Step-by-step instructions for installing a stainless steel chimney

Installation of chimney passages

The most difficult and critical areas when installing a chimney in a private house are passages through the ceiling, roof or wall. If the house has several floors, then a passage through the interfloor ceilings is added. The rules for installing chimney passages through flammable materials provide for a minimum distance between the pipe and building elements.

Installation of a passage through the attic, interfloor ceilings

A ceiling-passage unit for installing a chimney through wooden ceilings can be purchased ready-made or made independently. The finished unit is a pipe with thermal insulation, which is put on the pipe. The homemade one looks like a square box, the dimensions of which depend on the diameter of the chimney. A hole is cut out in the center of the box into which the pipe is inserted directly.

Transition box arrangement:

a box of such a size is mounted from asbestos-cement or iron sheets that the pipe does not reach 40 cm from the walls;
a round hole is cut in the center into which the pipe is led;
the space of the box is filled with mineral wool with heat resistance characteristics of 700 degrees;
the floor of the upper floor (attic) and the ceiling below are equipped with special metal flanges-overlays, which perform an aesthetic and thermal protective function.

Installation of a wall crossing

When the chimney is exited through a wooden wall, a transition box similar to the interfloor one is also installed in it. The difference is that the horizontal outlet is easier to install and is a priori protected from moisture.

Installation of a chimney in a brick private house through a wall does not require thermal insulation. A hole is made in the wall for the pipe, a metal sleeve is inserted into it and the chimney is led into it. The chimney elbow at the exit from the building through the wall requires the installation of additional support. Most often, a corner bracket is used for this.

If the stove is located in a corner, then the adjacent wall should also be protected from possible heating. To do this, install a protective screen made of non-flammable material with a heat-insulating layer at the height of the structure’s exit.

Installation of outlet through the roof

This passage can be called the most critical in the entire structure

Here it is important not only to install high-quality thermal insulation, but also to mount protection against the penetration of atmospheric precipitation. Installing waterproofing on a sandwich chimney is not particularly difficult, since all components are sold ready-made

Thermal insulation looks the same as the transition through the attic floor, adjusted for the slope of the roof. The passage box here has the shape of a rectangle, although its projection remains square.

Particular attention should be paid to the roofing. If this is a flammable material, then a metal sheet will be required to install a larger external trim (10-15 cm on each side)

Accordingly, a large area of roofing is removed. The sheet is placed under the roofing material in its upper part, the side and bottom edges are placed on top.

The final stage is installation of waterproofing and installation of the top cap. This is an elastic or metal conical roof that is installed on top of the cutting sheet. All seams are treated with sealant.

Required components

The standard list includes:

Boiler adapter. The initial section of the pipe. Responds to the required rotation during installation. Suitable for assembly in the direction of condensation.
Starter sandwich. With its help, a transition is made from a single-wall to a sandwich (double-wall) structure.
The gates are rotary. A valve or damper with several holes. The damper blocks the flow of carbon monoxide.
Crimp clamps. Fasteners for tensioning are made of steel. Fix the chimney system in a stationary state and do not allow it to come into contact with the stove.
PPU (ceiling-passage unit) with mineralite. Used in cases where the pipe will pass through the ceiling or roof. The composition includes fireproof insulating material, followed by a layer of air and space for fastening a layer of thermal insulation.
Tees at 45, 90 degrees. Change the direction of exit of flue gases.
Cap or head. Performs the function of an umbrella, protecting the internal cavity of the chimney from precipitation.
Sandwich sections. Straight, 3-4 pieces. Length from 25 to 100 cm.
Brackets, screws. They will connect the structural parts.
Knees at 90, 45 degrees. Allows you to mount the chimney at the desired angle.
End caps.
Various adapters, condensate collectors.
Support platform. Distributes the load evenly.
Window for cleaning the chimney.

The list of elements is incomplete, since each heating system has its own characteristics. There are options for direct smoke channels with condensate drainage and stands.

