I just got a professional install of a double-wall stove pipe and a liner for an exterior chimney. The install seemed to be done well, but once they left I did some investigating. Can anyone tell me if the following is an cause for concern? To me, it seems like a huge safety issue, with smoke likely coming back into the house and not up the flue.
Issue 1: There was previously 8” pipe going into a thimble. They kept the thimble and out the 6” double wall pipe in it. Okay, makes sense. However, there is a pretty large gap, which sends in air from the flue. They put a flimsy trim plate to cover the gap but it appears to be for looks only, as it just sits on the pipe and isn’t airtight.
Issue 2: Of much greater concern if the connection of the stovepipe into the T. There appear to be 3 screws holding the two ends together but there are gaps all around the connection (see red areas in photo). I put a flashlight in there and light goes right out that crack and into the thimble — which, as stated above in issue #1 — would then send that smoke right back into the house.
I’ve contacted the company but would love any insight from this group.
Thanks!!
