Do you want to install a wood burning stove? Wood burning stoves are a great choice to add a cozy and rustic look to your interior spaces.
There is a lot to think about when installing a wood burning stove. The choice between double wall stove pipe vs single pipe is among the most important considerations you will need to make.
The main difference between the two types of stovepipe is that the single-wall stovepipe is suitable if you have at least 18 inches of fuel clearance. You can install double wall stove pipe if the distance from the wall is less than 18 inches.
In this article, I will explain the difference between double wall stove pipe and single wall stove pipe. You will also learn about the benefits of each type of pipe, helping you decide the best choice to install in your home.
What is a stove pipe?
Before we explore the difference between a double wall stove pipe and a plain pipe, let’s first find out: what is a stove pipe?
Stove pipe is an important part of a wood stove installation. The pipe connects from a stove and runs into a wall or ceiling and through a chimney. You can also install the stove pipe through a combustible wall if an insulated pipe protects it.
Two types of pipes are used to exhaust smoke from a wood stove: single wall stove and double wall pipe. Each pipe is constructed differently, has different installation requirements and offers unique benefits.
Let’s take a deep dive and explore the single and double wall stovepipe.
Single wall stove pipe
As the name suggests, single wall stove pipe it is made of a layer of cold-rolled stainless steel. The pipe has a smooth, almost invisible seam, which makes it easy to install.
Single wall stove pipe is best installed in a chimney or ceiling transition box to ensure that it does not come into close contact with any combustible material.
If you choose to install a single-wall stove pipe, you should avoid passing it directly through a combustible wall or chimney, as this can create a fire hazard. Safety codes require you to use Class A, UL Listed, combustible insulated pipe as a transition between single wall and combustible wall pipe.
Because it is made of a single layer of steel, single-wall pipe radiates a lot of heat. For this reason, you should only use this type of pipe in spaces with a minimum clearance of 18 inches from the wall or ceiling to minimize fire hazards.
The best quality stovepipe has a smokeless finish so you don’t smell smoke when the stove is running.
Double wall stove pipe
A double wall stove pipe it has an outer and inner wall, and between them is an air space that helps with insulation. The purpose of the double wall stove pipe is to ensure that the stove performs better by keeping flue gas temperatures high and draft constant. The superior performance combined with a longer service life ultimately offset the higher cost of the double wall pipe.
Installation of double wall pipe is similar to that of single wall pipe. You should plug it in and run it through a chimney flue or transition ceiling box.
Double wall stove pipe is best used where you have less than 18 inches of clearance. The main difference between double wall stove pipe and single wall pipe is the clearance requirement. If the space you are placing your wood stove in is small, meaning less than 18 inches of clearance, it is advisable to use double stove pipe.
Some of the best double wall stovepipes on the market have a minimum clearance requirement of only 6 inches because the outside of the pipe is impressively cold.
Double wall insulated stove pipe minimizes creosote and moisture build-up in the flue wall. When the flue heats up Faster and stays hotter for longer, there is less risk of flue gases and unburnt wood particles condensing on the chimney wall.
Creosote can be very dangerous, with the potential to cause chimney fires. This soot also gives off a pungent smell when ignited wood oven.
Because it is insulated with air, the outer wall of the double wall stove pipe does not heat up as much as a single wall pipe. Double wall is therefore a safer choice as you won’t have to worry about accidental burns if you touch the pipe. This also makes it a good choice for use in areas with a small distance from combustible materials, such as in a mobile home.
Although the double-wall stovepipe is generally cool on the outside, even when the stove is running, the inside wall can heat up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This pipe is built to withstand a maximum temperature of 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
The advantages of the single-wall stove pipe
Here are some benefits of the single wall stove pipe:
Accessibility
Cost is an important factor when purchasing and installing a stove in your chimney. Most homeowners install their wood stoves using a single wall pipe because it is inexpensive and offers ease of installation. If you’re on a budget and have at least 18 inches of clearance from combustible ceilings or walls, then single-wall stovepipe might be the best choice.
Maximizing heat
The single-wall stove pipe has only one layer and radiates more heat into the room. You shouldn’t just depend on duct heat to heat your home; the stove should do the actual heating. But if you want to get the most heat out of your machine, the heat pipe can be a useful addition.
Use of space
If you’ve always wanted a large pellet stove and have a lot of space, the best pipe to install your stove in is single wall pipe. Manufacturers recommend using this type of pipe in areas with a clearance of at least 18 inches away from combustible walls or ceilings. The upside is that even if you spend more money on a larger stove, single-wall pipe won’t cost you as much, so you may still enjoy some cost savings.
Advantages of the double wall stove pipe
Here are the benefits of the double wall stove pipe:
Efficiency
The double-wall stove pipe has an inner and outer layer, giving it superior insulation. The insulation keeps the flue gases hot, ensuring that the stove heats your room for longer at optimal temperatures. Single wall stove pipe might be cheaper, but you might save more with double wall stove pipe when you consider its superior performance.
Longer lifespan
Double wall stove pipe is of higher quality and will last longer. It is constructed using a 0.016″ stainless steel inner wall and a 0.018″ galvanized outer wall, making it more durable than single wall pipe.
Less space requirements
Single wall pipe has a space requirement of 18 inches away from the walls, while with double pipe the space requirement can be up to 6 inches from the same wall. Due to the minimum space, you can place the stove closer to the wall and further into the room, wasting less space.
Safety
Conduct with double wall becomes less hot. This means you can safely position the stove close to combustible walls. You also won’t have to worry about getting badly burned if you accidentally touch the pipe.
Minimal creosote formation
Creosote is the soot or residue from burning wood that forms inside the chimney wall. In addition to giving off a foul odor when the stove is in operation, creosote is highly flammable. Too much inside the pipe drastically increases the risk of fire. Double wall stove pipe is less prone to creosote because it allows the chimney to burn faster and stay hotter for longer, minimizing the build-up of burnt wood residue.
Double Wall Stove Pipe vs. Single Wall: Which is better?
Many factors will influence your choice of either double wall or single wall stove pipe. One of those factors is cost, with double wall costing slightly more than single wall stovepipe.
Because it is made of two layers of steel, the double stove pipe is of superior quality and will serve you longer. The pipe is also insulated, making it energy efficient with superior performance when heating your home.
Finally, double wall stove pipe is less prone to creosote build-up, so there is less risk of accidental fires. The pipe also gets less hot, so you can place the stove closer to the wall without worrying about serious burns if you happen to touch the surface.
Single wall stove pipe works well. It may be the best option if you’re on a budget and have enough room for your stove to meet the 18-inch clearance requirements.
In general, although you will pay less for single wall stove pipe, double wall stove pipe is a much better option in terms of performance, longevity and safety.
I hope our double wall stove pipe vs. single wall stove pipe comparison helps you choose the best one based on your needs and preferences!