How to vent a chimney through a wall?

The best option would be to exit the chimney from the gable side. If the heating equipment does not allow such an installation and the chimney pipe will exit from the side of the roof slope, then it is necessary to assemble a support post to which the chimney will be attached with sliding fasteners. If the roof overhang is more than 40 cm, then it is quite possible to do without such a rack.

In this case, the chimney can pass through the roof overhang, where additional fixation of the pipe can be arranged

It is also important to install snow guards above the chimney exit point. They will protect the chimney from damage due to snow.

How to remove a chimney through the roof, video instructions:

If a wooden house will be covered with siding, then it is worth keeping in mind that most manufacturers of this material indicate an operating temperature range from -50 to +50 degrees

Therefore, it is necessary to install the chimney so that the distance to the facing material is at least 15 cm. The place where the pipe exits through a wall covered with siding must be additionally protected with heat-insulating material.

Installation of a chimney is a fairly important stage in the construction of a private house (read: “How to properly build a chimney in a private house”). Therefore, before starting work, you should prepare and understand the most important aspects of installation. Not only the functionality of this element, but also the efficiency of the entire heating system depends on the correct installation of the chimney. Only full compliance with fire safety requirements and chimney installation rules can ensure its proper operation.

Safety Tips

If there is a possibility of a noticeable increase in pressure in the channel, the connection points are also closed with special couplings, just in case. Often, when installing steel pipes, heat-resistant sealants are used to cover the joints. The more insulated the chimney, the more correct the draft.

Despite the excellent insulating properties of “sandwiches”, when pipes cross floors, there is some likelihood of overheating and ignition of materials adjacent to the pipe. To guarantee a certain level of fire safety, it is recommended to increase the thickness of the thermal insulation layer at the joints.

Fixing a chimney with your own hands is not at all difficult; all you need to do is understand the device and know the basic safety rules. After installation, it is necessary to properly maintain and clean the chimney to reduce the risk of accidents when operating stoves.

There are effective folk remedies for cleaning chimneys. So, recently it is often recommended to occasionally heat the stove with aspen wood: the result is a powerful flame that burns sediments on the surface of the pipe walls

You should not do this often, you should be careful, because it often provokes fires

Technical characteristics of pipes

These are important parameters when choosing elements for specific installation conditions. Safety and service life depend on the correct identification of the required parts.

Diameter

Most manufacturers of boilers and other heating devices specify the optimal chimney diameter in their operating instructions. This parameter depends on both the height of the fastener and the traction force.

When it is necessary to make a transition from brickwork to sandwich modules in a room, the diameter is calculated as follows:

In a fireplace, 1 kW of power produces 8 sq. cm sections.
In wood stoves with a power of up to 3.5 kW 0.02 sq. m section is equal to 160 mm diameter.
If the furnace power is higher than 5.2 kW, then the diameter increases to 190 mm.
With a productivity of up to 7 kW per 0.038 sq. m is 220 mm in diameter.

Wall thickness

In gas devices it is determined by the diameter of the product:

with a value of 130 – 450 mm, the wall thickness is 0.5 mm;
with a diameter of 500 mm - 0.6 mm;
with an indicator of more than 500 mm - 0.8 mm.

In solid fuel boilers, the main factor influencing the choice of wall thickness is the combustion temperature of the raw materials.

Thus:

up to 450 degrees, a value of 0.6 mm is enough;
more than 450 degrees need 0.8 mm.

It is important to note that such boilers must have an uninsulated part of the pipeline, which must be connected to the outlet pipe. It is made from a piece of heat-resistant stainless steel

Wall thickness – 0.8 – 1 mm.

From the outside, the chimney casing with a diameter of up to 450 mm is taken with a wall thickness of 0.5 mm, with a wall thickness of more than 500 mm - 0.6 mm.

Height

The height of the chimney relative to the ridge is determined based on three parameters:

SNiP 41-01-2003;
construction rules SP 7.13130.2009;
manufacturer's instruction manual.

