Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a chimney relining system?

Most masonry chimneys are made with clay tiles that line the inside of the chimney. Over time these tiles can break down or crack due to several contributing factors. When this happens the chimney is no longer safe and needs a new liner. A chimney liner is nothing more than a stainless steel pipe insert placed in the existing chimney. There are different types of ,chimney lining kits, including flexible flue liners and rigid lining kits. Depending on the design of your chimney we can help determine which type of chimney liner you need. A flexible chimney liner is the most feasible and most likely choice. However in some cases or possibly just preference you may opt for a rigid chimney liner.

Q. Can I do it myself?

The easiest question we get to answer! Yes, that's why we are in business. And if you need assistance Rockford will be with you before and after the purchase. We promise you that whatever problem you have, however many times you have to call us, we will be there for you. If you are handy around the house then you will have no problem relining your chimney. Take a look at our Easy to follow installation instructions then I'm sure you will agree you are the right person for this . If you are not sure what you need to do the job, call us at 1-866-708-2446 and we can assist you with your chimney repairs and insure you that you are getting the items required to complete the relining project. Also we encourage you to visit our testimonials page Testimonials.

Q. What's involved in getting a pre lined clay tile chimney replaced or repaired ?

The most cost effective way to replace or repair your chimney is to install a stainless steel chimney liner. You have a few choices to consider, typically a flexible liner is the best choice due to the ease of installing. Take a look at our Chimney liner installation instructions to see how to start and finish your relining project. Rigid chimney liner is an option as well, the installation process is a bit more difficult. The installation of a flexible chimney liner can be done by anyone whom is a bit handy and wants to save a ton of money. If you do run into trouble, you can call Rockford Chimney Supply for help at anytime, we are available 7 days a week and welcome your call.

Q. How do I measure for a chimney liner kit?

Measure from about 1' above the chimney down to the point at which you will be connecting to the appliance if you are connecting vertically. If you are existing the chimney horizontally through a thimble in the interior of your home measure from 1' above the chimney down to the point at which you will be connecting horizontally to the unit or piping running to the unit.

Q. Insulation-Chimney Liner: Do I really need to insulate my chimney liner?

It is strongly advised that you do insulate. When you install your chimney liner with Super Wrap or Everguard Mix that we carry in stock. (Our Insulation kits include all the components required to insulate your liner) Insulation kits ! Your reline job will pay for itself in efficiency and make cleaning a snap. Your insurance company will love you for it. An insulated chimney has a better draft, stays cleaner longer, and allows your appliance to as efficient as possible. According to your local code you might need to consider insulation. We offer a insulation blanket kit or a pour down insulation. Insulation keeps the pipe warm and promotes a good draft. If the pipe gets cold warm flue gases will meet the cold metal pipe and form condensation. When the gases meet with the condensation it can create a creosote build-up or an acidic build-up.

Q. How does an insulated liner help reduce creosote?

When you burn wood, the moisture in the wood (there is always a certain percentage) mixes with the creosote that is formed from burning wood and rises in the chimney as a gas (smoke). When the smoke hits a relatively cool chimney, the creosote and moisture turn back into a solid/liquid. The cooler the chimney, the more the creosote adheres to it, the warmer the chimney, the less creosote will adhere to it.

Simpler terms: It is much like an un-insulated window in your house. Single pane windows are always wet with moisture in the house in the winter time because they are cold. No matter how warm you keep the house heated inside, the moisture is still there. However if you install an insulated double-pane window you will eliminate the moisture on the windows. If you touch the insulated glass, it still feels cool compared to the indoor temperature, but it is warmed enough not to allow condensation. An insulated chimney works in the same manner, where as it is not as warm hot as the fire, but warm enough to significantly reduce the moisture and creosote mixture from adhering to your liner

Q. What type of brush is used to clean stainless steel chimney liners?

We highly recommend using a quality nylon / plastic bristle poly brush to clean all types of stainless chimney liners. For your consideration, here is a link to the chimney brushes we offer Nylon chimney brush .

Q. Do all chimneys have existing clay or tile liners?

No. Not all chimneys have liners. Chimneys built before 1940 most likely were built without liners. If you have a chimney without a clay liner you can make it safe by installing a stainless steel chimney liner.

Q. How do I seal the bottom of the liner between the smoke chamber and the flue?

After getting your liner to the top of the smoke chamber, force pieces of super wrap insulation between the liner and the masonry. Using a 3 or 4 foot rod stuffing the pieces carefully up between the liner and the masonry. The advantage of this is you do not need to put an access hole from the ou side, nor do you need to tear out the smoke shelf.

