Can You Mix Different Stove Pipe Brands?

Installation

• Install stovepipe with the male – or crimped end – down so creosote drippings run back into the stove instead of dripping out of the pipe onto your floor. Use short, straight lengths of stovepipe and run the stovepipe in the shortest possible route. This will improve draft and reduce the amount of creosote that forms. If you need to install stovepipe in a horizontal position, the horizontal run can’t be more than 75 percent of the chimney height, if the pipe is uninsulated, measuring from the point where the pipe enters the chimney. This length changes to 100 percent of the chimney height if the pipe is insulated. In addition, the horizontal run must rise at least 4 inches every linear foot. Three sheet metal screws should be used to secure each stovepoint joint, and the joints should overlap by 2 inches to prevent leaks.

Single-Wall

• Single-wall stovepipe lets more heat radiate into your house, making your stove more efficient. Single-wall stovepipe also requires an 18-inch clearance to combustibles. Stovepipe comes in 22- to 30-gauge steel. Lower numbers denote thicker walls. Use a 24-gauge or thicker stovepipe for your stove. If the stovepipe diameter is greater than 10 inches, you will need a heavier-gauge metal. Higher-quality stovepipe has welded seams. Less expensive stovepipe snaps together.

Double-Wall

• Double-wall, or close-clearance, stovepipe only needs a 6-inch clearance from the wall and 8-inch clearance from the ceiling. Because it’s more durable than single-wall stovepipe, some manufacturers offer a warranty that ranges from five years to a limited lifetime warranty. Because stovepipe can deteriorate over time, however, you should test your pipe after a year or two by squeezing the walls. They should not crush. If your stovepipe does crush, it means creosote has corroded the metal.

Clearances

• The National Fire Protection Association recommends keeping stovepipe at least 18 inches from any combustible materials, including walls and ceiling. Test clearances by placing your hand on the wall or other combustible material while the stove is running. If you can comfortably keep your hand there, you’ve provided enough clearance. Stovepipe should never pass through floors, ceilings or walls. One exception to this involves stovepipe connected to a masonry chimney. In this case, the stovepipe should go through the near wall of the chimney to the inner face of the chimney liner and no further.