If you're installing a wood stove — or if you already have one — the question of chimney liner sizing is critical. In most cases, a new or relined flue is required. Here's why.
Wood stoves are designed to work with a specific flue size. The flue needs to be large enough to draw combustion gases effectively, but not so large that the gases cool too quickly before exiting — which leads to creosote buildup and poor draft.
Most older masonry chimneys have flues that are sized for open fireplaces, which require a much larger flue than a wood stove. Connecting a wood stove to an oversized flue results in poor draft, excessive creosote buildup, and a fire that's difficult to control.
The solution is to install a stainless steel liner sized specifically for the stove — typically a 6-inch or 7-inch liner, depending on the appliance.
If you're replacing one wood stove with another of similar size and output, and the existing liner is in good condition and properly sized, you may not need a new liner. A will confirm the liner's condition and sizing.
Building codes in most jurisdictions require that wood stove installations include a properly sized, listed chimney liner. Installing a stove without addressing the liner is a code violation and can void your homeowner's insurance in the event of a fire.
The correct sequence for a wood stove installation is: select the stove — see our guide on choosing the right wood stove — determine the required flue size from the manufacturer's specifications, inspect the existing chimney, and install a liner if needed. Elijah handles this process from start to finish — stove placement, liner sizing, liner installation, and final inspection.
Horizon Chimney Sweep serves Vancouver, Woodland, and all of Southwest Washington. Licensed, locally owned, and honest about what you need.