Heating with wood can be very rewarding. When a properly lined chimney is not an option, a wood-burning stove can be installed with Class A insulated stainless steel stove pipe. These few simple steps will help you understand the limits and possibilities of insulated stove pipe installation.

Step 1: Heat easily escapes through single-wall stove pipe. Using single-wall pipe to run from the stove to the insulated chimney pipe is the best way capture heat as it escapes out the pipe walls. Single-wall stove pipe needs a minimum clearance of 18″ from combustible materials, such as walls and ceilings.

Step 2: Class A insulated pipe requires a minimum clearance of 6 inches from ceilings and walls. Pipe running through living areas and storage areas should be enclosed. A 2-inch clearance is required between insulated pipe and its enclosure. Pipe mounted on the outside of a home or installed in an unoccupied space does not need to be enclosed.

Step 3: Too long or multiple bend installations can reduce air flow and impede the operation of the system. Insulated pipe chimneys should not exceed 20 feet in length. This length should be reduced by 10 percent for every 90-degree bend and 5 percent for every 45-degree bend in the run. Horizontal sections of pipe must be angled 1/4 inch for every foot of the run to allow creosote and moisture to flow back toward the stove.

Step 4: Chimneys can be designed to run straight up through ceilings and attics, exiting the roof above, or they can angle off from the wood stove, exit through an exterior wall and run up along the outside of the home.

Step 5: Proper supports, joist shields and attic insulation shields are an integral part of a secure and safe chimney system.

Step 6: Insulated pipe chimneys need to extend 3 feet above the roof line and 2 feet above any peak within 10 feet of the exposed chimney pipe.

Step 7: A round top, storm collar and roof flashing should be installed to protect the system from weather-related damage.

Step 8: The key to any stove pipe installation is proper planning and design. Read all of the installation literature before beginning assembly. A properly installed insulated chimney can last a lifetime, which makes it well worth the investment of time and money.