Expert: James Ball - 11/29/2010

Question
QUESTION: I bought a insert and ran double wall thru the roof... I get no smoke what so ever as long as i do not run the fan for more heat...  thru trail and era I have come to the conclusion some of the smoke is slipping out thru the inside box on the top and when i turn the fan on it seeps out in time...My plan was to take the top off and get the half inch heat tape (the tap you but for glass doors on  insert)and go completely around the top using it as a gasket then putting the screws back in.. My question is that would the tape withstand the heat and i thought of also putting it on the bottom.

ANSWER: Hello Tom, sounds like there is a crack/gap in the firebox (this can be very dangers) did you contact the manufacturer of the insert (an insert sits in a fireplace and you use SS flex to go up the chimney) is this even installed correctly?  
if you start trying to seal this "crack/gap" your self you could do more harm than good.
I would not try to repair this unless the manufacturer told you how, replace the insert or wood stove and be safe.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  what i need to know is can you use the  heat type sold by ace hardware and other establishment.. As far as being safe it has been inspected by the state.  

Answer
Welcome back Tom, I would not repair a stove/insert with out the manufacturers instructions, manual, or directions, just be cause the "state" inspected it (do they know about the smoke leak) does not mean it is going to be safe to use for you home and family. I do not know what "tape" you are talking about? they make a "Rope" for sealing stove/insert doors but that is not for sealing cracks/gaps. I know you are set on using this stove/insert from what you describe and maybe I am not understanding you but with out seeing it I can not tell you some thing I feel would be unsafe, you might want to 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