What is the best chimney?

[BrianN]

There are probably 100 threads on this, but, honestly, I don't have time to search. I have to head to work in about 2 minutes.
Is a 2" insulated chimney a 2" insulated chimney?
I went to one dealer to get a quote, and he said "Oh, don't buy from these people, their product is crap. Ours is the best out there" I can't remember his brand though.
How many different brands of insulate chimney are there? What do you think is the best? Which should I steer clear of?
The 2 that I have quotes on so far are Excel, and Sentinel. Oh, and there is the Home Depot Brand, I think that is one that I will stay clear of though.
I will have a look tonight when I get home what is available in my area and compare to what responses I get.

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[DAKSY]

Excel is what I have in my own home & would recommend it to anyone. Pricey, yes, but covered with a lifetime replacement warranty.

 

[Pallet Pete]

I have Simpson and it is great ! Home depot sells Duravent I believe which is Simpson. Every dealer has the best lol don't listen to that response in fact we bought our own because of that response from ever dealer we went to. Two had the same brand but we where told that theres was better because of such and such a feature. We ended up saving a fortune over their prices close to half at least buy purchasing our own chimney and installing it. Our chimney met all the requirments and to be honest it feels just as sturdy as all the dealers do. As long as it meets the requirments I would not worry about it. People have chimneys from tsc, lowes, home depot, menards, local hardeware stores, and even ebay and amazon on hearth.com. It doesn't matter where as long as it meets specs.

Pete

 

[oldspark]

Not sure there is a "crap" brand out there, it has to meet specs, I would question a dealer who told me that with out facts.

 

[billb3]

I have Hart and Cooley in the house
and duravent in the work shed.
Pros and cons with both.

But functionality ? I don't see any obvious huge difference.

 

[jeff_t]

You're right, lots of choices out there.

Everything sold in the US has to meet the UL 103 HT standard, which is to withstand three 10 minute, 2100° chimney fires. The ULC standard is three 30 minute fires. Excel meets the ULC standard.

They all get the job done safely. IMO, if you burn your stove properly, with dry wood, and keep the chimney clean, then you don't have to worry about chimney fires.

 

[begreen]

ICC Excel is considered the top of the line here.

 

[charly]

I bought Excel pipe for my Fireview.. Nice stuff..

 

[Holiday]

The one nice thing about Excel is it is a one inch wall which could make for an easier install in some circumstances. I used Excel, I agree it is nice. Haven't worked with others, I'm sure they would be fine too.

 

[FyreBug]

We certify our ZC's on all brands of chimneys. Our engineers and lab folks seem to agree that best performing (thermal transerance to outside flue walls), quality and ease of use is Olympia chimney.

They seem to have better grade of SS for inside flue, they have the only insulation that is not carcinogenic and have a 'forever lifetime' warranty that is transferable to the next home owner. It seems to be a favorite of professional sweeps and installers. However, pricier than your average chimney.

 

[Treacherous]

ICC - FTW

 

[oldspark]

The one nice thing about Excel is it is a one inch wall which could make for an easier install in some circumstances. I used Excel, I agree it is nice. Haven't worked with others, I'm sure they would be fine too.

The clearance is not one inch for the pipe itself, from the excel site.
"2” clearance except in areas protected by factory-built supports certified for reduced clearance. EXCEL round and square supports permit the chimney to be installed with approximately 1 inch of clearance - in the area shielded by the support."

 

[Holiday]

Yes the clearance is definitely 2". What I meant was for a 6 inch pipe the overall od would be 8" as opposed to a 2 inch wall it would be 10". Add your 2" clearance to that and it could make for an easier install if room is tight. In most cases I'm sure it doesn't matter much.