How much to expect to pay for flue lining?

[SkodaLabia]

We have a two storey house, 1930s, with a back boiler that is disconnected and will be removed.

We've never lit a fire, which turns out to be a good thing, as it transpires that there is a large hole in the side of the flue below the level of the upstairs floorboards. If we were to light a fire the smoke would be channeled upwards and into the underfloor of our bedroom .

The builder working on the house at the moment is going to patch the hole as best he can, but it would seem the only way to guarantee the flue will be airtight would be to get it lined.

Anyone had this done? Was it expensive/intrusive?

Is it a side stack or a normal chimney stock you are lining? Are you going to put a stove in? Our lining was around £1k including materials and fitting a new slate hearth in (and opening up the fireplace) but that was to accomodate a stove. I don't really know how you would do it for an open fire, although I would recommend a stove as a much more efficient way of heating anyway. Best thing to do would be to get a couple of sweeps around, although you might want to get a wiggle on as this is their busiest time of year. It's not intrusive, although it was a little messy. It's a two day job to fit a stove as well - first day you create the opening, set in the register plate and do the render and concrete base, then you come back a few days later and fit the liner, insulate and fit in the stove (and pop the cap on the chimney pot). might be a one day job just to line.

If it's any consolation, 1930's chimneys often need lining anyway, ours certainly did and our neighbours managed to fill most of their house with smoke trying to light an open fire in their living room.

Thanks, your last sentence makes me feel a bit better.

We are keeping an open fire, rather than installing a wood burner, so the size and shape of the fire opening won't change. We're getting a new fire surround, insert and having the hearth retiled.

I would say about £800 - 1000. You can't use the cheapest flue liner as that is only suitable for gas fires. When we had ours done into an existing fire place they still had to remove and rebuild the brickwork inside the chimney opening to make sure the flue fitted correctly.

Thanks. Will have a look for quotes. Arrgh.

I think £1k is a fair guess, but it might vary according to the condition of the chimney, and the complexities of fitting the required gauge of flue (probably 8" for open fire) around the hips in the chimney. Our fitters had to knock several holes in the chimney breast, then patch them up.

Intrusive? A bit. they were pretty quick, but at one stage we had a man in the sitting room, one in the attic and one on the roof, all shouting instructions to each other, and knocking holes in walls. It's also the dirtiest I've ever seen the house... Sticky, greasy soot and plaster dust. I wouldn't recommend decorating just before you get it done!

Urgh! We are replastering that room, so it's as good a time as any to knock a hole in a wall. 1000 quid? For stuffing a slinky down a chimney? I think I need to re-evaluate my career!

I was quoted £1k as well - thankfully not for the living room so we just decided not to use that fire