Q. How do I know what size diameter pipe I need?

What is the diameter of the exhuast on your appliance, If it's 6" you will most likely need a 6" liner. However, you may have other options if your current flue size is to small for a 6" liner. Keep in mind that all flexible liners measure a 1/4" larger on the outside. Meaning a 6" liner as described on all of our products is the i.d dimension, the o.d of a 6" liner is 6 1/4". If your having a wood burning fireplace insert with a rectangular exhuast measure the height and width of the opening of the door where you put the wood into the insert. Then give use a call and we will calculate for you the proper liner diameter for the insert you have. You will aslo require a retangle to round insert boot to convert the opening from rectangle to round. One option we offer for this type of transition is a Rectangle to round insert boot . We have other options if the above mentioned boot will not work withj your application.

Q. How can you ship longer lengths of liner in a UPS shippable box than anyone else?

Easy, we put the time and effort required into insuring a our arrive safely and efficiently no matter what the length. We realize that shipping is a large expense. That is why Rockford has not left this stone unturned and ultimately reduced shipping costs. We look at this as a win-win proposition.

Q. Does Rockford Chimney make a profit on shipping and handling?

Absolutely Not! In fact most products shipped out of here free, with very few requiring any cost to you our valued customers. When shipping charges are billed, you will NEVER pay handling or crate charges. Rockford only charges what the freight company charges us. No profit! But, this raises another question…

Q. Do other chimney suppliers make a profit on shipping and handling costs?

You betcha they do. This old mail order trick has been around a long time and it is a convenient way to hide profit. They try to make the price of the item look good, but make up for it in the shipping cost. Try this exercise: Get a shipping price for a 6"x25' liner kit from a few leading chimney suppliers. Fedex charges all of us virtually the same price. See who takes the liberties of making a profit on shipping.
Another way chimney suppliers make profit is with a crate charge. This is a popular fee when ordering chase covers or large multi-flue caps. Not only are you hit with large shipping and handling charges, but now you pay a high crate charge. These never ending add-ons continue to dig deep in your pockets.
Again we are happy to say, we do not charge crate or handling fees here at Rockford. We know that shipping, handling, and crate fees have been a disappointment for many. Rockford promises to continue our free shipping policies and when shipping needs to be billed you will only pay exactly what our shippers charge us!

Q. Why are your prices so low?

Many have asked this question because of the difference in our prices compared to others. Some wonder if we sacrifice quality for paying a lower price. Emphatically we can say no, and here is why. When Rockford Chimney was formed, it always put quality before price. That is why all of our manufactured products have been UL Listed with the best of warranties. Rockford has come up with easier and user friendly components that has been copied by many. Our butt-welding technology is an example of our superior attention to quality. It would be much cheaper to manufacture lock-form or spot-welded components, but we didn't. But since our quality is high, why are our prices so low? The answer is, because you are buying at factory pricing, there is no middleman to deal with. For instance, if you purchased a vehicle off direct from the factory in Detroit, how much do you think you would save compared to buying it from a dealer? You and I know there would be a significant difference. Similarly, you benefit from dealing directly with us, here is the USA. Look at our next question for yet another advantage to dealing with Rockford.

Q. How does our Custom Shop benefit me?

We know as DIY home owners, you need specific products made at reasonable prices. In our Custom Shop we have filled hundreds produced of these products made from stainless steel and copper, including chase covers and multi-flue caps. Because we have these capabilities, you can benefit from Rockford's ability to deliver Custom Chimney Liner components as well as standard typical parts required to get the job done right the first time every time. We pride ourselves in delivery quality custom parts and shipping them with a quick turn around. Here at Rockford we constantly get compliments for offering this service to our customers. Remember if you can dream it we can deliver it..

Q. What does "Lifetime" really mean in your Lifetime Warranty?

Our Lifetime Warranty means exactly what it says, it has no time limit. This warranty is the best in the business because it is transferable to the next homeowner. A lifetime warranty commonly used by other suppliers, varies in meaning from state to state and comes with a lot of small print. Our Lifetime Warranty is clear and to the point. No other warranty even comes close.

Q. Why do I need a Chimney Cap ?

To keep out rain, snow, sleet, etc ...
To keep out birds, animals, debris such as leaves and twigs which could cause blockage in the flue.
To keep sparks from flying out and landing on nearby roofs, trees, which could ignite or start a fire.
To help eliminate downdrafts caused by wind.