The recommendations are as follows:

The height of the sandwich pipe is from 5 m.
If the roof deck is made of flammable material, the pipe is made 1-1.5 m higher than the ridge.
On a roof made of non-combustible material (corrugated sheeting) it can be placed at a height of 0.5 m from the ridge. The same applies to roofs with a flat structure.
On pitched roofs, when the chimney is located at a distance of 1.5 m from the ridge, the height is 0.5 m or more.

Brick

The classic option is red fireproof. Withstands high temperatures up to 1000 degrees. Has good heat dissipation. The masonry technology is complex, so you won’t be able to create such a structure yourself without experience. This process is labor-intensive and lengthy. A foundation needs to be poured, which should be planned at the design stage. It is recommended to install a sleeve made of stainless steel sheet inside, otherwise the brick will become saturated with condensation and over time, the inside of the walls will begin to peel off, and stains will form on the outside. Construction will be expensive.

Ceramics

Chimneys are durable, resistant to changes and high temperatures.

Manufacturers can supply ceramics with the following assembly options:

Ceramo-stainless. The shell is made of stainless steel with a thickness of 0.8 mm, so externally the pipe cannot be distinguished from metal.
Ceramo-expanded clay. The edging of the product is made of expanded clay blocks. Reminds me of brickwork.
Expanded clay-stainless steel. A combination of the two previous types.

The ceramic surface is smooth, so soot and ash settle on the walls minimally.

Stainless steel

Modular type. The optimal steel alloy is AISI 430 BA. Features: heat resistance, resistance to chemicals and environmental influences.

The chimney is:

single wall;
sandwich (double-walled).

Single-walled can be mounted inside the house.

A sandwich pipe is the best for outdoor conditions, as it has a layer of insulation that minimizes the accumulation of condensate inside the pipe, extending the service life of metal parts.

Main types of chimneys

Requirements for modern combustion products removal devices:

High tightness. The system should not let smoke inside the room, but remove it in full quantity outside.
High quality insulation. Hot smoke becomes the main cause of fire in wooden partitions, beams and some roofing.
Thermal conductivity. The heated chimney becomes a source of heat in the room, which is especially appreciated during the cold periods of the year.

All of the following types of smoke exhaust systems meet these requirements to a certain extent.

Brick. The system, mounted from red brick, had high functionality in times of using gas or liquid fuel. Firewood and fuel briquettes produce smoke at a lower temperature, so brick chimneys gradually lost their popularity. With a modern solid fuel boiler, such a system does not have time to warm up quickly.
Ceramic. A universal material created specifically for use in conditions of elevated temperatures. Several layers of smooth ceramics provide high-quality traction. Ceramics also withstand high mechanical loads, and its service life is on average 100 years.
Stainless steel systems. They are durable and prevent the deposition of resin and soot on the internal walls. Stainless steel is often used when installing chimneys due to its ability to heat up quickly. Accordingly, less fuel consumption required for heating.
Sandwich pipe. It is unique because of its design, which reduces the installation time of a chimney, for example, for a boiler room or in a bathhouse. A sandwich pipe consists of three main elements: internal, external and insulation. All connections of such elements are made only using expensive argon welding. Both galvanized sheets and stainless steel sheets are used as metal in the manufacture of sandwich pipes.
Cast iron. In modern construction, cast iron is not often used due to its disadvantages such as slow heating and a tendency to quickly accumulate soot and resin. Cast iron structures must be cleaned frequently, otherwise the system quickly loses its efficiency.

Methods for connecting sandwich pipes

There are several options:

Condensate. The inner part of the pipe is installed into the socket. When there is a difference in temperature, moisture will simply flow down the walls and not get inside. Disadvantage - the presence of even small cracks will lead to smoke entering the room.
Flanged. The smoke comes out through the chimney due to strong draft. The tightness of the joints is important, otherwise the trapped moisture will provoke damage to the basalt thermal insulation.
Bayonet (bayonet). Parts are shifted along the axis or to the side.
Smoke. Prevents carbon monoxide from entering the house.

