Difference between Insert kits and Tee kits
Insert kits include an adapter which connects the chimney liner directly to the gas or wood stove or fireplace insert. They are very common for fireplace insert installations (stove installed inside the fireplace opening) and the chimney is directly above or almost above the flue outlet of the insert (the wood stove or gas fireplace insert).
Tee kits are used for non-insert installations, where a wood, gas or pellet stove is not inside the fireplace and is instead in the living space (or basement). The tee fitting serves as a horizontal-to-vertical transition for venting the stove to the chimney. Regular stove pipe (or pellet stove pipe) runs from the stove to the tee and the liner is connected to the tee from the top. The 3rd tee outlet points down and is used for cleanout (cap included).
Why these kits?
316Ti steel is specifically designed for chimney liner applications, is a variation of the 316L steel with improved performance characteristics in corrosive and high-temperature environments.
0.006" thick steel is 20% thicker and therefore stronger and more reliable than the common 0.005" liner.
Triple-Lok construction provides industry's best, air-tight and leak-proof seam.
Lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Insulating the chimney liner
The code requires that chimney liner used for wood burning applications must be insulated. All other uses (oil and gas) do not require insulation.
There are several insulation options available:
1. Purchase a
pre-insulated chimney liner instead. The upside is a much easier, quicker and cleaner install. Downside is the higher cost.
2. Use ceramic chimney liner insulation kits - another popular choice. The upside of this method is lower cost comparing to option #1. The downsides are more labor (wrapping and securing the insulation to the liner), handling the insulation (use of PPE is mandatory - gloves, masks/respirators, goggles, long-sleeve shirts, etc.) and absence of an exterior jacket which protects the insulation wrapping from damage during the installation and moisture after it is finished.
3. Create a minimum 1" thick layer of insulation around the liner using vermiculite-based insulation mix. The upside of this method is the lowest cost compared to options #1 and #2. The downside is it is the hardest and most labor-intensive option of all.
