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Factory-built chimneys are required, by code, to be Listed (safety certified) in accordance with a safety certification standard.
In the USA – the national standard for factory-built chimneys is ANSI/UL103 – “The Standard for Factory-Built Chimneys, Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance”. This standard qualifies the chimney system for use with appliances burning liquid, gas and solid fuels with flue gas temperatures at 1000O F maximum, continuously and with non-positive internal pressure.
In Canada – there are two national standards for factory-built chimneys. ULC-S629 is the standard for 650O C factory-built chimneys and applicable to chimneys intended for use with gas, liquid and solid fuels, with maximum 650O C flue gases continuously and non-positive internal pressure. ULC-S604 is the standard for factory-built chimneys limited to use with gas or oil fired appliances. Certain wood burning fireplaces are Listed for use with certain ULC-S604 Listed chimneys.
The two Types of Chimney described are 1/ Factory-Built Metal Chimneys and 2/ Masonry Chimneys.
Most Factory-Built Chimneys are similar in that they are constructed of at least two round metal tubes with insulation in between (whether the insulation is simply air, or one of several different ‘fibre’ types). The major types discussed here are: Solid Pack, Blanket, Triple-Wall and Air-Cooled.
Solid Pack Chimneys are characterized by a packed-in-place insulation placed between two walls and are known for their high insulating value. Due to the fact that Solid Pack Chimney actually contains more insulating material than other types, they perform better by maintaining higher flue gas temperatures and lower temperatures on the outer casing. These chimneys also feature a slim-line design that allows easier installation. Manufacturers carefully protect the ingredients of their proprietary insulation mix, which may allow some Brands to outperform others. Common Brand Names are: Selkirk Metalbestos, SuperVent, SuperPro, Security Chimney, Hart & Cooley and Energy Vent.
Blanket Insulated Chimneys are similar to Solid Pack designs, except they use Insulation Blankets that are cut to size and applied inside the Chimney’s walls. Blanket Insulated Chimneys typically contain less insulating material than Solid Pack designs, yielding a lighter weight product. Common Brand Names are: ICC/Excel, Dura-Vent (Dura-Tech), Metal Fab.
Double-Wall, insulated Class-A Chimney (both Solid pack and Blanket types) keep your house protected by
insulating - keeping your flue gasses hot. This method of chimney design does not
hamper a strong draft the way Triple-Wall system does.
There are two types of triple wall chimney designs – Combination (blanket & air) and Air (only)-cooled. The combination blanket / air cooled Triple-Wall Chimney design typically combines some fibre blanket insulating material with an air-insulated section.
The air-cooled triple wall system (also know as a thermal syphon system) relies strictly upon movement of air between walls to keep the system cool.
The outside diameter of Triple-Wall Chimneys are typically larger than Solid Pack or Blanket Insulated designs.
Common Brand Names for combination air / fiber insulated triple wall chimneys are: Dura-Vent (Dura-Plus) and Ameritec
Air Jet is the most common Brand name for the air-cooled triple wall designed.
Triple-Wall Class-A chimney keeps your house protected by cooling vent gasses. Cold air is drawn in to the venting between the outer and second pipe and cools the inner liner where flue gasses are passing through. Cooling down hot flue gasses will decrease drafting (chimney effect), increase moisture (where hot meets cold) and promote creosote formation, which potentially lead to Chimney fires.
Certain factory-built fireplaces are offered with a Double Wall, Air-Cooled chimney system. This is NOT A GENERAL USE CHIMNEY and is limited to use with only the specific fireplace(s) with which it is Listed (safety certified).
As the name implies, Double Wall Air-Cooled Chimney relies on air to provide insulation between the inner and outer pipes. Double wall Air-Cooled fire place chimney designs typically rely upon air taken from within the structure to assist in cooling and are characterized by large outside diameters. In cold climate areas, these systems are often criticized as being sources of cold air infiltration when the system is not in use. As such, they tend be be more popular and perform better in areas with warm climates and at low altitude. This type of Chimney is commonly found on built-in, factory-built wood burning fireplaces. As indicated above, they are NOT designed, certified or intended as any type of a general use chimney system and should NEVER BE USED WITH ANY APPLIANCE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LISTED. Few, if any wood stoves are ever approved for use with this type of chimney. Common Brand Names are: Heatilator, Majestic, Temco.
A conventional masonry chimney, made of brick, block or stone could be a suitable option, depending on the appliance you choose. There are several types and brands of liners that can be installed in masonry chimneys to improve their performance. If yours is a high performance appliance, you should consider an upgraded liner. Note that full stainless steel liners for fireplace insert installations are mandatory in Canada, and strongly recommended everywhere.
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