Diagrams of chimney assembly options

Regardless of the method, the tightness of the connections of each element is important so that moisture does not damage the thermal insulation and carbon monoxide does not harm the health of residents. Installing an internal condensate pipe will increase safety.

Installation of a chimney through a wall - instructions

To properly install a chimney through a wall, you must adhere to certain rules:

in the place where the pipe passes through the wall, there should be no pipe joints with the internal communications of the house;
installation begins with hanging the chimney from the heating boiler. The chimney exits through the wall at an angle of 90 degrees;
the next part of the chimney will be installed perpendicular to the first section. In this case, a condenser tank is placed in the lower part, the main mass of the chimney will be connected to the upper part;
The passage of the chimney pipe through the wall must be insulated. Various thermal insulation materials are excellent for these purposes; they must be selected correctly before insulating the chimney pipe. It is advisable to cover the entry and exit points of the pipe with a protective casing or plaster;
each joint is fixed with a clamp;
pipe fastenings to the wall are installed at an equal distance from each other. In this case, you should not exceed an interval of 100 cm. A distance of 60 cm is considered optimal;
after completing the installation work, install the cap on the chimney pipe;
To prevent contact between the chimney pipe and the wall, a layer of mineral wool is laid between them.

Main advantages

A stainless steel chimney has the following advantages over brick and ceramic chimneys:

a smooth inner surface that prevents the deposition of soot on its walls;
Possibility of installation in already used premises;
there is no need to construct foundations for it;
the presence of sloping areas is allowed;
the ability to carry out repair work regardless of the time of year;
due to the insulated design of the chimney, minimal condensation occurs;
high resistance to aggressive influences of exhaust gases;
high strength and durability;
full compliance with all modern fire safety requirements.

Types of metal chimney pipes

The main classifying characteristics of metal pipes for chimneys are the material of manufacture and design.

Materials for chimneys can be:

black steelgalvanized steelstainless steel

By design, chimneys made from pipes differ in:

The main trends in the market for heating boilers, stoves, and fireplaces are increasing their efficiency and reducing heat loss to the outside through the chimney. Such equipment includes pyrolysis boilers and bulleryans. Their exhaust gas temperature is lower than in traditional solid fuel boilers, which leads to increased condensation formation.

The resulting condensate contains sulfuric acid and other chemically active substances, so experts recommend installing stainless steel chimney pipes on them. Reviews of metal chimney pipes received from both sellers and installers inform that steel and galvanized ones do not last long. Considering , minimum wall thickness (about 0.40 mm), such pipes can fail within a year or two. For long-term service, it is better to buy stainless steel chimney pipes. Their advantages: resistance to high temperatures, fire resistance 100% (more than 500 deg.

C) exceptional corrosion resistance to destruction by condensate from flue gases; smooth surface contributes to greater smoke draft and less soot deposition; quickly warms up; a wide selection of components allows you to quickly install a chimney of the desired diameter and design; easy to maintain; look more aesthetically pleasing than lightweight steel; Double-wall chimneys are a pipe in a pipe between which a layer of basalt insulation is laid. They are much more convenient to install, more reliable in operation, more durable, but their price is appropriate. In order to reduce the cost of a chimney, you can buy a single-wall pipe and wrap it with a layer of basalt insulation, then with heat-resistant foil or fiberglass. Pipes made of special, acid-resistant stainless steel with a high molybdenum content (for example, AISI310S, AISI321) are used for chimney installations.

Tools required for installing a chimney

In order to install a chimney in your home with your own hands, you will have to stock up on the following minimum set of tools:

a grinder for cutting metal and a drill for drilling holes
spatula, chisel and trowel
a screwdriver, preferably with hex bits and a jigsaw, possibly electric,
small hammer and Phillips screwdriver,
protective gloves and glasses

What you need to remember when installing a chimney yourself

Based on the method of construction, chimneys can be divided into internal or external. Let us consider in more detail in which case you need to choose one or another option.

