What is a chimney flue pipe?
The Dutch term schoorsteenpijp has three meanings.
1. Flue pipe
The chimney flue pipe is the pipe that carries flue gases from a wood burner or open fire to the outside. It usually consists of standard sections that slot together. As a free-standing system or as a liner inside an existing flue, it is usually a twin-wall, insulated stainless steel pipe. Where it is visible in the living room, black-coated pipe is often used.
2. Chimney pot
The term also means the narrow pot on top of a brick chimney stack, the last section of the flue. Clay chimney pots are very common in Britain.
3. Factory chimney
Finally, a more or less free-standing chimney of a factory or glasshouse is also called a schoorsteenpijp. Round factory chimneys were built with radial bricks and taper towards the top. They often had a separate inner lining wall of heat-resistant brick that was easier to replace than the thick outer wall.
Application
Tips for installing a flue pipe for a stove:
- Right system: use a system suitable for the fuel and flue gas temperature. Metal chimney systems are classified to EN 1856-1; the product designation states, among other things, soot fire resistance and the required distance to combustible materials.
- Distance to timber: keep to the manufacturer’s clearances from joists, roof boarding and insulation, and use a suitable roof or ceiling support and fire-stop.
- Single-wall indoors only: single-wall stove pipe is intended for the connecting section between stove and chimney within the room, not for passing through floors or roofs.
- Height: a flue terminal well above the roof improves draught and avoids smoke nuisance to neighbours.
- Competent installer: in England and Wales, installing a wood burner is notifiable building work; use a HETAS-registered installer or apply for building control approval, and have the flue swept regularly.
Related Terms
- Chimney
- Clay flue pipe
- Chimney cowl
- Open fireplace
- Radial brick
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