Jun 22nd 2020
Chimney Pipe Differences - Which Brand is Best for Me?
This Article has been approved by our on staff NFI Certified Specialists & Master Hearth Professionals
Choosing chimney pipe can be a daunting task, let us help. Here are some common questions we get:
Q: "I am installing completely new chimney pipe. Which brand should I choose?"
A: The first step is checking your appliance's manual as some Fireplaces require specific venting. If you do not have a manual, please call one of our NFI Certified Experts at 1-866-667-8454 and they can assist you in finding the manual online for your woodstove or fireplace.
The top rated customer pick for new chimney installations is DuraTech chimney pipe. DuraTech has a greater selection of pipe and fittings and is reasonably priced.
Another popular brand among customers is Shasta Vent Chimney Pipe, which is the most affordable chimney solution. Shasta Vent is constructed from 304 Stainless Steel and a thin-fiber ceramic insulation blanket which maintains superior draft performance.
It is also important to note that whichever brand you do choose, that all Class A Chimney Pipe that we sell is twist and lock. There is no locking other hardware required for the install, however ShastaVent does include free locking bands with their sections of pipe for extra security if desired. Over-all the twist and lock chimney components do make for a easier and cleaner install.
Q: "I might have this professionally installed or might do this myself, which brand should I use?"
A: Professional installers and homeowners alike prefer DuraTech Chimney pipe. However, Shasta Vent is another great option for those on a budget and also can be installed without hiring a professional! Again, it is ALWAYS recommended to check your fireplace or wood stove manual first as there might be a specific type and brand of chimney pipe that must be used with the appliance.
Q: "I live in Canada, what brand of chimney pipe do I use?"
A: DuraPlus HTC is specifically designed to meet Canadian chimney installations.
Q: "I have a mobile/manufactured home and I want to put in a wood stove, what type of chimney pipe do I use?"
A: DuraTech and DuraPlus are approved for use in mobile homes and manufactured houses. We recommend using DuraPlus in mobile/manufactured homes since it runs cooler on the outside of the chimney and adds that extra margin of safety.
Q: "If I already have a certain type of chimney pipe and I want to replace a couple of pipe lengths can I use any brand of chimney pipe?"
A: Unfortunately no, every manufacturer uses different methods to connect sections of pipe. They are not interchangeable.
Brand Information
DuraVent® DuraPlus®
DuraPlus is designed to stay cool on the outside, to provide a hot draft on the inside, to boost stove efficiency, and to provide for a fire-safe design that protects both the chimney and the building. This triple-wall chimney features two insulating layers (ceramic blanket, plus air space). The ceramic blanket insulation is held securely in position, eliminating hot spots common with loose-fill type insulations. In the event of a creosote fire, the compressible blanket insulation permits the chimney liner to expand outwardly in a radial direction.
Designed for normal, continuous operation at 1000°F flue gas temperatures, DuraPlus is subjected to rigorous and stringent HT requirements of the UL standard, including one hour at 1400°F, plus three ten minute chimney fire tests at 2100°F.
DuraVent® DuraTech®
With a Thermal Tech blanket insulation encased between dual walls, DuraTech offers the optimum in safety and performance. It keeps the outer wall of the chimney cool, while ensuring high flue gas temperatures for optimum draft performance.
The inner wall is 25% thicker than competitive chimneys for an extra margin of safety. No locking bands or mechanical fasteners required. DuraTech's sleek 1" wall design provides for easy installations through 16" on-center framing. For tight installations, a Reduced Clearance Square Ceiling Support Box is available (6" diameter DuraTech only).
Designed for normal, continuous operation at 1000°F flue gas temperatures, DuraTech is subjected to rigorous and stringent high temperature requirements of the UL standard, including one hour at 1400°F, plus three ten-minute chimney fire test at 2100°F.
What NorthlineExpress.com customers are saying about DuraTech Chimney Pipe:
- Works as advertised. Very easy to install and supports chimney perfectly. Thanks for the great customer service as well. You answered all of my questions correctly.
- A great product that made my work a lot easier. Very sturdy. I installed them on my chimney just hours before the first pre-winter storm with high winds hit. The chimney stood solid as a rock!
- We purchased a wood stove & Dura Tech Extended Roof Bracket & are extremely happy with product quality, on time delivery, & easy ordering. Would order again & have recommended NorthlineExpress to family & friends.
- The class A chimney system is performing perfectly. My savings were worth crowing about and the product shipped free to my door. Therefore, I can highly recommend NorthlineExpress as a professional trustworthy online business performing the way a business should. That is my experience and I am a happy customer.
- I found the pipe to be as represented. Although I have not had it long enough to rate its durability, I found it to be easy to install, and tight once installed.
- Well protected shipping package, easy to install, fits good.
- Thanks for a great product!
Shasta Vent™
Shasta Vent Inc is proud to offer its All-Fuel HT Chimney system to the residential and building heating appliance market. Sold in Europe for years, and now offered in America, Shasta Vent All-Fuel HT Chimney is ETL Listed by Intertek to the HT requirements of the UL 103 standard. Shasta Vent's All-Fuel HT Chimney meets the safety and performance requirements needed by today's high-efficiency appliances.
Shasta Vent All-Fuel HT Chimney is a double wall, solid-filled residential chimney featuring .020" type 304 Stainless Steel inner and outer walls with a 2" clearance to combustibles. All-Fuel HT Chimney also features precision engineered twist-lock end rings and quick and easy Locking Bands. The high-temperature ceramic blanket insulation is encased between stainless steel walls to maintain a strong draft, while maintaining a relatively cooler temperature on the exterior wall. All-Fuel HT Chimney is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Selkirk® SuperPro
SuperPro (SPR) is designed for All-Fuel applications - with a Stainless Steel outer casing. Sold through professional installer markets. Sizes: 5", 6", 7", 8". Insulation: 1"+ Solid Pack, Listings: UL-103 HT
Selkirk® Ultra Temp
Ultra Temp is the installers choice for a variety of installations from small residential applications to large custom chimney projects. Features: Available in 5" -- 24" Diameters, 304 inner/430 outer, Stainless Steel, 1" Solid Pack Mineral Wool Insulation, and Lock Seams. The small diameter coupling systems easily twist lock together for quick and easy installation. For added protection the slim design lock band neatly conceals and protects seams. Small diameter Ultra-Temp is used on All-Fuel appliances