Trying to cut through the marketing hype - stainless class-A solid pack chimneys

[Detector$]

Guys,

Lots of UL approved stainless inner/outer stainless class-A sold-pack chimneys.
I'm getting ready to buy some 6" Chimney with the stove (Jotul Firelight F600 CB) and you guys have installed them (making you the experts).

What are the real differences between the:
Metalbestos Ultra-Temp-HT Platinum
Security Chimneys Secure Temp ASHT+
Simpson DuraTech

Which is best (in your opinion)?
Any other brands I should look at?

Also, what's the deal with the Simpson DuraPlus (solid-pack w/ air space) triple-wall? Is it even better?

In addition, am I missing the boat all together by not looking at the triple wall air-insulated chimneys?

Thanks SO much!

 

[babalu87]

I think they are all about the same.
We used Selkirk pipe and havent looked back.

 

[jtp10181]

They are all tested to the same standards. One thing to look for is packed insulation vs insulation wraps. Simpson I know uses an insulation wrap, they claim the packed insulation can settle over time and make hot spots on the pipe. The wrap obviously wont move at all.

If you are going to have an exterior or a lot of chimney outside maybe consider the DuraPlus. Supposedly the air chamber helps keep the pipe warmer but we don't use it so I can't really compare it to the DuraTech.

We use DuraTech because some of fireplaces have to use the Simpson gas vent. So... we already use them for one thing might as well use them for everything.

 

[bowhunter3714]

I don't know much about this subject but I always research (did dip) into any product I buy if its more then a 100.00 dollars or so. I'm going with Stainless steel Duraplus. I will be ordering it tomarrow after taking my second set of measurements. Why? Because after all the research from this site, talking to friends, co-workers and anyone in passing over the past 13 months I have come to realize that I get what I pay for. I'm not putting down any other make of chimney. Other brands have been in use for meny meny years. However for me this is an investment with a 25 year warranty. A friend of mine had a flue fire. We had a power outage from an ice storm last year and his pellet stove had to be turned by hand. Well his kids added to meny pellets and the pack chimney liner was nearly destroyed from the heat.
The following is stright from the Simpson Dura-Plus company.
1. Stays cool on the outside at all times to protect the building durning normal stove operation.
2. Stays hot on the inside to discourage the deposit of creosote while providing the correct draft for stove efficiency.
3. If a red hot creosote chimney fire does erupt, The Dura/Plus design does two things: It lets the hot metal flex and expand freely so the metal cannot warp and it cools the chimeny. Results, both the chimeny and building are protected. Dura/Plus is the only metal chimney that meets these three requirements of chimney fire safety.
Hope this helps.

 

[builderbob]

You could also add ICC Excel chimney pipe to you list (Industrial Chimney Co.)

 

[Detector$]

I'll look into Excel.

RE the DuraPLUS.... should I be concerned that the inside layer is NOT stainless?

 

[swestall]

Were I to go through such an effort and expense: I would certainly get all stainless inside/outside. After all, that is going to last longer than most of us.AKA you won't have to redo it....

 

[bowhunter3714]

Dura/Plus is stainless steel inside all there chimneys.

 

[jtp10181]

Dura/Plus is stainless steel inside all there chimneys.

All Class A HT will be SS inside. He was saying to get SS outer shell as well. Both Simpson DuraTech and DuraPlus are available in SS outer.

 

[bowhunter3714]

Correct, thats what I'm installing. Dura/Plus with SS both inside and out.

 

[kgrant]

Can the different brands be connected together? Is there a standard on the threads/joints? Say if I wanted to add on to my existing chimney (to create more draft), do I need to figure out what brand I already have installed?

 

[Detector$]

Thanks guys.... let me clarify and make a correction.
Per the Simpson DuraPLUS catalog.
Stainless or Galvanized outer wall...
Stainless inner liner...
BUT....ALUMINIZED STEEL INTERMEDIATE LINER

I definitely want stainless outer wall and inner liner. My concern is with the "aluminized intermediate liner".
Won't the two different metals expand and contract at a different rate and possibly cause warping?

Why not just stick with the DuraTECH stainless/stainless solid-pack?

Is there an advantage to the DuraPLUS having that PLUS the air chamber?

 

[jtp10181]

That steel section is in the middle. Its an engineered and tested piece of pipe. I would trust the engineers. People already posted reasons why you might want the DuraPlus instead of DuraTech.

 

[bebopin]

Here is 1 more manufacturer that I am looking at.http://www.chimneylinerinc.com/index.html
Just copy and paste link.

 

[woodjack]

If it's for a wood stove why would you need a stainless steel outer wall? According to the Simpson Dura-Vent website, they recommend the DVL. It has a stainless steel inner wall and an outer wall that's galvanized and painted black that they say is "the closest clearance to a wall of any connector pipe" (provides a 6" wall clearance). A stainless steel outer pipe is probably a lot more expensive. It seems like overkill - unless you're willing to pay for the look of a stainless outer pipe.

 

[Metal]

Stainless Steel casings are recommended when living close to salt water or burning oil or coal (or any highly corrosive atmosphere). Galvanized is fine most other applications.

Any of the brands listed by the OP will outlive the house if installed and used correctly.

You cannot mix/match brands as they are not tested for that at UL and the connections are different (on purpose).

Solid pack is cheaper to build but heavier and can settle leaving air gaps, blanket is more expensive to build but is more consistent, is lighter, and won't settle.

Simpson-Duravent uses the triple wall because air is cheaper than insulation, the other reasons are marketing related.

 

[backpack09]

I went with Duravent Galvi for my chimney, 25 year warrenty... ill probably have out grown the house by then.

 

[clark_bailey]

Just completed my install with the ICC Excel, went well, very easy. I used 18 feet of pipe to get the height I needed. Draft is good hot or cold. No complaints from me on the ICC.