Making a chimney from metal pipes with your own hands

An appropriately designed chimney is essential for effectively heating your house. Even though traditional brick chimneys are common, building one out of metal pipes can be a useful and affordable substitute. It has good heat retention and ventilation in addition to being long-lasting and simple to install. We’ll go over how to build a metal pipe chimney in this tutorial so you can improve your home’s heating system on your own.

Understanding the advantages of choosing a metal pipe chimney is crucial before beginning construction. Metal pipes provide a more straightforward solution than brick chimneys, which call for expert masonry work and a substantial amount of construction time. They are the perfect choice for do-it-yourselfers or those on a tight budget because they are lightweight, manageable, and simple to assemble with common tools.

Furthermore, metal pipe chimneys can be easily customized to meet the unique requirements of your house. For best results, you can customize the chimney’s dimensions and configuration whether you’re building a new system or retrofitting an old one. Furthermore, metal pipes have a long lifespan due to their resistance to weather damage and corrosion.

Choosing the appropriate materials is one of the most important factors to take into account when building a metal pipe chimney. Because of their strength and resistance to heat, pipes made of stainless steel or galvanized steel are frequently utilized. Selecting pipes that are the right thickness and diameter is essential to safely managing the heat produced by your heating appliance. By reducing heat loss and avoiding condensation buildup, high-quality insulation can also increase the efficiency of the chimney.

Scope of application of tubular metal chimneys

Using such materials has a number of benefits:

1. Low weight. Electro-welded pipes with a wall thickness of 0,5-1,5 mm are used for chimneys. The total load of this construction allows it to be used for all types of stoves, including metal sauna stoves, brick stoves of closed and open design, slow burning stoves in greenhouses and dwellings, as well as for other types of heat sources.
2. Tubular devices do not require special support structures in the form of foundations.
3. Long service life. For galvanized pipes it is 10-20 years, and manufacturers of stainless steel products declare viability for 100 years. Of course, there is no actual data on this issue.
4. Simplicity of installation of the chimney from pipes allows you to easily cope with this task even a person with minimal skills of a home craftsman.

The steel chimney device for a sauna stove is an extremely basic device.

The cost of steel pipes is the only thing that restricts their use; this is true only of stainless steel pipes.

Video: what you need to know about metal chimneys

Types of steel pipes for chimneys

There is a large selection of steel pipes with various purposes available in the profile construction store.

1. Single-walled – made of galvanized or stainless steel, cheap, used for repair of existing chimneys.
2. Multilayer – consisting of an outer shell and an inner conductive pipe, made of stainless steel, galvanized or are made of combined. This allows you to significantly reduce the price. The space between the two walls is filled with heat-resistant insulation, for which refractory basalt wool is often used.

Sandwich pipe works great in chimneys.

Coaxial pipe is a relatively new product on the market.

Types of chimneys

These devices can be divided conditionally based on the components they use as follows:

• single;
• multilayer.

Their high corrosion resistance to acid condensate and strength make the materials used in their manufacture stand out. A spotless surface helps ensure that all soot and moisture are eliminated from the flue channel.

Single-story homes are frequently utilized. These kinds of technical fixes are used to retrofit older chimneys with more modern heating systems. They use round, oval, or square-shaped pipes. They are produced using stainless steel of the austenitic grade. Although enameled pipes are made as well, their use is limited due to their sensitivity to mechanical effects.

Extra protection is required for a single chimney.

The fire safety rule, which stipulates that combustible materials must be at least one meter away from the nearest wall, should be followed when installing a single chimney.

Using two layers in construction has benefits of its own. Such a chimney’s walls have a thermal insulation layer that lets you lower the inner pipe’s cooling, which reduces the amount of condensate that forms. Because condensate has an acid reaction and other materials, including galvanized steel, will not function well in such conditions, the inner pipe is made of premium steel.

An insulated two-layer chimney already exists.

These chimneys have to be positioned at least 20 centimeters away from walls made of combustible materials. The wall is covered in a backing layer of metal that is lined if this cannot be prevented. It is constructed from refractory material, such as sheets of asbestos.

Chimneys are installed in the following ways:

1. Internal. Such a structure can be lifted vertically from the stove through the internal floors and roof pie. Its main disadvantage is that condensate flows directly into the furnace, increasing its concentration in the flue gases. The result can be an unpleasant acrid odor in the room and accelerated wear of the chimney.
2. External. In this design, the chimney is discharged horizontally from the stove through the wall. For this purpose, two elbows are used, which can have a rotation angle of 30, 45, 60 or 90 degrees. In this case, the outer one has the form of a tee, and at the bottom there is a container for condensate collection. Installation of the vertical part of the chimney is made parallel to the wall, the pipe is attached to it with the help of brackets and clamps.

Accessories

The chimney cannot be put together without the use of fittings. They are intended for:

• fulfill the contours of the engineering systems;
• changes in the direction of the pipeline;
• transition to another diameter;
• draught adjustment;
• condensate collection;
• protecting the upper end from precipitation, leaves, debris and nesting birds.

