I decided to pick up my insert and perform the installation myself. The 6" SS liner was purchased at the same time as the stove but they did not include insulation (didn't raise any flags since I knew nothing about it at the time). Upon further research I found multiple threads with different insulating techniques. I placed a call with the dealer and they said insulating the liner probably isn't necessary. I called another dealer (closer to my house) to see if they had any in stock, he asked why I was insulating and said that 70% of his installs are NOT insulated.
A few points to note: My flue is lined with terracota (sp?) tile that appears solid within the top couple of feet. My chimney was swept and he did a quick inspection but did not get into the nuts and bolts of the entire flue (mainly just ran the brush and looked at the outside of the masonry and the top few feet). I would go with a 1/2" wrap insulation if I was to insulate.
So, my question to you all knowing hearth.com members, is insulation needed on an exterior chimney? What benefits does it provide that I will not get from an uninsullated liner?
A few points to note: My flue is lined with terracota (sp?) tile that appears solid within the top couple of feet. My chimney was swept and he did a quick inspection but did not get into the nuts and bolts of the entire flue (mainly just ran the brush and looked at the outside of the masonry and the top few feet). I would go with a 1/2" wrap insulation if I was to insulate.
So, my question to you all knowing hearth.com members, is insulation needed on an exterior chimney? What benefits does it provide that I will not get from an uninsullated liner?