Which flue liner?

[jocelyn plummer]

We have 2 estimates for the installation of a woodburning stove. One company is offering a 924 grade flue liner with a 25 year warranty, and the other is offering 316 grade expo liner with a 10 year warranty.

Obviously there is a price difference, but is it really worth paying out the extra?

Both companies are Hetas registered and there is a difference of about £1,800 in the estimates.

Your thoughts will be much appreciated.!

 

[Spoilt Victorian Child]

Will the company offering the 25yr warranty still be around in 25 years time to honour it, is a question I would ask myself.

 

[Flyfisher]

Some thoughts here: http://www.stovefittersmanual.co.uk/articles/what-grade-of-chimney-flue-liner-316-or-904/

 

[malcolm]

I bought 904 duraflex liners from the site linked above - about £350 for 10m length. The difference in material cost between the two materials is so small I think it makes sense to use the posh one.

£1800 is a lot of difference between two quotes. If the fireplace is suitable the fitting cost ought to be closer to £1500. The big costs are scaffolding £500 and the liner perhaps £400.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Thank you all. Fortunately scaffolding is not required--both companies seem happy to shin up the roof!! The website link is particularly useful!

Will reflect on your comments!

 

[88v8]

I would get the cheaper company to quote a for the better liner.

In the end, the key thing in terms of liner life is not overheating it. That merely requires a stovepipe thermometer and the MkI eyeball.

Ivor

 

[Flyfisher]

In the end, the key thing in terms of liner life is not overheating it. That merely requires a stovepipe thermometer and the MkI eyeball.

Yes, and 'slumbering' a stove is not ideal either as it can lead to a build up of corrosive residue within the liner. 904 stainless will be more resistant to such treatment, so much depends on how the stove is likely to be used.

I also agree with Malcolm that £1800 seems a big difference between the two liners . . . Unless the chimney is huge! Liner prices are available online from various sources for comparison.

We had a 904 liner installed last year, together with the stove installation and register plate fabrication and fitting and the total cost was around £2300 from memory, and that included the hire of a cherry-picker, a CO alarm and HETAS certification.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Flyfisher, we are not so far away from you--who did your installation? pm if you like! One of our estimates came from the NR18 area.

 

[Flyfisher]

Seems my memory is not too good as my records show the cost was under £2000. Not sure of the forum etiquette about advertising so have PM'd the details.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Thank you Flyfisher--I have pm'd you! What a coincidence!!!!

 

[kreyszig]

I used 316/316 without any qualms.
The price for 9m of was £237 including a suspension cowl.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

We have today received the written estimate from our second, less favoured company, plus two telephone calls, one on our landline and one on our mobile! They are charging £949 for labour- :shock:

So, with a much more realistic estimate, our preferred installer is coming back to see us tomorrow . Step number one is to get the chimney breast opened up, subject to the amount of work which may or may not be required to comply with regulations we will then make a decision regarding the flue quality. Have to say that Other Half is somewhat bothered by fire safety as a result of his time in the Navy, so I hope his wish to have the top quality flue can be granted! :roll: Peace of mind!

We can also save money by dealing with the hearth ourselves.

I do appreciate all your help