Help with Chimney Installation, Learning Center and other Tips and Tricks

One of the most exclusive things Northline Express has is our very own Chimney Wizard. This will help you to build your entire chimney system simply by answering a few questions about your project and what you wish to accomplish. You can check out our extensive Learning Center that includes a multitude of articles that have been written, reviewed and approved by our NFI Certified Master Hearth Professionals. You will also find a substantial video library on our YouTube Channel with a host of different videos on products and reviews, fireplace tips and tricks, grilling, outdoor living, safety and more. 

Things to Keep in Mind Before you Start

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when planning your venting run. The first is that each brand is designed and warrantied to only connect to components from within the same brand. It is not recommended to try to utilize components from different brands as this will cause an unsafe venting run and will void any and all manufacturer’s warranties. You will want to stick with the same brand of venting for the entire chimney system.

Also all chimney and stove pipe is sized and classified by the inside diameter of the pipe. For example, if your flue has a 6 inch inside diameter then you will want to choose a 6 inch Stove or Chimney Pipe. The first step in deciding what size venting you need is to check the product manual for your chosen appliance.

Class A Triple Wall and Double Wall Chimney Pipe Options that will work with a variety of Fireplace and Wood Stove Appliances

The top 3 Chimney Brands offered by Northline Express are DuraPlus, ShastaVent and Selkirk. Each brand offers all fuel, Class A Chimney pipe and each can be used on a variety of heating appliances. While all three brands are recognizable within the industry, there are a few differences between their product offerings as well as the benefits that each possess. 

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DuraVent

DuraVent is the premier manufacturer of the venting industry. They have been a staple of the industry for over 50 years and they design their products with safety, innovation and function in mind. We offer two DuraVent lines, DuraPlus which is a triple wall chimney pipe and DuraTech which is a double wall chimney pipe. Both are Class A, all-fuel chimney systems, but there are a few differences between them.

DuraPlus

DuraPlus Chimney is a triple wall, all-fuel Class A chimney pipe that is designed to stay cool on the outside while providing a hot draft on the inside. 

The term triple wall refers to the three separate layers of piping. The three walls are constructed of a 430 stainless steel outer wall, an aluminized steel intermediate layer and an additional 430 stainless steel inner liner. In between the three pipe walls are two separate insulating layers. The first layer is a space that allows air to flow through to help cool the pipe, while the second features insulated layers of ceramic blanket that is held securely in position. In the unlikely event of a chimney fire the compressible blanket insulation permits the chimney liner to expand outwardly in a radial direction.

Designed for normal everyday use which can include continuous operation at 1000 degrees. It is also subjected to a series of rigorous high-temperature tests under UL 103HT. These tests include one hour at a maintained 1400 degree temperature within the flu as well as three 10 minute chimney fire tests at 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

DuraPlus makes installation a breeze with its precision twist-lock connections and minimal requirement of 2 inch clearance to combustibles. DuraPlus Chimney is designed for use with a wide range of appliances that are fueled by wood, gas, oil or coal including fireplaces, wood stoves, boilers, furnaces, ranges and more.

If you are looking for a great option to give you the best draft for your fireplace and wood stove chimney systems and a trusted name in the industry, DuraPlus Chimney is it.

DuraTech

DuraTech is a double wall, all-fuel, Class A chimney pipe system that offers the perfect balance of safety and performance. This “Solid Packed” Pipe is the most versatile chimney system on the market today. 

DuraTech’s double wall chimney system features an inner wall constructed of 430 stainless steel and outer wall options of 430 stainless steel or galvalume steel. Encased between the dual walls is a Thermal Tech ceramic, refractory blanket insulation. 

The inner wall is 25% thicker than competitive chimneys for an extra margin of safety. When you have your system burning at constant high temperatures, that extra 25% makes all the difference, because the system has been designed to operate at normal and continuous 1000 degree temperatures. DuraTech subjects their products to a series of rigorous high temperature tests under UL 103HT. These tests include one hour at a maintained 1400 degree temperature within the flu as well as three 10 minute chimney fire tests at 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Made with a sleek 1 inch wall design provides easy installation that easily fits through 16” on center framing. They also feature lightweight insulation, twist-lock fittings, support boxes with factory installed starter sections, elbows with 360 degree swivel base and much more, 

A great option for Mobile Home Installations and to be used in factory built zero clearance fireplace installations. DuraTech chimney systems work with appliances that are fueled by wood, gas, oil and coal. This system can be used on appliances such as wood stoves, fireplaces, stoves, boilers, furnaces and more. 

DuraTech has installers in mind, as it is rated so you don’t have to install locking bands. It has a twist-lock connection, which most high temperature pipes have, but there are no locking bands or mechanical fasteners required. DuraTech has a huge selection of components to solve any challenge you may encounter. Some of the products they offer are: a snow splitter, a Reduced Clearance Square Ceiling Support Box, Adjustable pipe sections, 5 foot pipe lengths and more.

