Chimtek

Looking to build a new chimney in the house to install a Harman stove for burning coal.

I've read a bunch on NEPA about the various types and styles of chimneys. I've spent hours navigating various threads about all sorts of discussion about chimneys.

I've seen on NEPA both sides of stainless... people love it... people hate it. I've seen recommendations to never use it with coal, and also to only use it with coal.

I looked at the Ventis product from Olympia but they only sell to certified "chimney sweep association" members. And their "forever warranty" seems to have many catches that makes it difficult to take advantage of. Paying to have this type of chimney installed would take the cost from about $1500 for just materials to over $3000 to include installation.

So in the midst of the confusion, I've chosen to look hard at a block and clay chimney.

I built a block chimney about six years ago at a previous house for a wood stove. The chimney looked nice and the project went well... but I made some mistakes. Does anyone know of a DIY website that offers good, clear, guidance and instructions on building a chimney from scratch? Again, I've spent hours viewing and reading and haven't really come up with anything solid.

I talked with a local chimney dealer (mostly about the stainless products) and he sent me information about this Chimtek product. Does anyone have experience with this "chimney system"?

Thanks,
Tom

Use a block with clay liner for coal.
Stainless is a waste.

By all means, a properly sized masonry chimney is the best choice if it fits the location of your stove. I've had both and the masonry chimney at my old house used for wood was a creosote maker, located on the north side near trees, it ran cold. I wouldn't go so far to sat that stainless is a waste. Moisture is a killer for stainless so if your installation will be in a dry location, it should last. In my first floor location, I couldn't use a masonry chimney so I went with stainless. It's always dry, never too humid and never damp like a below grade installation can be. The set up is entering its 13th season with all the original parts still in place and as sound as they were when installed. Concern yourself with moisture if you look at stainless.

c Pm me im a mason Den034071 sonday Jack

I was going to go stainless chimney, until many have warn be about it. I figure it was cheaper then mason and wouldn't be a issue. I'm so glad to have listen to everyone and went to mason chimney. Cost was cheaper then SS and also I'll never be replacing chimney do to rot.

OldAA130 wrote:Looking to build a new chimney in the house to install a Harman stove for burning coal.

I've read a bunch on NEPA about the various types and styles of chimneys. I've spent hours navigating various threads about all sorts of discussion about chimneys.

I've seen on NEPA both sides of stainless... people love it... people hate it. I've seen recommendations to never use it with coal, and also to only use it with coal.


Thanks,
Tom

you've seen recommendations to use stainless with coal on this site!!!??? When it comes to coal and stainless there's really no "two sides". Stainless won't last; if you're unlucky 2-3 yrs. if you are lucky perhaps 10.

THE CHIMTEK DIFFERENCE Chimtek Inner Liners are made of volcanic pumice and high temperature refractory cements. Its round shape provides even temperature inside flue and contributes to efficient flow of smoke and flue gasses. The volcanic pumice in Chimtek liners adds considerable insulating value

Have yet to instal it but got the info from DS Machine Stove.
I like this type of system as it has a lip to lock the liners.
The pumice will keep a warmer flue.
I too would like to hear from someone who has installed one.
Anything is better than stainless other than not having a chimney at all.

I've seen flue liners like that, but I've not been impressed. A well vitrified clay liner should be far more durable. with a wood burning system this may have benefits.