Expert: James Ball - 11/22/2010

Question
I have a new wood stove with 7" flue opening whereas the previous wood stove was a 6".  While the insulated stainless steel chimney is 8" there is the 6" interface shroud installed at the ceiling of the basement where the wood stove is placed.  Can I use a short 7" to 6" reducer at the ceiling (given that it immediately opens up again to 8" chimney the rest of the way) because it looks like I would otherwise have to rip out a fair amount of finished ceiling in order to remove and replace this ceiling shroud to install one with 7" opening?  

Answer
Hello PAt, it sounds like you have a 7" stove collar and a 8" chimney flue and need to from 7 to 8 (do not down size ever)? if so they do make an adapter in "Stove pipe" that will work for you (you have to remove the 6 to 8), do not use galvanized and check with your local building department and I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James