if I used steel I would put it indoors up through the floor and ceiling/attic with a chase around it.
I have no experience with steel chimneys, my current chimney is a masonry chimney with a square flue, it is in bad shape and needs to be replaced, lining won't work as the problem is the concrete block cracking not the clay liners. I have been told steel is better but I have no facts on that or real reason for it being better.
I would not disagree with the benefits of the steel. But in some instances the aesthetics of steel or vinyl chases is just disagreeable. A well-built masonry chimney will last a very long time. They should not be used (or should be lined with ss) when 90+ appliances re vented thru them. Though most current 90+ are direct vent and do not need any chimney. I don’t know the ins and outs of chimney fires, but I sleep well at night with a lot (well built) masonry between a chimney fire and my house.
. Maybe I will do a masonry with a steel flue, have the best of both worlds?
Coondawg - As far as longevity, I installed my Metalbestos SS chimney in 1979, and it is still going strong, and I burn 24/7.I won't be getting bids on anything, I don't hire contractors unless I absolutely have to. I know the SS chimney sections are expensive, I also know the material for a masonry chimney isn't overly expensive. The steel chimney would go up faster obviously. My biggest concern was I don't have experience with the SS chimney so I don't know how long they will last, I have seem many indoor masonry chimneys last a long time, I haven't seen much steel in my area so I didn't know how long it lasts, I don't want to go through the building of a chase and everything and then in 10 years have to tear my walls apart to replace a section of pipe. I am sure this wouldn't be a problem it is just something I am unsure about.
I am not against using steel but I guess I wasn't really wanting to have to build a chase in my house right now, I need every inch of space I have available until I remodel and add on. but maybe that would be the smartest way to go about it.
IT dont really take that long to put up a masonry chimney. ANd they will last the life of the structure if done right. Iv seen one go up in less than 2 days.If mine were outside, i would definitely put up masonry,all inside perhaps SS.I won't be getting bids on anything, I don't hire contractors unless I absolutely have to. I know the SS chimney sections are expensive, I also know the material for a masonry chimney isn't overly expensive. The steel chimney would go up faster obviously. My biggest concern was I don't have experience with the SS chimney so I don't know how long they will last, I have seem many indoor masonry chimneys last a long time, I haven't seen much steel in my area so I didn't know how long it lasts, I don't want to go through the building of a chase and everything and then in 10 years have to tear my walls apart to replace a section of pipe. I am sure this wouldn't be a problem it is just something I am unsure about.
I am not against using steel but I guess I wasn't really wanting to have to build a chase in my house right now, I need every inch of space I have available until I remodel and add on. but maybe that would be the smartest way to go about it.
masonry chimney... will last the life of the structure if done right.