
The
purpose of a chimney pipe is to take the combustion products, i.e, smoke and
gases from the appliance to the atmosphere outside the home, and at the same
time, to draw air for combustion into the appliance. Steel chimney pipes
have become a popular, low-cost alternative to conventional brick chimney.
Steel chimney pipes are made by different manufacturers, but all meet the
same basic design standards. They begin with two steel cylinders, one inside
the other. Then they pack the gap with insulation. In almost every case, the
insulation is made of ground-up fiberglass plus silica.
Rigid or flexible, steel chimney pipe always come in some type of
insulation around it. The steel provides a continuous, even lining, and the
insulation forms an additional layer of protection. Steel is preferred over
other material because of its acid and heat resistant qualities. Steel also
has uniform material strength throughout the entire structure providing more
consistent and predictable results than wood. Steel chimney pipes are
constructed properly, structurally sound and can be properly installed.