How clean does it need to be for an insulated liner install?

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Minister of Fire
Jan 19, 2019
5,960
SE North Carolina
Hi Everyone,

I just knocked the damper assembly out. I’m getting ready to suit up and do some cleaning. How clean should it be to install and insulated flex liner for my insert? Here is where I am starting. Clay liner transitions to stainless after about three feet and looks really clean.
Thanks for you input in advance!

Evan

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You do not want the glossy creosote in a chimney.
From your photo it looks like you could just brush and maybe vacuum the smoke shelf.
I was able to stand up and reach up the tile liner as far as I could with a wire brush an confirm there is no creosote. I would like to thank the previous owners for probably not ever burning anything in this fireplace. I’m calling it clean. Box fan on the roof successfully kept all the dust out of the house.

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