Steve NW WI
Unwanted Riff Raff.
I'm putting in a new stove in about a month. I got to thinking about making some chimney improvements while I'm at it. Ideally, a triplewall setup going up through the house would be best, but house layout makes that difficult at best without some remodeling. I'm thinking a SS liner in my existing chimney is the next best option, but I've got questions.
First, the setup. I have a block chimney with a 7" square clay tile liner that's freestanding alongside the house. A piece of clay tile runs out through the block wall of the basement and to the chimney about 1' below ground level, and there is no cleanout on this chimney, I have to shove the shop vac down there after cleaning to suck out the soot/creosote. It's in good working condition, and actually drafts well 98% of the time. On the downside, I have to clean it between 3-5 times a season, even with dry wood. It's about impossible to keep warm enough to stop creosote formation without overheating the stove.
Here's a layout sketch, just for visual:
So, my questions. Smooth or regular flex liner? Solid liner (non flex)?
Poured insulation or wrap?
Are there any kits out there that I could add a 3' section of triplewall to the top of? I think I'd benefit from being a bit higher than it is.
Would it be a good idea to fill the space in the bottom of the chimney below the tee with sand? Does the bottom of the tee have a cap on it, or is it open?
How much benefit will I see from an insulated SS liner? I'm kinda cheap, and if I still need to be up there cleaning it all the time, I'll save my money and spend it on something with a better return, like a couple more new windows.
I'm sure I have more questions I just don't know to ask, but that's what I can think of right now.
BTW, checked one chimney site, 15' x 6" stainless flex setup with poured insulation was about $450 there, haven't shopped around too much yet, is this a reasonable price? Forgot the brand right offhand, but could look it up again.
First, the setup. I have a block chimney with a 7" square clay tile liner that's freestanding alongside the house. A piece of clay tile runs out through the block wall of the basement and to the chimney about 1' below ground level, and there is no cleanout on this chimney, I have to shove the shop vac down there after cleaning to suck out the soot/creosote. It's in good working condition, and actually drafts well 98% of the time. On the downside, I have to clean it between 3-5 times a season, even with dry wood. It's about impossible to keep warm enough to stop creosote formation without overheating the stove.
Here's a layout sketch, just for visual:
So, my questions. Smooth or regular flex liner? Solid liner (non flex)?
Poured insulation or wrap?
Are there any kits out there that I could add a 3' section of triplewall to the top of? I think I'd benefit from being a bit higher than it is.
Would it be a good idea to fill the space in the bottom of the chimney below the tee with sand? Does the bottom of the tee have a cap on it, or is it open?
How much benefit will I see from an insulated SS liner? I'm kinda cheap, and if I still need to be up there cleaning it all the time, I'll save my money and spend it on something with a better return, like a couple more new windows.
I'm sure I have more questions I just don't know to ask, but that's what I can think of right now.
BTW, checked one chimney site, 15' x 6" stainless flex setup with poured insulation was about $450 there, haven't shopped around too much yet, is this a reasonable price? Forgot the brand right offhand, but could look it up again.