Chimney Pipe Buying Guide - Your guide to understanding chimney pipes

Whether you're starting fresh or updating an existing unit, you need quality parts to keep your woodburning stove or alternatively-fueled fireplace running safely and efficiently.

Maintain an existing setup with new parts, including chimney pipes, flue liners, and accessories like chimney caps and ducting. Build carries an extensive stock including parts for indoor and outdoor units, single- and double-wall pipes, as well as flue liners that can be used with a number of fuel types.

Wood Stove Pipe

There are few home appliances more enjoyable than a beautiful, woodburning stove. In order to enjoy it, you must have crucial parts needed to allow it to function safely and efficiently.

A stove pipe (also called a black pipe), is one of the most crucial elements of a wood stove. It is the metal tubing that connects your wood stove to the chimney inlets. This pipe carries the superheated smoke into the chimney system, where it safely exits your home through the chimney pipe. The wood stove pipe is exposed to the interior of your home, which has a couple of benefits and drawbacks we will soon discuss.

The diameter of wood stove piping typically measures between five and 10 inches, with the most popular sizes zeroing in at six, seven, and eight inches wide. Made from stainless steel, traditional steel, and galvanized steel, wood stove pipes are mainly round in shape, but there are several oval pipes to choose from should you require it. Depending on your insulation needs, you will choose between single- and double-wall construction options.

Single wall pipes are used in the interior of the home to carry away exhaust. One of the benefits of the single wall construction is that it's less expensive than double and triple wall vent pipes. Because there is no insulation around the pipe, it can keep the open area surrounding the pipe warm for additional heating. However, it's important to keep a single walled pipe at least 18 inches away from any combustibles for safety reasons.

Double wall pipes are available for connection with stove pipes, as well as class A chimney pipes. Also used in the interior of the home, the double wall vent pipe features an added insulating layer to keep the outer pipe cool to the touch as to avoid accidental burning. This makes double wall vent piping a more desirable option for homes with children and homes where there is less than 18 inches of clearance between the stove pipe and combustible materials. If you're looking for longevity, double-wall vent pipes last many times longer than their single-walled counterparts.

Be sure to pair your wood stove pipe with the correct fuel type, which in this case, is wood. For other fuel types, filter your search for pipes that are made to be used with each fuel type, such as oil and coal.

Chimney Pipe

A chimney pipe is a tube made from one or more types of metal, used to ventilate the exhaust and smoke from your chimney to the safety of the outdoors. Some exhaust systems are installed straight up through the chimney, where they vent out through the roof. Others may be installed to exit through a side wall behind the chimney or stove.

Many indoor appliances need chimney pipes for the escape of toxic fumes, such as wood/oil/gas/coal burning stoves, fireplaces, and even boilers.

There are two basic types of chimney pipes: class A and class B. Class A chimney pipes are used solely as an exhaust pipe, while class B pipes feature both intake and exhaust mechanisms. Most chimney pipes are class A, as this class requires only basic venting for internal appliances (e.g., stoves and fireplaces).

For safety reasons, chimney pipes are made with double wall and triple wall construction. The extra insulating layers are needed to keep the exterior of the pipe from radiating heat as it travels through your home structure.

Chimney pipes are made from various materials, such as galvanized steel, copper, aluminum, traditional steel, and most popular of all: stainless steel. Interior diameters range from five to 12 inches, with tons of options for you to find a snug fit for your piping exhaust system.

Be sure you have the correct chimney pipe made for the fuel your chimney uses. Many are created for use with a specific fuel type. However, there are special pipes available for stoves and fireplaces that use wood/oil/coal combinations.

Direct Vent

Direct vents are not electric and are not used in fireplaces that burn coal. Instead, it requires propane, a natural gas pipeline, or special logs made specifically for direct vent fireplaces. This type of fireplace uses vents, as opposed to chimneys, to funnel fumes horizontally through a sidewall or vertically through the roof.

Along with its versatility, another benefit of direct venting is that it requires no interior room clearance. Heat is radiated out through the front glass, while the sides are insulated and safe for installing flush against the firebox or recessed into a wall. This venting system uses double-walled pipes for heat-protection and energy efficiency.

