Stove to thimble connection and how to handle

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Tylevek

New Member
Nov 2, 2025
1
Massachusetts
Hey all, I purchased a new absolute steel for my house to replace an old VC intrepid. Picked up the stove today and removed the old VC but now I am wondering if there is anything different I should do for my pipe/flue connection.

The old VC and pipe could be pulled straight out of the flue/clay thimble without issue. Pipe was inserted a few inches into the chimney and finished with a trim piece. Now with the new AS, I’m wondering if I should reconsider how this is done; in my mind it doesn’t seem like the VC connection was properly done considering the smoke stains on the brick, but I am struggling to find the right resources online to verify this.

[Hearth.com] Stove to thimble connection and how to handle [Hearth.com] Stove to thimble connection and how to handle [Hearth.com] Stove to thimble connection and how to handle
I’ve attached a few photos for reference, one with how the old VC was connected and a couple showing the flue opening. I also had my chimney swept last year and asked the sweep if everything seemed in good shape and he had no real concerns with the flue and chimney.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
That's the correct way. Some furnace cement can be used around the lip of the thimble or some thin glass gasket material, to help seal it. The cement will probably fall off over time.

PS: the chair looks too close to the stove. Hope this is only in the summer.