awfireman said:Hi Sean,
Would you recommend going with a flex pipe instead of the standard stove pipe. I just installed crimped 6" stove pipe the whole way but wanted to know if its worth it to replace it with flexpipe.
It probably doesn't have a big impact on your smoking problem, but this is a MAJOR code violation - you are not supposed to use crimped stove pipe ANYPLACE where it can't be examined readily. This pipe is very specifically NOT approved for use in a chimney except possibly as a connector between the stove and an approved liner.
The reason is that standard steel stovepipe is not really adequate to withstand the heat of a chimney fire, and is prone to corrosion that can lead to leaks if it is where it can't be watched for problems and replaced when needed.
IF you can afford it, and it will work with your chimney the best material to use is RIGID stainless steel chimney liner. If you can't, go for Stainless steel (preferably 316TI alloy) FLEX liner, preferably insulated, and with blockoff plates at the top and bottom of your chimney that tightly air-seal the chimney. If at all possible avoid ovalizing the pipe anywhere - if necessary, cutting out the firplace damper frame to get clearance is usuall OK (though it will prevent you from being able to go back to using it as a regular fireplace)
Gooserider