Step 1: Inspection and Preparation

Inspect the chimney: Before installing the liner, check the chimney for structural damage, obstructions, or debris. It is important that the chimney is clean and clear of any blockages to ensure proper liner installation. This can be done by way of a core ball test. 

Determine the liner size: Measure the length of the chimney and determine the correct diameter of the flue liner based on the specifications of your stove or heating appliance. Schiedel Technoflex liners come in a range of diameters, so it’s essential to choose the right one for optimal performance. Measuring the liner is carried out by dropping a weighted rope down the flue and then establishing the length of the flue. Further, you should always add a small contingency, a slightly longer liner can be cut down, a short liner is wasted. 

Step 2: Unpack and Prepare the Liner

Unroll the liner: Carefully unpack and unroll the Schiedel Technoflex liner. Remember that the liner has a directional flow, indicated by arrows printed on the liner. The arrows should always point upwards toward the top of the chimney when installing the liner. The arrows suggest the direction of flue gasses up the flue. An incorrectly installed liner can cause problems later down the line. 

Attach components: Attach the stove adapter to the end of the liner that will connect to the appliance. If insulation is required, wrap the liner with insulation material before lowering it into the chimney.

Step 3: Lower the Liner into the Chimney

Access the chimney top: Safely climb onto the roof using a ladder and proper safety equipment. At Hot Box ®, we work in a fully compliant fashion and in accordance with The Working at Height Regulations. The risks associated will be assessed in context at point of survey. A decision will be made as to whether access is safe by using ladders, or if a cherry picker or access scaffold is needed. For more information about working at height, please see the following guidance from The HSE. 

Lower the liner: Begin lowering the flexible liner into the chimney from the top, ensuring that it follows the bends and curves of the chimney. An assistant inside the house can help guide the liner through the fireplace opening or appliance connection point. This is done by attaching a nose cone to the liner and dropping a rope in advance of the liner so that the HETAS engineer on the ground is able to pull the liner into the room where the wood burner is to be installed. 

Secure the liner: Once the liner reaches the bottom, secure it to the stove adapter, ensuring a tight, sealed connection. Use high temperature sealant and in the case of Schiedel components, screw to appliance connector securely to the liner. 

Step 4: Secure the Liner at the Chimney Top

Install the top plate and clamp: At the top of the chimney, secure the liner using the top plate and clamp. This helps keep the liner in place and provides a solid base for installing the chimney cowl.

Fit the chimney cowl: Fit the cowl onto the top of the chimney. This prevents rain, debris, and animals from entering the flue while also improving ventilation and preventing downdrafts.

Screw fit cowls: Alternatively, you can use a screw fit pot hanging cowl  which eliminates the need the remove the chimney pot and install a top plate, clamp and insert sleeve. 

Step 5: Connect the Appliance

Connect the stove or heating appliance: Inside the house, connect the stove or fireplace to the flue liner using the stove adapter. Ensure that all connections are tight and sealed to prevent leaks.

Test the system: Light a small fire or turn on the appliance to ensure proper draw through the chimney. Check for any leaks, and make adjustments if necessary. We like to test by lighting a fire using our very own patented fire starter. 

Testing your wood burner and flexible flue liner

Crucially, after you have fitted a wood burner and connected a flexible flue liner it is advisable to test its operation. 

Without question, the best way to test a wood burner is by lighting a small fire to generate heat up the liner and create an updraught. 

When the air inside a flue liner is warmed by the heat from fire, it becomes lighter than the cold external air. This updraugth will then pull frehs combustion air in from the air supply to the appliance, whether directly connected externally or from the room. 

How to test a wood burner for the first time

The best way to test a wood burner for the first time is using Hot Box ® Firestarter. 

Once you have started your wood burner and flue system for the first time, you should expct a few things to happen. 

Dont be alarmed by the smell!

As the appliance and flexible flue liner heats up, the paint will start to sure, and any surface chemicals on the liner will start to evaporate. 

This will create a smell and may even produce a haze in your room. 

Open doors and windws to allow a through flow of air and add logs to the fire. 

You may need to light your wood burner a few times for the paint to cure completely. 

This is not an issue with your stove, but just a part of the initial process. 

Troubleshooting

If you experience any problems, then there may be a simple explanation. 

External air temperature and atmospheric pressure can play a key role in how your flue performs. Further, factors such as the length of the flue, the prosimity of trees and building, can all impact the operation of a flue. 

However, generating heat and draw by using Hot Box ® Firestarter should quickly clear any cold air inside the flue and smoke should be evacuated from the fire box of the appliance. 

Should you experience any issues, you may need to consider an alternative terminal or chimney cowl to mitigate downdraught or your appliance may require more combustion air via a direct air connection or a ventilation point in the room from a suspended floor or external wall. 

Should problems persist, you may want to consult a HETAS registered expert to check the appliance and flue system and ensure it is correctly connected, safe and fit for purpose.