Is it the consensus of the experts on this forum that ICC Excel systems are the safest among the, what, half dozen possible venting manufacturers?
ICC Excel
- Thread starter Charles2
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil. -
Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here
- Status
It's pretty high quality stuff, & well engineered.
The lifetime replacement warranty is kinda nice as well.
The lifetime replacement warranty is kinda nice as well.
All of the Class A chimney systems are tested to the same standards standards and offer lifetime warranties.
We install excel, dura-tech, and TLC from Hart&Cooley. They all have good qualities, but none really set one above the other in my opinion. TLC is much heavier and is constructed of 316 SS on the outside and inside.
We install excel, dura-tech, and TLC from Hart&Cooley. They all have good qualities, but none really set one above the other in my opinion. TLC is much heavier and is constructed of 316 SS on the outside and inside.
If the others test out similar or better than this then one should probably shop on price.
- EXCEL is tested and listed to the ULC S-629 chimney standard. The ULC standard is generally considered the toughest residential chimney standard in the world. The USA standard requires the chimney to withstand three 10-minute 2100°F chimney fires. The Canadian standard requires the chimney to withstand three 30-minute chimney fires, three times longer than the USA.
Like webby said they are pretty much all good. The main differences are the material on the exterior and how the joints are done. We use olimpia ventis usually and it slips together and gets screwed which i like some guys prefer the twist lock. It is pretty much down to preference. And yeah most of the systems sold in the states are also tested to ulc standards as well. But that can be checked easily.
Think about that though. A 10 minute flue fire! After seeing a few, I can't imagine 10 minutes, of it. To get a class A to have a 10 minute flue fire it would have to be severely neglected!
I researched this topic last year and in the end I was just as undecided as when I started. Then it sunk in to my over researched mind that I burn good wood, never had more than just brown powder film on the inside of my older setup that I clean every fall and the chances that a chimney fire would happen were very slim to none.
That thought changed my purchase outcome and saved me some $. However I do prefer SS inside & out and different brands have better fit and looks depending on what you are installing through such as metal or shingle roof, through a side wall or straight up…..etc Those questions may influence your purchase outcome more.
Happy burning, Todd
That thought changed my purchase outcome and saved me some $. However I do prefer SS inside & out and different brands have better fit and looks depending on what you are installing through such as metal or shingle roof, through a side wall or straight up…..etc Those questions may influence your purchase outcome more.
Happy burning, Todd
skinanbones
Feeling the Heat
I have installed most of major brands over the years, Excel, Dura tech, Dura plus, Metalbestos, Metal Fab, GSW. I've been a bit suspicious of the 'open coupler' brands like Excel, Metal Fab and Ventis after I saw some Metal Fab fail in the field due to a non factory cap/ lack of proper storm collar. Follow the instructions and use only factory parts and you'll be fine. Dura Tech is my personal fav.
Looks like Duratech does.
(broken link removed to http://www.duravent.com/ProductCategory.aspx?c=8)
"WHAT IS ALL-FUEL? A system designed and built to exhaust wood, coal, oil, or gas fired low heat residential appliances. These systems are commonly called a "Class A chimney" or a "Factory built chimney". These are mainly used on free standing stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces. This product comes in double wall or triple wall construction. This type of system is listed to UL 103, UL 103HT, ULC S629, or ULC S604."
(broken link removed to http://www.duravent.com/ProductCategory.aspx?c=8)
"WHAT IS ALL-FUEL? A system designed and built to exhaust wood, coal, oil, or gas fired low heat residential appliances. These systems are commonly called a "Class A chimney" or a "Factory built chimney". These are mainly used on free standing stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces. This product comes in double wall or triple wall construction. This type of system is listed to UL 103, UL 103HT, ULC S629, or ULC S604."
I thought the 430 stainless steel used in DuraPlus HTC is better than 304 stainless used in Excel, but ICC says otherwise. I thought the higher the number the better. Why am I wrong?
Last edited:
Thats not how it works. 400 series is ok for the exterior. 304 is good for wood 316 is good for just about all fuels but it costs quite a bit more than 304.
I am far from a metallurgist but i have been told that 400 series stainless will not hold up to heat as well as 300. I could be wrong for sure maybe someone with more knowledge on this will chime in
But i did look and some simpson products do use 430 i have not heard of that before. We usually dont use simpson stuff other than ventinox. so i dont know allot of the details about their products.
But i did look and some simpson products do use 430 i have not heard of that before. We usually dont use simpson stuff other than ventinox. so i dont know allot of the details about their products.
DuraVent says 304 expands twice as much as 430, which could lead to gaps in the Excel insulation and hot spots. Any truth to that?
Also, how does one choose between double-wall and triple wall? Is triple wall safer?
Also, how does one choose between double-wall and triple wall? Is triple wall safer?
Last edited:
I dont like the idea of using 430 as an interior liner personally everything i have ever been told has been use 304 or 316 for wood and that is what i will stick with. No triple wall is not safer it is generally cheaper and in my opinion does not preform as well.
It is the same type of insulation but not as thick that is why they need the air space in order to keep the outside temperature down. They didn't just put a third wall on just because they felt like it
- Status
Similar threads
