Chimney Renovation

Your Chimney Renovated Without the Guesswork

A chimney lining and renovation project never starts with a rough estimate for us, but with a thorough camera inspection of your flue. Only once we have seen what is happening inside will you receive a fixed quote per scenario: repairing the chimney stack for 500 to 1,500 euros, a flexible stainless steel liner for 900 to 1,800 euros, or a complete renovation for 1,500 to 4,000 euros.

This ensures you never pay for unnecessary work, and the job is completed in 1 to 2 working days, full certificate included. Every project comes with 1 dedicated contact person, from initial scan to final sign-off.

Let the camera decide: inspect what the chimney really needs first, spend money second.

How We Renovate Your Chimney

1. Step 1: Chimney inspection with camera

   Through our home chimney inspection, we identify cracks, loose mortar, soot damage, and the exact diameter. You can watch the video live with us, and the inspection cost of 100 to 200 euros is fully deducted when you proceed with the renovation.

2. Step 2: External roof repairs

   We repair the stack, mortar pointing, and flashing above the roofline first, preventing water from seeping into the masonry. Minor exterior repairs cost 300 to 800 euros, while rebuilding a full stack ranges from 500 to 1,500 euros. Where necessary, we install a new top plate and flashing to keep rain out permanently.

3. Step 3: Stainless steel liner installation

   Where required, we pull a flexible stainless steel liner costing 80 to 130 euros per metre, matching the precise diameter of your stove. This makes the old flue gas-tight and properly sized without structural building work.

4. Step 4: Connection, insulation, and finishing

   The chimney liner is fitted with an airtight register plate at the bottom and a top plate with rain cowl above. We finish the lower connection neatly with a decorative wall rosette and heat-resistant sealant.

5. Step 5: Testing and certification

   Following a draught test and trial fire, you receive an official certificate for your home insurance company, along with before and after video footage. We retain these recordings in our archive for at least 10 years, accessible free of charge at any time.

When Is a Chimney Renovation Needed?

The clearest warning signs include tar or condensation stains on interior walls, fragments of mortar or stone falling into the firebox, a persistent smell of smoke, or an unaddressed flue after a chimney fire. Upgrading from an open fireplace to an efficient stove also requires lining the oversized flue.

If you recognise these signs from our guide on symptoms of a dirty chimney, book an inspection first. Act early to avoid escalating costs: waiting through just two wet winters can easily turn a 300 euro pointing job into a 4,000 euro overhaul.

How Much Does Chimney Renovation Cost?

Minor external repairs cost 300 to 800 euros, stack repairs 500 to 1,500 euros, flexible flue lining 900 to 1,800 euros, and a complete chimney renovation with stack, liner, and finishing touches between 1,500 and 4,000 euros. For homes older than 10 years in Belgium, a reduced VAT rate of 6 percent applies, saving 450 euros on a 3,000 euro project.

Renovate or Install a New Twin Wall Flue?

If the existing structure is beyond repair or your stove is moving to a new location, installing a twin wall insulated flue system costing 1,500 to 3,000 euros may be the better investment. After the camera inspection, we present fixed pricing for both options so you can make an informed choice based on clear facts. In 8 out of 10 cases, lining wins on cost, while in the other 2 cases, a new flue provides better long term value.

Common Pitfalls We Avoid

Frequent mistakes in chimney lining: fitting an incorrect liner diameter that destroys natural draught, installing a liner while leaving a leaking stack to cause internal moisture damage, or using cheap single wall flex on a pellet stove that cannot handle acidic flue gases.

We follow a proven sequence: camera inspection first, external repair second, followed by fitting a grade 316 stainless steel liner matched to your stove. Each step builds on the last, finalised with official certification. If a installer offers an estimate without inspecting the inside first, consider that a major red flag.

Common Scenarios

The most common project involves converting an open hearth for a wood burner or insert: reducing the wide 25 to 40 cm masonry void down to a 15 to 18 cm liner suited to the modern appliance. Buyers of older properties also frequently request a chimney restoration before their first winter.

After a chimney fire, lining is rarely optional and usually mandatory: intense heat creates hidden cracks visible only on camera. For historic or heritage properties, we supply custom oval flexible liners designed to preserve original dimensions.

Warranty and Lifespan

Our stainless steel liners come with a 10 year manufacturer warranty, and with annual chimney sweeping, the system lasts 25 to 30 years. Restored exterior brickwork lasts 15 to 25 years. Every job ends with official certification and digital inspection footage saved to your file, useful for property sales or insurance claims. Technical standards can be reviewed on the Buildwise standard regulations page.