Thus, the internal structure of the chimney can be used for the construction of heating systems based on heating boilers or fireplaces. Such systems are usually installed inside walls. After installation, such chimneys are closed in the thickness of the wall and decorated. As an advantage, it can be noted that such a system is not subject to moisture condensation and is well protected from the influence of atmospheric moisture.

However, combustion products passing through the chimney have a higher temperature. Consequently, sections of walls running next to internal chimneys become very hot and can catch fire. Thus, it is not recommended to install internal chimneys in walls built from flammable materials. Also, such systems are not recommended for powerful boilers with a large flow of hot combustion products.

chimney components

It is recommended to install an external chimney for industrial and simply large heating systems. Usually they are arranged if the area of the heated room exceeds 500 square meters. Also, such a chimney can be installed if the installation of an internal chimney involves significant difficulties. So, in a building with concrete walls and ceilings, it is easier to break through a slab between floors than to drill a channel in the wall.

Types of chimneys

Pipes are made from different materials, which we will consider in more detail.

Brick

Classic brick chimneys for gas boilers are still in demand, regardless of their many disadvantages and weak thermal characteristics. At the same time, they meet sanitary standards and rules, which state:

The pipe is made of fireclay bricks.
To build the walls, a clay solution or special glue is used.
To improve draft, the chimney rises above the level of the roof ridge.

Standards regulate the height of the pipe in relation to the roof ridge depending on the distance between them. Source kamin-estet.ru

The masonry ensures tightness.
At the internal hole, the deviation is no more than 3 mm per 1 m.
To protect against precipitation, a deflector is installed on the head of the pipe.

The chimney can also have a mono design, which, due to low thermal characteristics, is repaired every 5-7 years.

Galvanized pipe

The “sandwich” type device today is the most effective option for chimney designs. The undoubted advantage of these chimneys is their resistance to aggressive environments and various mechanical influences.

The product consists of two pipes of different sizes, with one inserted into the other. Basalt wool is usually used as a filler between them.

Coaxial chimney

Currently, gas boilers use closed combustion chambers. Here, air enters and smoke is exhausted by a coaxial pipe. This is an original device, relatively recently introduced, but already very popular among users.

The non-standard solution lies in the supply of air through a pipe that removes combustion products. It turns out that one pipe performs two functions due to the design features.

A coaxial chimney is a pipe in a pipeSource rubankom.com

And its characteristic difference from ordinary pipes is the following... A smaller pipe (60-110 mm) is located in a larger diameter pipe (100-160 mm) in such a way that they do not touch each other.

At the same time, the structure is a single whole due to jumpers along the entire length and is a rigid element. The inner pipe serves as a smoke exhaust, and the outer pipe serves to supply fresh air.

Air exchange at different temperatures creates draft and sets the air mass in directional movement. The air in the room is not used during operation of the boiler, thus maintaining the microclimate in the room.

Ceramic

Such a chimney is a composite structure that includes:

Smoke exhaust duct made of ceramic material.
A layer of insulation or air space.
Expanded clay concrete outer surface.

This complex design is due to several reasons. First, the chimney pipe is too fragile to be left unprotected.

The ceramic tube is always located inside some solid blockSource heatylab.com

Secondly, ceramics have high thermal conductivity, and therefore it needs reliable insulation. The inner round pipe has a smooth surface, while the outer one has roughness that does not affect the integrity of the product.

Typically, such chimneys are produced in lengths from 0.35 to 1 m, depending on the manufacturer. The connection of the inner and outer pipes occurs through a lock, which is a thinning in outer size at one end and an expansion of the inner pipe at the other end.

The expanded clay concrete outer surface is made of a square shape with a round hole inside. In addition, this product provides space for insulation, which is held in place by metal bridges. At the same time, they are fixed on the outer surface and make the pipe securely fastened.

