How much does a chimney liner cost in Virginia?

A chimney liner has no single Virginia price, and we did not find a government or manufacturer source that dates an installed price, so we will not quote one. What you pay depends on the chimney's height and flue size, the type of liner, whether it is insulated, what has to be done at the damper and the cap, and how difficult the roof is to reach. The way to a real number is an inspection followed by itemized written quotes for the same specification.

What goes into the price

Liner type and length. For wood stoves, Woodstock Soapstone, a stove maker, says a flexible stainless steel liner is sold as a kit that includes a tee for connection to stovepipe, a top flashing to seal the opening of the chimney, and a cap.^[1] The kits come in lengths of 20', 25', 30' and so on, and Woodstock advises ordering one long enough to give about a foot of extra liner.^[1] A taller chimney costs more in material and in time.

Flue size. Before ordering, you need the height of the chimney, the size of the flue and, for a fireplace, the size of the damper.^[1] An oversized or odd-shaped flue can change the parts list, so a measurement on site matters more than a guess from the street.

The damper. Many dampers are narrow, and if the damper is smaller than the 6 or 7 inch diameter of the liner, the damper and part of its frame must be removed or the liner ordered with its end ovalized.^[1] That is extra labor or extra parts.

Insulation. If the existing chimney is not lined or is cracked, Woodstock says the liner should be wrapped with an insulating blanket.^[1] The wrap adds material and installation time, and it also affects the liner diameter that will fit.

Full or partial liner. Woodstock says kits that run only from the stove to the bottom of the existing flue liner above the damper are more difficult to install and the chimney is more difficult to clean around them, and it discourages their use.^[1] A cheaper partial job can cost you more later.

Access. A steep roof, a tall house, a chimney set far from the ridge or a crowded attic raises the labor. So does repair work needed first, such as fixing a crown, flashing or masonry above the roofline.

Permit. Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a permit before installations or alterations involving mechanical systems, fuel supply systems or any equipment regulated by the code.^[5] Whether your liner falls under that is for your locality's building official to say, and fees are set locally. Ask each contractor whether a permit is included.

Getting quotes you can compare

DPOR advises getting at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications,^[2] and says "Do not automatically accept the lowest."^[2] Ask each business to put the following in writing:

• the liner material, diameter and length, with the brand and model
• whether it is insulated, and with what
• what happens at the damper, the top plate, the cap and any flashing
• whether an inspection, camera scan or sweep before and after is included
• whether the permit and cleanup are included
• the warranty on the liner and on the labor

Virginia's Board for Contractors requires a residential contract to include the total cost, the amounts and schedule for progress payments including the down payment, and a listing of the specified materials and work to be performed.^[4] DPOR's rule of thumb for a deposit is an initial deposit of no more than 10% of the total price or $1,000, whichever is less.^[2]

When to call a licensed pro

For the whole job, from inspection to install. A liner goes up through the roof and the flue, and a wrong size or a missed crack can cause a chimney fire or put exhaust into the house.

Virginia requires that if the work is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required for the license category in which the contractor is to work.^[2] Class C contractors are those working on single contracts over $1,000 but less than $30,000.^[3] Check the licence on DPOR before you pay anything.

To learn what a liner is and whether you need one, read what a chimney liner is. For a leak at the chimney, see who to hire to repair a chimney leak. Browse chimney and fireplace services or all chimney answers.

Describe your chimney once and licensed local businesses send itemized quotes.