Do You Need AchimneyFor A Log Burner?

Mar 06, 2024

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Wood burning stoves and log burners add so much character to a home. There's no denying that. But without a chimney, many people may find it impossible.
In today's article, we'll look at whether or not a chimney is required to install a wood-burning stove or log burner, and discuss the best ways to use or not use your existing chimney in your home!

 

cast iron log burner 5kw

cast iron log burner 5kw

 

What extra work is required to install a wood burning stove without a chimney?


In order to deal with the potentially harmful substances that wood burning stoves inevitably release due to open fires, you will need to install a double wall flue system.
Although it's an extra job, a wood burning stove in a home with no chimney or a false chimney will require the installation of a double wall flue system as this will keep your home safe and ensure that the wood burning stove in your home is working properly.

What is a double wall flue system?
A double wall flue system is a series of connectable stainless steel pipes that do essentially the same thing as a brick chimney: that is, they vent the smoke from your wood-burning stove outside so that it no longer poses a threat to you and your home.

What does a double wall flue look like?
To do its job effectively, a double-wall flue pipe or stovepipe is simply a stainless steel tube wrapped in thick insulation and then wrapped with an outer tube.
The reason a flue system needs such a thick insulated pipe is because it keeps the temperature inside the flue high enough to allow harmful substances to escape outside through the pipe network.

 

small cast iron stove antique

small cast iron stove antique

 

How do I install a wood burner flue system?
There are two options when installing a system in a home without a chimney.
External double wall flue system
For an external installation, the main stove pipe will be connected to the stove itself and then to another pipe on the outside wall. The pipe will need to run through the brick masonry and up the exterior wall of the home to the roof where the byproducts of the fire can be released.
Internal double wall flue systems
If you choose to install it internally, the flue pipe simply runs through the ceiling of your home until it reaches the roof, where it releases the byproducts again.

vintage cast iron wood burning stove

vintage cast iron wood burning stove

 

Which option is best?
If you're not sure whether an internal or external installation is best, speak to an engineer or qualified construction professional who may be able to advise you on the best solution for your home.
Otherwise, in most cases, it will depend on your preference. Do you feel that installing steel pipes on the exterior of your home will ruin the exterior aesthetics? Do you have enough space indoors to cut holes in the ceiling to install the pipe without feeling like you're losing space in the room?
Actually, the decision is yours. As long as the installation is safe and the wood-burning stove or log burner works properly, it doesn't matter whether the flue is indoors or outdoors.

 

cast iron wood burner stove

cast iron wood burner stove

 

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