Creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.

INSTALL STOVES PIPES, ELBOWS, AND OTHER FITTINGS WITH THE CRIMPED END TOWARD THE APPLIANCE

Always insert the stove pipes to the stove collar with the crimped end or male end pointing down. It is necessary to have the stove component’s male end point toward the stove to ensure condensation and creosote travel down only within the pipe to prevent creosote leakage. Connecting pipes this way will result in adequate condensation. It will allow the creosote to flow within the pipe and return to the firebox to be burnt and fully dissipate. See picture.

Exposed creosote is not only unappealing; it is also a fire hazard and a health risk. Avoid creosote leakage by properly installing a stove pipe.

TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN INSTALLING WOOD STOVES

Stove Pipe Components

• 18-in minimum clearance from combustible materials is required
• 24-gauge, cold-rolled steel construction for durability and lasting performance
• Black matte paint coating that resists heat, surface scratching, and chipping
• Paint coating that tolerates maximum continuous operating temperatures of 700° F, with short exposures up to 800° F
• Crimped male ends on most stove pipe components for snug pipe connections
• Install crimped end down toward the stove to prevent condensation or creosote leakage
• Secure stove pipe connections with at least three (3) self-drilling stove pipe screws

Heat Shield and Stove Boards

• Heat Shields can reduce the clearance between stove pipe and combustible materials by 67%
• Stove Boards or thermal hearth pads (Type 1 or 2) insulate and shields floors, walls, and ceiling from heat, hot coals, ashes, and soot
• Stove Boards (Type 2), when used as a wall protector, require 1-inch clearance from walls; use wall spacers
• Combination of stove boards, stove pipe, or elbow heat shields in any wood stove installation is a standard practice

Types of Installation