How to old metal chimney removal?

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Mattsp

New Member
Nov 1, 2025
2
Canada
Hey all,
I need to remove this chimney from a recently purchased cabin. What is the easiest way to do this? Do I need to remove all the staples at what i think is the joint and try to pull them apart? Or does a guy just sawzall the chimney into manageable pieces?

I know new chimneys typically have twist lock connections or locking bands...but Im unsure on this old chimney.
[Hearth.com] How to old metal chimney removal?
 
If you can remove the staples it looks like it should come apart. I’ve never seen one fastened like that. Those are some tight clearances! The ceiling and roof is right up against that pipe!

Depending on the weight, length, and type of roof I might try to lift it out in 1 piece too. A person inside can do the heavy squatting and the person on top guide the weight and help lift a little. Drop it off the roof in 1 piece.

A sawzall is what I’d turn to if the first 2 don’t work. Wear a respirator. You don’t want to breathe any fibers set free. Maybe cut the top off outside where the fibers will not get trapped in the building, then lift the rest out and drop it off the roof.
 
I dunno, that doesn't look like a legal install. The chimney pipe is right up against the wood.
 
Correct, that is why I am removing it.

Insurance says even if Im not using the stove to get insurance the whole system needs to be removed or updated.

It needs to be completed by the 15th so ill be going back out and try to remove the staples and see what happens, but the sawzall will be coming for sure. I just can't see it being possible to lift the thing out in one piece. As it must be super heavy.
 
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There are some pretty nasty looking chimneys here in cottage country where I live,it boggles my mind how they get insurance at all,and they are using them