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Best methods for setting clay flue liners with pots

RideorDie

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Joined
Aug 5, 2025
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6
Working on a chimney rebuild and planning to install a clay flue liner system, I'm trying to feed the liners down from the top without having to beat down more brickwork than I need to The flue was a mess, so I've decided to install new clay liners, an okay setup overall, but the client also wants to keep the look traditional, so we're finishing it off with a clay pot on top.
I've done liner installs before, but usually on new builds or full teardowns, this one's a little trickier since I'm working around existing brickwork and trying to preserve the aesthetic. My main concern is how to support the liners properly as I drop them in without damaging the throat area especially and how to best transition to the pot at the top.
I'll be going back in 3 days, so I would appreciate any ideas
 
If you're dropping from the top, you should rig a guide and use steel band clamps on each section with temp support from inside till the crown sets. For the pot, a clay-to-flue adapter ring with refractory mortar makes a clean transition without stressing the liner.
 
Working on a chimney rebuild and planning to install a clay flue liner system, I'm trying to feed the liners down from the top without having to beat down more brickwork than I need to The flue was a mess, so I've decided to install new clay liners, an okay setup overall, but the client also wants to keep the look traditional, so we're finishing it off with a clay pot on top.
I've done liner installs before, but usually on new builds or full teardowns, this one's a little trickier since I'm working around existing brickwork and trying to preserve the aesthetic. My main concern is how to support the liners properly as I drop them in without damaging the throat area especially and how to best transition to the pot at the top.
I'll be going back in 3 days, so I would appreciate any ideas
I have helped a neighbor fix up their chimney last fall. They also wanted to keep the old-school look with a clay pot on top.

To drop the liners, we used a soft strap and some rails to guide them down without hurting the throat area. For the clay pot, we set it in mortar and used a plate and clamp to hold it steady. You might try using a support bracket at the throat while lowering each piece and it made things easier for us.
 
Working on a chimney rebuild and planning to install a clay flue liner system, I'm trying to feed the liners down from the top without having to beat down more brickwork than I need to The flue was a mess, so I've decided to install new clay liners, an okay setup overall, but the client also wants to keep the look traditional, so we're finishing it off with a clay pot on top.
I've done liner installs before, but usually on new builds or full teardowns, this one's a little trickier since I'm working around existing brickwork and trying to preserve the aesthetic. My main concern is how to support the liners properly as I drop them in without damaging the throat area especially and how to best transition to the pot at the top.
I'll be going back in 3 days, so I would appreciate any ideas
I'd rig up a support from above and lower each liner section with straps, bedding them in refractory mortar as you go. Keep the joints tight, protect the throat with some temporary bracing, and once you're at the top, use a crown wash to lock the last liner and set the pot cleanly
 
OK, for each part, use a guide rope with a soft sling to lower it slowly. Use supports to hold the throat in place for the time being. When you set the pot, use a crown form and put the base in mortar. This gives it a neat, classic look.
 
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