Expert: James Ball - 1/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: How can I connect the 8 inch stovepipe  through the flue opening which is about 6 inchs x 24 up to the new 6 inch liner. Randy mentioned an Oval? The distance from the Flue opening and the begining of the Liner is more than 3 ft.

ANSWER: Hello Donn, you can not down size smoke pipe on solid flue (check your local building department and if you do it might void your home owners insurance) so either install an 8" insulated liner and oval the past 3' to get it thought the damper (Or cut out part of the damper saddle) or get a smaller stove.
Do not do this job half way or it could be deadly. 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


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

QUESTION: I have been advised. The stove is NOT 8". The stove had been fitted with a 6" to 8" adapter. My concern now is the width of the opening of the chimney flue is 4" x 24". Can you explain in layman terms what needs to happen for me to start heating with the stove. I'm just trying to see what bases I need to cover. The fireplace is constructed of brick. The chimney is stone. Terra cotta is now lined with 6" S/S liner.

Answer
Welcome back Donn, why was the stove fitted with a 6 to 8 adapter?, if the 6" liner is in the chimney why did they not bring it all the way into the fire box?
If your stove is truly a 6" exhaust collar then you can use that liner (you still have to get it into the fire box) the stove's owners manual will tell you what you need (I would not use a stove that I did not have the owners manual for, If you get me a model # I might be able to find it for you)
so lets say every thing is right, you now need to get a 3' piece of 6" liner oval to fit through the damper area and connected to the existing 6" liner (must have at least 3 screws and the upper liner must fit into the lower liner) then to the back of the stove and the Damper area must be sealed (you can use attic insulation with no paper backing).
At this point you might do better to contact the certified sweep and check with your local building department for local install codes.
James