Why cement your black stove pipe

So I've seen some of you on here seal up the joints on your black pipe. I was told years ago that you didn't need to do that. Just screw it at least 3 places 4 if you could. I was told this by wood burners. And it's been working well without this year. Just trying to figure out if this is something I should look at doing.

For me it was about maximizing draft. I did all but 2 seams so I could easily take them apart to clean. All seams are also screwed together.

Any leak in the stove pipe acts to reduce the draft. To get the best most consistant burn and the ability to run it really low (think so low it will idle for 2 days and then fire right back up) the pipes need to be really tight, maximizing draft by reducing leaks.

I only cemented around the pipe at the stove cause there was a large 3/16" gap around the pipe.

I only cemented where it goes into the stove outlet. There was a small gap and I didn't want any CO leaking out into the house. I then used high temp silcone on some of the other seams for no real reason.

I bought a tube of fire stop for the pipe where it enters the chimney and flue. good stuff and easy clean up.

i did it for looks.....just like they say on all those food network shows.....its all about "presentation" !!!



seriously, I did it just to make sure i was controlling any air leaks that may cheat my control of the draft.

I screwed the pipes together then used foil tape around the seams. Mainly for the same reasons listed above. Anal retention of draft lol and the tape comes off easy to get into the pipes when needed.

My stove only has 1 foot of pipe before the wall thimble, and I didn't even use screws, never mind glue or tape. but then again, the stove weighs almost 400LBs, and the pipe isn't going anywhere. And the 15' of vertical SS double wall outside? Haven't put any screws in them either. (Twist-lock) Did buy some clamps for them last year. Maybe I'll do it this year. Between the weight and the brackets, They're pretty secure. They've survived a few storms too. I'll let you know if they ever fall to the ground.

I'm On Fire wrote:I only cemented where it goes into the stove outlet. There was a small gap and I didn't want any CO leaking out into the house. I then used high temp silcone on some of the other seams for no real reason.

What's a good high temperature silicone adhesive that you can recommend? What temperatures is it intended to tolerate?

Lightning wrote:I screwed the pipes together then used foil tape around the seams. Mainly for the same reasons listed above. Anal retention of draft lol and the tape comes off easy to get into the pipes when needed.

Me too.
The tape holds up well all season.

I first used foil tape, saw how much better the draft was!

Then next clean out, I cemented them together, for astetic purposes! The stove is a looker, and the tape was dragging it down!

Thanks everyone I believe I'm gonna get some tape today and follow suit.

No cement and no screws on mine. I want to be able to easily take it apart in spring.

This thing has handled SEVERAL massive explosions without fail, as I figured it would. Safe as can be.

That white crap is from when I used to clean the pipe with baking soda and water. This pic is a few years old. I found it better to just brush the ash out and keep it dry. The baking soda seemed to do as much damage as leaving the flyash in the pipe all summer.

Wow Smitty, I didn't know you could buy 8" flex pipe for stoves. Looks like a handy component when necessary.

I think putting in a sealant on your pipe joints depends upon your individual situation. I have no seal on my stove pipe joints and have no problems at all. I also have very good draft. If I had less draft, I may look into cementing the joints.

dj