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?
Is an insulated liner always recommended?
- Thread starter LynneMcK
- 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.
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.
Yes it is always recommended. And almost aways needed to meet code
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.
Burnin Since 1991
Feeling the Heat
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
Minister of Fire
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.
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.
So the company says they will do an insulation wrapped SS liner for about $600 more. Sounds like they will just wrap the regular liner. Is that right, or are there actual liners that come insulated?
Some come pre-insulated and others do not and need to be wrapped with the insulation on site.
Having a hard time here. The two places I've contacted are still insisting I don't need the insulated liner. They refer me to the Lopi installation manual for the wood-burning NexGen hybrid insert large format model, which doesn't specify an insulated liner. Does anyone have a link to building code that describes this requirement?
I'm no expert, but if you know what brand and model liner they propose to install, look at the installation instructions.
NFPA 211 specifies code. Most localities go by that, but some may be different so check your local code.
You are the one who determines what you "need." Do you want a safer chimney, less creosote buildup and better draft performance (especially on a short chimney?) If so, you need an insulated liner.
NFPA 211 specifies code. Most localities go by that, but some may be different so check your local code.
You are the one who determines what you "need." Do you want a safer chimney, less creosote buildup and better draft performance (especially on a short chimney?) If so, you need an insulated liner.
You have been given good advice above...insulate it!
A few hundred extra dollars is cheap to have peace of mind when you are talking about containing fire...inside the home that you and your family live/sleep in! Not to mention that it will make the chimney draft better, and run/stay cleaner
I just got done fir the day and was coming to supply the code. You beat me to it lol
Ultimately you are the customer even if they insist it isnt required, you get to make the decision. it's your house and your money
We should compile a list of wood stove specific codes and make it a sticky thread or an article, or both.
I had a Lopi Answer installed in a fireplace about 15 years ago. The installer put in an uninsulated liner and no block-off plate. I didn't know better. This year, the house owner (my ex) had to have some chimney work done and upgraded the liner to an insulated liner (my recommendation). The stove burns SO MUCH better - starts faster, draws better - than with the uninsulated liner. Nothing else changed. I experienced this firsthand when I was house sitting about a month ago.
So tell them you want what you want - an insulated liner.
If you can find someone to also install a block-off plate with mineral wool insulation above that then you will really be in business. I added this to that install about 3 years ago and that also really helps keep the heat in the house.
Similar threads
