Expert: James Ball - 1/31/2011

Question
First of all, please respond quickly because my husband is planning to do this in the next day or two, before the big snowstorm.  He was trying to save money and clean our chimney himself.  While doing so, a piece broke off and fell into the fireplace.  It currently has a 9 inch liner (damaged); he intends to solve the problem by inserting an 8 inch liner through the 9 inch.  Is this safe?  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Vicki, I will assume this is for a fireplace, and if so then unless this fireplace was sized for an 8" liner and is insulated then no you can not do that, they make spray liner applications or remove the old liner and then install a 9" SS insulated liner (not for a home owner to do) By down sizing you will reduce by 21% and is it not safe, DO NOT DO THIS If you cause a fire your home owners insurance might not cover it.
I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have, they should be able to help. And contact your local building department
Hope this helps
James