Pellet Vent

Pellet vents are also referred to as an L-vent pipe and are used in stoves that burn special wood pellets. Pellet vent pipes are made from stainless steel and are rated only for this specific type of stove vent.

Pellet vents are special in that they typically require a class B pipe. This means it uses both intake and exhaust features. With a diameter ranging from two to eight inches, the right pellet vent will not be difficult for you to find.

There are many pipe configurations to choose from, based on your needs during installation. Choose from straight pipe, elbows, and tees, and be sure to get an adapter or ceiling support box if you require one. Accessories such as chimney caps, flashing, wall thimbles, heat shields, straps and brackets, and storm collars will help to finish off your installation with efficiency and style.

Type B Gas Vent

The type B gas vent is used to vent gas-fueled appliances like fireplaces and heating stoves. Type B makes channeling exhaust simple by venting it directly through the roof of your structure. Gas fireplaces don't have a sealed chamber for the combustion of fuel. Instead, they utilize the natural buoyancy of heated air to rise and vent itself outdoors.

Type B gas vents are most popular with gas fireplaces, where they're attached to a pipe that carries the gasses from the fireplace to the safety of the outdoors.

Benefits of Type B gas vents includes installation in both single and multiple-story structures. It's also less expensive to install than direct vent fireplace systems.

Note that these vents are not intended to be used with Type BW gas vents, gas-oil combination, or appliances that require a chimney for venting. They are also not as energy-efficient as direct vent systems. This is because the design allows for cool air to enter the home if a downdraft occurs in the chimney. In the event of a downdraft, some of your fireplace heat might be lost up the vent.

The Type B gas vent is available in round and oval shapes to match your installation needs.

Special Gas Vent

A special gas vent is designed to release fumes from the propane or natural gas you may be using in your gas-fueled fireplace or stove. This vent is rated as ideal for high-efficiency heating appliances such as boilers, unit heaters, water heaters, and high-efficiency furnaces.

There are additional features available such as double walled insulation, double fail-safe self-sealing, and other convenient features. The special gas vent can also reduce the cost of installed vents.

Chimney Liners, Chimney Caps, and Venting Kits

Chimneys need more than a fuel source and piping to work. There are crucial accessory parts needed for the safe and enjoyable function of your stove or fireplace. Chimney liners, chimney caps, ducting, and venting kits are all necessary to complete the assembly.

A flue liner, also called a chimney liner, is an insulator installed into the chimney, typically from above, where it prevents cold air from traveling down into your home. This liner also protects you from smoke and increases energy efficiency by keeping the cold air out of the interior of your home. A flue liner can save you money by reducing energy use, which is why most chimneys are installed with one and many states require it as a part of their building codes.

Chimney caps are essential to making sure your chimney is functioning as safely as possible. They install quickly and securely to the roof of your home, right at the top of your chimney, where they help prevent damage. There are various styles of chimney caps available, and the type you'll require will depend both on the material you have at the top of your chimney flue, as well as the type of chimney pipe you have.

If you need a venting kit, there are hundreds to choose from, from basic to all-inclusive kits. Available in configuration types such as through-the-ceiling and through-the-wall, these kits have all the accessories you need to finish your chimney and stove installation. The kits include important accessory parts like chimney adapters, connectors, flashings, tee support brackets, wall thimbles, top plates, chimney caps, storm collars, attic installation shields, and ceiling support boxes with trim.

Some venting kits include specific chimney pipes, and each will feature varying products and parts. Filter your search to get the best kit for your needs, so you can finish your installation and enjoy the warmth of your new fireplace or stove.

 If you're looking for the perfect warm and cozy look, look no further than a woodburning stove or alternatively-fueled fireplace. Keep your heating unit working smoothly and improve the longevity of your chimney with new chimney pipes, vents, caps, liners, and other necessities. Our selection is sure to add a warm element to your charming decor. Get started today and build the fireplace or stove of your dreams.