Is an insulated liner always recommended?

[LynneMcK]

Looking into a Lopi wood burning insert. My supplier says I don’t need an insulated liner because the chimney has no exterior wall. Of course, once it goes above the roof, all walls are exterior. Thoughts?

 

[begreen]

That is not the determining factor. The clearance of the chimney structure from combustibles is. An interior chimney needs 2" clearance all the way up, an exterior chimney needs 1". If the interior chimney has 2" clearance then the clay liner also needs to be in good condition, no cracks, gaps, etc. If flawed, insulate the liner.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

For all intent and purposes, it is always recommended.

 

[bholler]

Yes it is always recommended. And almost aways needed to meet code

 

[LynneMcK]

That is not the determining factor. The clearance of the chimney structure from combustibles is. An interior chimney needs 2" clearance all the way up, an exterior chimney needs 1". If the interior chimney has 2" clearance then the clay liner also needs to be in good condition, no cracks, gaps, etc. If flawed,

This site is so much more knowledgeable than the suppliers I’ve called. How do I find a dealer who knows all this stuff?

 

[Ctwoodtick]

This site is so much more knowledgeable than the suppliers I’ve called. How do I find a dealer who knows all this stuff?

It’s tough. You probably won’t get a dealer with all the knowledge you’d hope for. I think “fact- checking” what dealers tell you on this site is a good plan. At the end of the day, their goal is financial.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

In general, I think knowing as much background information as possible about your install is the best course of action.

I’ve found dealers who didn’t know their product well many times.

Now I just go in looking for a specific item. Get that item, and leave.

 

[Burnin Since 1989]

It’s tough. You probably won’t get a dealer with all the knowledge you’d hope for. I think “fact- checking” what dealers tell you on this site is a good plan. At the end of the day, their goal is financial.

True! My local dealer sells, wood, gas (ng and propane) and electric stoves ZC fireplaces and inserts. BBQ's, smokers, outdoor fire pits and a bunch of other stuff.

Not to mention parts for all of the above and chimney parts and a ton of other stuff.

I prefer to know what I want before I call or visit.

I had an online company spec out a new flue system, stove pipe and chimney. Straight up through the one story ceiling/roof. They added on extra lengths of class A chimney pipe that I didn't need and a roof support that I didn't need. Added about $500- to their quote. I went looking somewhere else.

 

[EbS-P]

This site is so much more knowledgeable than the suppliers I’ve called. How do I find a dealer who knows all this stuff?

Well…. Many don’t. Some don’t care. Some are uninformed but willing to learn and do it right. Ask questions you know the answer to. When’s does a code require an insulated liner?
If on site ask
Does my chimney meet that code? (Look find the easiest place to verify your chimney does not meet code). After this you will get a sense if you think they are capable of doing the job. Breaking out a clay liner is hard work. Many people wouldn’t want to pay for that.

 

[begreen]

This site is so much more knowledgeable than the suppliers I’ve called. How do I find a dealer who knows all this stuff?

Let the dealer or installer know that your insurance requires a code compliant installation, understanding that a lot of stove salespeople are not that well informed about installation. They job is to sell product.