original lining of your fireplace chimney is in poor condition, such as deteriorated mortar between the tiles, cracked flues, collapsed flues, etc., the lining needs to be replaced. The most common replacement flue in my area is a stainless steel liner.

My recommendation, try to find a certified chimney sweep/techinician who offers an internal video inspection; that inspection will allow both you and the technician a view of the internal condition of your chimney and will help you to determine what the best course of action would be.

Please feel free to post any additional questions.
Good Luck!

 

Thank you for the input. We are having someone come out this Thursday. We will be asking lots of questions after his inspection. Apparently, the original liner is clay and in good shape (we'll see more on Th). At least they both agreed on the damper. Also, they both advised on a cap. One guy said that he uses a cap and damper all in one. Any words of wisdom? Again, thank you for your help.

 

If the original lining is in good condition and you are using the fireplace as an open faced (no stove or insert installed) than you shouldn't need to replace the lining.
I would certainly recommend having a top sealing damper that comes with a cap; there are only a couple of brands that I know of that offer that set up and both are good.
Sounds like you're definitely on the right track!

 

I like to check out a subject on the web even when I'm calling in the pros to do the actual work. The following helped me out recently...in fact it saved me about 200 bucks.It talks about liners, proper venting and alot more. There's a bunch more info out there as well.

http://hearth.com/what/specific.html


good luck