How to Install Wood Stove Stainless Flues

Install the wood stove so that the stainless flue will go through the ceiling between the ceiling joists with a minimum of 2 inches of clearance around the flue. Follow the stove manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, maintaining the recommended distance between the stove and combustible surfaces.

Use a plumb bob suspended above the wood stove flue opening to determine where the center of the opening in the ceiling will be. Use a pencil to indicate the center of the opening on the ceiling.

Use a tape measure, square and pencil to draw a square opening for the stainless flue. Cut the hole with a saber or keyhole saw. Use 2-by-4-inch boards and a level to build a level frame around the opening.

Affix the ceiling support to the frame with at least three 1.5-inch long 8-penny nails or #8 screws on each side. Ensure the ceiling support is level with the bottom extending 3 inches beneath the ceiling. Affix the trim collar to the frame with four, 1-inch long wood screws. Repeat step 1 and 2 for each ceiling and at the roof.

Place heat shields around the openings at each floor between the first ceiling and the roof. They are not required at the first ceiling and roof. Affix the heat shield to the wood frame around the opening using one 1.5-inch long 8-penny nail or #8 screw at each corner.

Install the stainless flue, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Generally, stainless flue sections twist-lock together or they may require small screws to hold them together.

Place an attic insulation shield around the stainless flue section where it goes through the ceiling into the attic. Place a roof radiation shield around the flue at the roof. Affix it to the roof with L-brackets held in place with two, 1.5-inch long #8 screws.

Place flashing around the stainless flue where it goes through the roof with the upper edge of the flashing tucked beneath the roof shingles. Use 1-inch long roofing nails to affix the flashing at the top edge and sides. Coat each nail head with a waterproof sealer that remains flexible and does not harden over time.

Place a storm collar around the stainless flue on the roof. Seal the edges with a sealer that does not harden and withstands high temperatures. Ensure the stainless flue is a minimum of 3 feet higher than the roof and 2 feet taller than the tallest part of the roof within 10 feet of the flue. For instance, if there is a structure such as a dormer within 10 feet of the flue, the top of the flue must be at least 2 feet taller than the structure. Install a chimney cap.