How to Install a Chimney Liner and Damper

In this video, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor creates a safe wood-burning fireplace.

Steps for Installing a Chimney Liner and Damper

1. Spread canvas drop cloths on the floor in front of the fireplace.
2. Use an electric chipping hammer to remove some brick from the rear wall of the fireplace.
3. Clean the interior of the chimney flue using an electric drill and flue brush on an extension shaft.
4. From the roof, insert the stainless steel liner into the chimney and feed it all the way down to the fireplace.
5. Pull the flexible liner into the room and attach the mesh base plate.
6. Have helper on roof raise the chimney liner to the correct height, then from inside the fireplace flatten the mesh base plate with a rubber mallet.
7. Screw the mesh base plate to the fireplace walls.
8. Mix a mortar in a 5-gallon bucket using a drill and mixing paddle
9. Spread mortar over the mesh base plate inside the fireplace. Smooth the mortar with a paintbrush.
10. Replace the bricks removed earlier from the rear fireplace wall.
11. Add a little water to poured-in insulation and mix thoroughly.
12. Pour the mixed insulation all around the chimney liner, smoothing the top with a trowel.
13. Slip the stainless steel top plate over the chimney liner and secure it with high-temperature silicone sealant.
14. Tighten the hose clamp to secure the top plate to the liner.
15. Install a top-sealing damper to upper end of chimney liner. Drop the cable down the liner and into the fireplace.