We have a very old farm house with a brick chimney that goes right up through the center of the house. Because the brick is so old I lined it with 6 inch stainless Duravent. Do I need to insulate between the brick and the stainless with something? I have heard of using vermiculite. Should I do this and if so, where would I get it? The chimney is about 45 ft. tall. I have a fortune in stainless and I want to make sure it's right. Thanks.

-- David Oelker (daoelker@ticona.com), January 29, 2001

Answers

Hey David: Is the Duravent pipe double or triple wall? If it is, no insulation is needed. If it is single wall some insulation may needed but I am not sure what to recommend. Tim in SC.

-- Tim Price (thprice60@hotmail.com), January 29, 2001.

Hi!!! I wouldnt think you would need to insulate between the 2, the stainlees pipe will keep any sparks or flames from hitting the bricks ( that may have cracks and gaps) as long as there is no direct flames hitting the bricks they should take the heat....

-- Troy Swift (ToyboyTroy94@aol.com), January 29, 2001.

David, this is one case where you should probably find a *very* good chimneysweep or stove installation expert and pay a few bucks for them to come over and look at your particular situation. BTW, what did the folks at the shop where you bought the Duravent say?

-- Cash (cash@andcarry.com), January 29, 2001.

david, there should be no concerns reguarding safety whether you used single of multiwall pipe. when i used to clean chimneys i noticed a much greater buildup of creosote in single wall or air cooled flue pipe. The theory being that insulated pipe holds the heat thus keeping the temperature higher which inhibits creosote formation.good luck .

-- jz (oz49us@yahoo.com), January 30, 2001.

Hi! Please let me know what you find out because we have a chimney that MUST have a liner before we can began using it again!!! And with the high costs of propane we are going to switch back to primarily wood heat by next winter! Thank you! Suzy in 'Bama at slgt@yahoo.com

-- Suzy in 'Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), January 30, 2001.