Stainless steel

A steel gas chimney seems to be more reliable than a brick one. They are resistant to corrosion, immune to temperature fluctuations, and are not affected by increased air humidity and aggressive environments.

Stainless steel chimneySource pech-kamin.ru

In addition, such stainless steel pipes have a number of advantages:

Long period of operation.
Multifunctionality.
Relatively low cost.
Great strength.
Possible implementation of a product of any complexity.

Chimneys made of this material are characterized by an assembly of modules, which allows the replacement of a damaged segment if necessary. The installation of chimneys is done using special outlets that allow them to fit harmoniously into certain roof elements.

Advantages and disadvantages of sandwich chimneys

Double-circuit design. Shape: cylindrical.

Between the inner and outer contour there is a layer of thermal insulation.

They serve (to choose from):

basalt fiber;
vermiculite;
mineral wool.

The insulation prevents the pipe from cooling quickly and protects against the formation of condensation in the internal cavity.

To mount the chimney into a single piece, sections of pipes 1 m long are inserted into each other.

The internal module is made of durable hardened stainless steel.

A chimney made of sandwich pipes is suitable for use in fireplaces, coal-burning stoves, wood-burning stoves, in a gas boiler, or as a hood for a gas water heater.

Among the main advantages of the design:

The sandwich is easy to assemble. Pipe sections with the narrow end are inserted into the wide one, the joints are sealed with sealant.
There is no need to pour a massive base under the furnace device.
To be repaired. Damaged sections can be replaced without dismantling the entire pipe.
The light weight of the parts speeds up assembly.
Even a beginner can handle the installation. No need to buy special tools or equipment.
Condensate does not stagnate in such a pipe and soot plugs do not form.

Among the disadvantages, users highlight a short service life - up to 15 years, while brick chimneys can last for decades. In addition, due to frequent sudden changes in temperature, parts are susceptible to contraction and expansion, which means they may lose their tightness.

What is

The device is designed for attaching both a stove and a boiler chimney to the wall and holding it in a vertical position. It protects the pipe from displacement along the vertical axis under the influence of wind loads.

It consists of two triangular structures made of steel guides, connected by jumpers at the base and a ring for fixing the chimney.

The chimney pipe is held either by a platform with a hole to match the diameter of the channel, or by a clamp, or by cantilever guides. To provide additional strength, the fasteners are equipped with a rubber seal.

At the other end, the cantilever device is attached to a vertical surface with anchors, bolts or studs.

Frequent errors and problems during installation

Incorrect configuration. Unjustified deviation from verticality, sharp bends and excessive horizontal lines reduce the traction force in the circuit.
Insufficient or excessive shaft height also reduces the efficiency of the chimney.
If the pipe head enters the wind pressure zone, it provokes a backdraft effect.
The use of stainless steel of insufficient strength leads to its rapid wear and threatens to burn out the steel.

Stages of installing a chimney from thermal pipes

After concluding the contract, developing the project and its approval by the customer, the construction company will install a chimney in the wall or roof in stages:

An adapter is put on the stove pipe. It is lubricated with a sealant that can withstand temperatures of at least 1000 degrees. For reliability, the transition element is secured with a metal clamp.
A length of single-wall pipe is installed to prevent the sandwich from overheating, which turns to stone when exposed to high temperatures. This leads to failure of the chimney.
A heater or metal container for heating water is mounted on a single-wall pipe piece.

Metal tank for heating water in a bathhouse above the stoveSource pechimax.ru

If a chimney is installed through a wall in a wooden house, bathhouse or other building, a chimney section no more than 1000 mm long is created with a 3-degree slope towards the street.
A hole is prepared in the wall for the chimney outlet. Its diameter is always larger than the cross-section of the sandwich pipe. If the wall is made of combustible material, then the gap between the smoke exhaust duct and the supporting structure is at least 200 mm. Often a square hole measuring 400*400 mm is created.
The walls of the opening are covered with basalt cardboard.
A factory-made chimney passage through the wall is installed.

