5 Key Factors for Successful Lacey Installations & Upgrades on Older Homes

By Javier M. Chimney Corp Team · Updated July 25, 2026

Lacey installations & upgrades focus on retrofitting modern safety liners and caps into vintage masonry structures while mitigating damage from our region's heavy rainfall to preserve your home's historic integrity.

1. Evaluate the Structural Load of Existing Masonry

A structural assessment is a critical examination of your chimney's foundation and brickwork to determine if it can support new equipment. In many older Lacey neighborhoods, particularly those with homes built before the 1980s, the foundations have settled into the region's dense clay soil. This settling often causes the chimney to lean or separate from the house framing, a dangerous scenario when adding heavy components like a new stainless steel liner system. Before we begin any work on Lacey installations & upgrades, we inspect the mortar joints for t deterioration, known as spalling, which ruins the bond between bricks. We must repoint or rebuild the shoulder before any upgrade can be safely installed. Ignoring this step risks the chimney collapsing under its own weight during our wet winters. For specific service details in your area, visit our Chimney Sweep in Lacey, WA page. To understand more about the local environment we work in, you can read about Lacey, WA.

2. Upgrade to Stainless Steel Liners for Safety and Efficiency

A steel liner upgrade is the process of inserting a flexible or rigid metal tube inside an existing flue to vent smoke and gases safely. Most historic homes in the Lacey area were originally built with unlined clay tile chimneys or older mortar parging that has since eroded. Because our South Puget Sound climate keeps chimneys damp much of the year, the constant wetting and drying cycles crack these old clay liners, allowing carbon monoxide to leak into the living space. During Lacey installations & upgrades, we typically recommend high-grade 316Ti stainless steel liners because they resist the corrosive acids found in wood smoke. This not only brings the system up to current ((the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) standards but also improves the draft, making your fireplace burn cleaner. Whether you are in the Hawks Prairie area or closer to the city center, a liner is often the most cost-effective way to extend the life of your chimney. For help deciding between a full replacement or a liner retrofit, check out our guide on Repairing vs. Replacing a Chimney.

3. Install Chase Covers That Withstand Lacey’s Humidity

A chase cover is the metal plate that sits on top of a chimney chase or masonry chimney to prevent water from entering the flue. We frequently see failing upgrades on homes near Chimney Sweep in Olympia, WA and Lacey where a previous installer used a galvanized steel cover that has since rusted through. In our damp climate, galvanized metal can rust out in under ten years, allowing water to pool at the base of the flue and destroy the mortar joints from the top down. When we approach Lacey installations & upgrades, we exclusively weld and install stainless steel chase covers that will not rust. We also ensure the cover has a proper drip edge and slight pitch to direct rainwater away from the chimney structure rather than letting it sit static. This attention to detail is vital for preventing expensive brick repairs down the road. If you want to prepare your home for the wetter months, see our checklist on Getting Your Chimney Ready for Lacey's Summer Weather, which covers waterproofing.

4. Resolve Smoke Issues Caused by Modern Home Sealing

Draft modification involves adjusting the chimney system to ensure proper airflow despite changes in the home's airtightness. Many Lacey homeowners have upgraded their windows and insulation in recent years to save on heating costs. However, tightening the envelope of an older home creates negative pressure, causing the fireplace to smoke or backup into the room because the chimney cannot pull enough air to replace what is being exhausted. This is a common issue we address during Lacey installations & upgrades. We often install an outdoor air supply kit or adjust the damper to compensate for the 'tight house' effect. This is particularly important if you have upgraded your furnace or water heater to direct-vent units, which previously provided air for the chimney drafting. Improving airflow not only stops the smoking but also protects your masonry from the creosote buildup caused by cool, lazy smoke. To understand the differences in fuel types that affect drafting, read our comparison of Wood-Burning vs. Gas Fireplace options.

5. Integrate Upgrades with Historic Aesthetics

Aesthetic integration ensures that modern safety enhancements do not detract from the visual appeal of your older home. In parts of Lacey, particularly in the older developments near Chimney Sweep in Tumwater, WA, homeowners take pride in the classic brickwork that defines their property's character. A common mistake with Lacey installations & upgrades is installing bright, shiny stainless steel pipe terminations that clash with red brick or historic architecture. To maintain your home's curb appeal, we specialize in hiding liners within the chimney structure or using paintable terminals that match the roof or masonry color. We can also source period-specific brick for patchwork so new repairs are indistinguishable from the original 1960s or 1970s construction. Our team understands that a chimney is both a functional appliance and an architectural feature. If you are planning a restoration, we invite you to request a free estimate / contact us to discuss how we can modernize your system while preserving its vintage charm.

Frequently Asked Questions