Quick Answer
Do I Need a Chimney Liner?
You need a liner (or reline) if your flue is unlined, the clay tiles are cracked, or you've switched heating appliances. A Level 2 inspection confirms it — Clear Path Chimneys checks free and tells you straight.
You likely need a chimney liner if the flue is unlined, the existing clay tiles are cracked or flaking, or you've changed the appliance the chimney serves (for example, a new high-efficiency furnace or a wood stove). An unlined or damaged flue is both a safety and a draft problem. A Level 2 inspection is what confirms it — Clear Path Chimneys does that free and won't sell you a reline you don't need.
NFPA 211 is the standard governing liner material, sizing and clearance, and ICC building-code standards covers how it is installed. An unlined or cracked flue is how combustion gas reaches living space — CDC guidance on carbon-monoxide exposure has the symptoms and CPSC alarm-placement guidance covers the placement that catches it early. Correct sizing matters for efficiency too, which is what EPA Burn Wise addresses, and CSIA certifies the technicians who do the work. CSIA’s homeowner guidance is worth reading before you commit, USFA heating-fire data shows what is at stake, and the National Chimney Sweep Guild lists certified sweeps.
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Clear Path Chimneys