Pass-through block in the form of a boxSource masterweld.ru

A sandwich pipe is inserted into the passage block.
The empty space of the part for penetration is filled with mineral wool.
The pipe passage through the wall is covered with a decorative rosette or metal plate.
Visible cracks are filled with sealant.

A bracket with a support plate is fixed to the outer surface of the wall at the chimney outlet. Manufacturers often produce this unit together with an inspection element.
The chimney is fastened along the wall in a vertical direction. Sandwich pipes are connected to each other “through smoke” and “through condensate.” In the first case, the products are put on the narrowed ends with a socket, and in the second, the joints are made the other way around.

Methods for connecting pipes “for smoke” and “for condensate” Source obustroeno.com

The following video material will help you understand the principles of creating “smoke” and “condensate” connections:

The installation process is completed by installing the cone of the required height and the selected head. If the last section is long, a clamp with eyes is attached to it. This product allows you to fix the final section of the chimney using guy wires that are attached to fixed, durable parts of the roof.

Special clamp for guy wiresSource yandex.net

How to assemble a chimney correctly: “by smoke” or “by condensate”?

Metal chimneys consist of separate sections. To assemble a pipe from them, sections and adapters need to be connected to each other into a single whole.

When using sandwich pipes from well-known brands at the stage of assembling a metal chimney, difficulties usually do not arise. The sections are made in such a way that there is only one way to assemble them. Not to mention the detailed instructions that come with the kit.

It’s a different matter if we are talking about cheap sandwich pipes or even assembling a single-wall chimney. In this case, there are two ways to connect the sections:

“By smoke” , when the upper sections of the pipe are put on the lower ones. With this connection method, smoke moving upward passes unhindered through the pipe and practically does not settle on the walls. The same cannot be said about condensation. If it appears in a chimney that is assembled “along the smoke,” then its drops flow down to the joints and are retained there by a small step at the junction. And some of the condensate may even seep out.
“By condensate” - in this case, the upper sections of the chimney are inserted into the lower ones. Here the condensate easily flows through the pipe into the firebox, into a special sump, or directly into the sewer. But near slightly protruding joints, small turbulences are created, which lead to an increased rate of soot growth in the pipe.

What is the best way to assemble a chimney pipe? Definitely, “by condensate.”

The fact is that condensation appears in almost any chimney, no matter how you insulate the pipe. The only question is its quantity. And the condensation inside the chimney consists of dozens of aggressive chemical compounds dissolved in water. Therefore, when it gets into the joint between sections of the pipe, it gradually destroys the metal, even if it is very chemical-resistant stainless steel.

In addition, moisture at the junction is an excellent trap for unburned particles in the exhaust gases. Because of it, the pipe joints are quickly covered with a thick layer of soot.

Collecting a chimney “by smoke” is permissible only if we are talking about a pipe with a diameter of up to 100-120 mm, which is used to remove gases from an intensely burning stove. For example, from a sauna stove, if it operates only in two modes: “high flame” and “everything is burned out, the firebox is cooling down.” But even in this case, it is better to give priority to the removal of condensate, although its amount will be minimal.

Do it yourself or order it?

You can only make a brick chimney yourself or a structure from an insulated single-layer steel pipe. But laying smooth and beautiful walls of a brick pipe is more difficult than laying just a brick wall, and you must have the skills of an experienced mason. Single-layer pipes will have to be insulated; the quality of self-insulation is much worse than that of ready-made factory-made pipes.

You can independently install a chimney made of ceramics and sandwich pipes. It is impossible to manufacture elements of such chimneys on your own, but the industry produces many modules that allow you to assemble a pipeline of any design.

The question of whether to install a pipe yourself or hire a team of professionals is quite complicated. Installing a chimney is quite a complex job, and it is worth thinking about and carefully assessing your capabilities: is it possible to take prefabricated scaffolding or scaffolding of the appropriate height, will you have assistants, do you have the skills to install building structures, how do you react to height.