CHIMNEY PIPE & STOVE PIPE Q&A

The easiest way to start is to go to our Chimney Pipe Installation Guide, but first we'll answer some common questions.

Q: What type of vent pipe do I need for a wood burning stove or gas fireplace? Interior? Exterior? Insulated?

A: Always check local building codes and environmental regulations before starting a project like this. Being familiar with your area's building codes can point you in the right direction when deciding which components are right for your install and appliance. Certain area's building codes may even require you to update your appliance or use a specific fuel.

1. Start first by determining what type of chimney pipe your appliance requires. This information can be found in your appliance's instruction manual. The manual will remove any guess work since there are several types of chimneys. For instance, Class A chimney pipe is for wood, coal, and most other fuels however, it may not be required for your gas appliance or pellet appliance. Pellet vent is for pellet burning appliances or corn burners. Direct-vent chimney is for a direct-vent gas appliance. Bottom Line- Read your instruction manual to see what type of chimney is required for your appliance.

2. Determine the layout or installation type that is applicable for your home. For Class A chimney pipe, a straight up thru-the-ceiling installation is the most popular, the least expensive, and provides the best draft but is not always an option.

Q: Should I install my pipe vertically or horizontally through a wall and then up? Wood stove pipe through the wall or roof?

A: Run your chimney pipe vertically if you have that option, it will be considerably less expensive and easier to maintain given there are no elbows to collect soot and debris. Chimney pipe that is mostly outside as is the case with a thru-the-wall installation will tend to stay cooler and may have less draft or downdraft problems than a chimney that goes straight up.

For more on this check out our article, Chimney Installation Types.

3. Next, determine the size of the chimney pipe needed. Never go smaller than what is required, or you risk having smoke or gasses backing up or in other words a poor draft.

Please Note: All Stove & Chimney Pipe is chosen and classified by the inside diameter. If your flue has a 6" Inside Diameter you will choose from the 6" Stove and Chimney Pipe categories.

There are different requirements for the US or Canada in some cases which we point out based on the type of chimney pipe.

4. Once you determine the above requirements you will need to choose a manufacturer and brand of chimney pipe (many manufacturers offer several brands within a type). Although several brands are available, we recommend Dura-Vent DuraTech chimney pipe for most new installations due to their reputation, warranty, product offering, availability, and price. Visit our Class-A Chimney Pipe section for further recommendations.

Q: I need more class A chimney pipe brand XYZ. Can I use any other brand of chimney pipe instead?

A: No. Every manufacturer of class A chimney pipe uses their own methods to secure the pipe together so one brand most likely will not connect together correctly with another brand of chimney pipe and could be dangerous due to a poor fit as it could come apart or leak creosote, smoke, or gasses. A complete system should consist entirely of the same brand.

Q: What is the difference between stove pipe and chimney pipe? What is stove pipe made of?

A: Many confuse the terms. Stove pipe is usually painted black galvanized steel and is used in the interior on the home until you transition through a wall or ceiling then class A chimney pipe is used thereon. Stove pipe, black pipe, single wall pipe all refers to the same thing. Chimney pipe, class A pipe, triple-wall pipe, insulated pipe all refers to class A chimney pipe. Double-wall pipe could be associated with either double-wall black pipe like DVL or double-wall chimney pipe like DuraTech, ShastaVent, or Selkirk.

Q: Can I just run single wall black pipe all the way up? Should wood stove pipe be single or double wall?

A: No, you must transition to Class A chimney pipe at the ceiling or wall. This goes for either single or double wall stove pipe.

Q: I’ve seen people use black pipe for the entire wood stove chimney pipe installation. I’d like to save money but is this safe?

A: Absolutely not! Black stove pipe is NOT chimney pipe and should only be used up to the point of penetrating the ceiling or wall. From that point on class A chimney pipe is required. Black single wall stove pipe has a clearance to combustibles of 18” (double-wall black pipe has a clearance of 6") whereas class A chimney pipe is generally 2”. Stove pipe used outside will run much cooler flue temperatures than class A chimney pipe and will potentially build up creosote quite rapidly increasing the chance of a chimney fire. There a no safe way to use black stove pipe for the entire chimney pipe system so ask yourself…Is saving some money worth me or my family’s life and home worth the risk?

Never substitute single wall stove pipe for class A chimney pipe. Wood stove pipe is for the interior part of your installation, then use class A chimney pipe once you penetrate a wall or ceiling for the exterior.

Also see our article on Proper Chimney Venting.

Q: What if I get stuck and can’t figure it all out after I buy the chimney pipe? Can I return it?

A: If you get stuck, please give us a call. We have several trained customer service representatives that are eager to help you. If you decide to return all or part of your purchase…no problem. Our philosophy is to help people get what they want or need or to take it back if it isn’t working out. Our return policy is no re-stocking fees, but that you’ll be responsible for shipping costs. We’re here to help you succeed in your chimney pipe installation.

Q: Where can I buy chimney pipe and stove pipe near me? Why should I buy from NorthlineExpress.com?

A: We're experts when it comes to chimney pipe installation, and we have a full staff eager to help you solve your chimney system challenges. We have a large stock of chimney products from pipe to brushes to cleaners and everything imaginable for your fireplace, woodstove and pellet stove and other appliances. Unlike many internet retailers who carry little or no inventory, we have a warehouse stocked with product. The big advantage is we can generally process your order faster, provide better tracking information about your order and we understand the products since we see, feel, and handle them. Northline Express has a policy to keep the customer happy even if we lose money, it just makes life easier. When you call our company, you'll talk to an individual who is always looking out for your best interest.

Choose from the largest selection of chimney vent pipe. Whether you're looking for chimney pipe, stove pipe, pellet vent pipe, chimney liner, gas vent chimney pipe or dryer vent pipe we've got what you need. Our chimney pipe experts are standing by and ready to answer your questions and help you make your selection. Call, email, or instant message our chimney pipe professionals today!

Q: How to clean chimney pipe?

A: There are many methods for cleaning chimney pipe and we have all of the expert advice you need to get the job done right! Check out all of our instructional cleaning videos and our articles on how to maintain your chimney system. Northline Express has everything you need to get your chimney clean and rid of creosote! Check out our entire stock chimney maintenance items, we make it easy to get all of the chimney products you need in one place!