Featuring a minimum of 2 inch clearance to combustibles make DuraTech a great option for nearly any installation.

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ShastaVent

ShastaVent is a double wall, all-fuel HT Chimney system designed to meet the safety and performance requirements needed for today’s high efficiency appliances. With their sleek design, competitive price model and component advantage, they are in a class all their own.

Constructed of 304 stainless steel on the inner and outer walls, ShastaVent is designed to provide better protection from corrosion damage. Encased within the stainless steel walls is a high temp ceramic blanket insulation that helps maintain a strong draft, while providing a relatively cooler temperature on the exterior wall of the pipe.

Having been sold in Europe for years, ShastaVent is finally being offered in America. Their pipe lengths have laser welded seams on both their inner and outer walls, which not only enhances its appearance, but makes them less susceptible to buckling. 

ShastaVent is designed to be lighter in weight to make it easy to maneuver and install, especially while working on roofs and ladders. Offering both 6 and 8 inch diameters, along with a variety of component options, Shasta Vent offers a twist lock connection along with an included locking band to make installation easy and secure. The locking bands have a quick clamp lock instead of the screw and wingnut option to keep the bands secure. They also offer adjustable pipe sections and Tee Supports that come with an 8 inch pipe section.

Did we also mention that Shasta Vent is backed with a Limited Lifetime Warranty which helps to give you peace of mind. Also Shasta Vent prides itself on its cost savings compared to competitors. Their products are designed to provide high quality at the lowest possible prices.

ShastaVent is ETL listed by Intertek to the highest of UL103HT standards and is rated to be installed with a 2 inch minimum to combustibles. Shasta Vent venting can be used for Zero Clearance Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Wood stoves, fireplaces and furnaces that operate with wood, oil, coal and gas.

For those looking for a cost effective chimney system with a sleek and lightweight design, ShastaVent is going to fit the bill wonderfully.

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Selkirk Brand Chimney Pipe

Selkirk is the original innovator of prefabricated Venting Systems and offers the widest range of high-performance products to meet your needs. All Selkirk components are backed by a Smart Choice Limited Lifetime Warranty to give you added peace of mind.

Selkirk Ultra-Temp

Selkirk Ultra-Temp is an all-fuel double wall chimney pipe system with a mirror finish. Ultra-Temp is backed by a Smart Choice Limited Lifetime Warranty and is designed for use on small residential applications all the way up to large custom chimney projects.

Selkirk’s Ultra-Temp Chimney pipe features 430 stainless steel construction on the outer wall and either 304 or 430 stainless steel inner liner, depending on the diameter of pipe you are using. It also features a 1 inch Solid Pack Mineral Wool Insulation and offers chimney pipe in 4 inch up to 14 inch diameters. 

Selkirk Ultra-Temp features a coupling system that easily Twist-Lock together for quick and easy installation. For added protection the slim design lock band neatly conceals and protects the seams. Also offered are hard tooled supports and accessories to give you the perfect fit every time.

Small diameter Ultra-Temp is ideal for venting residential heating appliances that burn wood, gas and number 2 oil. Selkirk is specifically designed to be used with today’s airtight high-efficiency wood stoves. They are designed for natural draft, nonpositive internal pressure venting only. The Selkirk Chimney System is usable on any appliance having a power burner (such as an oil furnace) if that appliance operates with neutral or negative draft at its outlet. If you are unsure if your system meets these requirements, please feel free to reach out to our Expert Customer Service Team at 1.866.667.8454

All components of Selkirk Ultra-Temp Chimney systems carry the “Smart Choice” Limited Lifetime warranty which is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. The All-Fuel Chimney is listed to UL Safety Standards for Factory-Built Chimneys (UL-103)

Selkirk has been a chimney industry innovator for over 85 years and they hold themselves to the highest in design standards to develop the safest products. 

Selkirk SuperPro

Selkirk SuperPro is an all-fuel double wall chimney pipe system that incorporates the latest technology in factory-built chimney design, providing superior performance, durability and safety. It is commonly sold through professional installer markets and is a trusted name in Chimney Systems.

Featuring premium grade 304 stainless steel construction on both the inner liner and outer casing, SuperPro have made it extremely corrosion resistant. It also features a 1 inch solid packed mineral wool fiber insulation to provide superior insulating qualities in a slim-line design. Selkirk SuperPro also has embossed couples that do not allow moisture to penetrate the chimney’s outer wall along with a twist-lock coupler that can be secured with an optional locking band.

They are also safety tested to meet UL-103 and even has a 2 inch minimum clearance to combustibles. SuperPro offers 5 inch to 8 inch diameter venting along with a variety of options including adjustable pipe lengths as well as multiple support kits. 

SuperPro is backed by Selkirk’s Smart Choice Limited Lifetime warranty and along with their incredible customer service and technologically superior products, it’s easy to see why Selkirk has been a name you can trust for over 85 years.

Feel free to browse our entire collection of Chimney Pipe and don’t forget to check out our Chimney Wizard to get started on your project today.