Flexible Flue Liner and Kits

Flexible stainless steel flue liners are commonly used in chimney systems to improve the safety and efficiency of wood stoves, fireplaces, and other heating appliances. They are designed to fit inside the chimney, providing a smooth, continuous pathway for exhaust gases to escape. Here are some key benefits and considerations:

Benefits:

1. Flexibility: Flexible liners can navigate around bends and irregular shapes in chimneys, making them ideal for older or unique chimney designs.
2. Corrosion Resistance: Made from stainless steel, they resist corrosion and rust caused by the byproducts of combustion, such as moisture, creosote, and acidic gases.
3. Improved Draft: A properly sized flue liner can help improve the draft, which increases the efficiency of stoves and fireplaces.
4. Safety: Flue liners prevent hazardous gases like carbon monoxide from leaking into living spaces. They also protect the chimney walls from excessive heat, reducing the risk of chimney fires.
5. Versatility: Suitable for various fuel types, including wood, gas, oil, and coal.
6. Easy Installation: Flexible liners are relatively easier to install compared to rigid liners, especially in chimneys with offsets or irregular shapes.

Installation Considerations:

• Sizing: It's crucial to choose the correct diameter and length of the flue liner to match the heating appliance’s specifications and the dimensions of the chimney.
• Insulation: In some cases, insulation is added around the liner to maintain proper temperatures and prevent the build up of creosote.
• Certification: Ensure that the flue liner is certified to meet local building and safety codes.

316 or 904 What's the Difference?

The main difference between 904 grade and 316 grade stainless steel flexible flue liners lies in their composition and resistance to corrosion, which makes them suitable for different fuel types and chimney environments.

316 Grade Stainless Steel Flexible Flue Liners:

• Composition: 316 grade stainless steel contains chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum increases its resistance to corrosion, especially from chloride or salt environments.

• Corrosion Resistance: 316 grade offers a good level of resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for most standard applications.

• Best Suited For:

  • Wood-burning stoves: Suitable for use with wood or coal-burning appliances.
  • Occasional use: Good for chimneys that are used moderately.
  • Standard fuels: Handles the byproducts of burning wood, gas, or low-sulfur fuels.

• Durability: 316 grade flue liners are durable but may wear out more quickly if used with highly corrosive fuels or in harsh conditions.

904 Grade Stainless Steel Flexible Flue Liners:

• Composition: 904 grade stainless steel is an upgraded version of 316 stainless steel with a higher content of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. The higher levels of these elements make 904 grade much more resistant to acidic and corrosive conditions.

• Corrosion Resistance: It offers superior corrosion resistance, especially against the acidic byproducts of combustion (e.g., creosote, moisture, and sulfuric acid), making it ideal for more demanding applications.

• Best Suited For:

  • Multi-fuel stoves: Recommended for use with wood, coal, gas, and especially oil.
  • Heavy use: Designed for chimneys in constant or frequent use.
  • Highly corrosive environments: Excellent for situations where higher levels of acidic condensate are produced, such as when burning high-sulphur fuels (e.g., oil) or in very damp conditions.

• Durability: 904 grade liners are longer-lasting and more resistant to corrosion over time, making them a more reliable choice for installations that involve high heat or highly corrosive gases.

When to Choose Each:

• 316 grade: Suitable for homes with wood-burning appliances or occasional use, where the environmental conditions aren’t overly aggressive.
• 904 grade: Best for high-use chimneys, multi-fuel applications, and when burning corrosive fuels like Smokeless Coal