Additional components are required for the chimney assembly made of pipes.

You can build any kind of chimney with your hands by using these design components. The draught will be significantly reduced if the horizontal sections are longer than one meter.

In this article, we"ll explore how to make a chimney using metal pipes, a practical DIY project for enhancing the heating and insulation of your home. By constructing a chimney with metal pipes, you can effectively channel out smoke and gases from your fireplace or stove, ensuring proper ventilation and reducing the risk of indoor air pollution. This project is not only cost-effective but also offers flexibility in design and installation, allowing homeowners to customize their chimney according to their specific needs and preferences. Whether you"re aiming to upgrade your existing chimney system or looking to install a new one from scratch, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and valuable tips for a successful and efficient metal pipe chimney construction.

Calculation of chimney parameters

The power indicator serves as the foundation for determining the chimney’s height and diameter.

The height of the chimney has a direct impact on the performance of the boiler or furnace. For household appliances it is 5 m. This characteristic is stipulated by SNiP requirements for residential furnaces. The measurement is taken from the grate of the appliance to the hood. At a lower height, the natural draught in the stove will not provide effective combustion of fuel, it will smoke and will not produce the optimal amount of heat. However, the possibility to increase the height is limited. Experiencing the natural resistance of the pipe walls, the air will be slowed down by the excessive length of the channel, which will also lead to a decrease in the draft.

Chimney length selection rules

The following guidelines are used to determine the chimney height for private homes:

1. The pipe should be at least 5 m.
2. Exceeding the end of the chimney over a conventionally flat roof by at least 50 cm.
3. For a pitched roof, the pipe, the axis of which is no further than 1.5 m from the ridge, and if there are superstructures, then from their highest point, the value of the excess is 0.5 m.
4. When the distance to the ridge is 1.5-3.0 m, the end of the chimney should not be lower than the level of the ridge.
5. When taking out the chimney at a distance of more than 3 m from the ridge, in particular, when exterior installation, the angle between the level of the horizon and the conditional straight line between the ridge and the end of the pipe should be at least 10 degrees.

The chimney’s location determines its height.

In order to prevent creating fire hazards, it is important to consider where to lead the chimney through the roof and to avoid placing it next to skylights or other similar devices.

Calculation of chimney cross-section

For a circular section, the channel size can be calculated in the order listed below. It is the ideal shape because flue gases move in a spiral pattern and swirl rather than in a single, monolithic jet. Gas flow is impeded in rectangular ducts by swirls that form at the corners. In order to determine the cross-sectional value, multiply the result by 1.5.

The following input data will be required:

1. Stove capacity, i.e. the amount of heat generated by the device per unit of time at full load.
2. Temperature of flue gases at the furnace outlet, usually taken within the range of 150-200 degrees.
3. The velocity of the gases moving through the channel (is 2 m/sec).
4. Chimney height.
5. Natural draught (is 4 MPa per 1 m of the chimney).

There is a clear correlation between the amount of fuel burned and the chimney cross-section size.

Smoke doesn’t move straight ahead.

The circle area’s transformed formula must be used in order to complete the calculation: D 2 = 4 x S * Pi, where S is the cross-sectional area, D is the smoke channel’s diameter, and Pi is the number of pi, which equals 3,14.

The gas volume at the point where they exit the stove and enter the chimney must be ascertained in order to compute the cross-sectional area. This value is derived from the formula Vgas = B x Vtop x (1 + t / 273)/ 3600, where B is the amount of fuel burned, Vtop is the tabular coefficient (found in GOST 2127), and t is the temperature of the gases at the furnace outlet (a temperature within 150–200 degrees is typically accepted). This calculation is dependent on the volume of combustion fuel.

The formula S = Vgas/W, which calculates the area of the cross-section, is based on the ratio of the volume of gases passing through to their velocity of movement. The final version uses the ratio D2 = Vgasx4/PihW to determine the required value.

After performing the required computations, the chimney’s diameter should be 17 cm. This ratio is appropriate for a stove with an hourly fuel consumption of 10 kg at 25% moisture content.

The computation accounts for the use of non-standard heating units. If the device’s power is known, all that needs to be done is apply the chimney’s expertly recommended parameters:

• for devices up to 3.5 kW – 140 x 140 mm;
• at 3.5-5.0 kW – 140 x 200 mm;
• at power 5,0-70 kV – 200 x 270 mm.

The area of a round chimney’s cross-section should not be less than the rectangular chimney’s computed value.

Video: how to calculate a chimney for a solid fuel boiler

Materials and tools for making a chimney

Prior to buying the parts, fasteners, and equipment needed to complete this task, it is essential to ascertain the device’s design and complete a sketch project, of which a material list comprising all the required parts is an essential component. You can get an estimate of the costs by including the cost of the materials in this list.

Drawing up the chimney is advised prior to construction.

The device must be installed from bottom to top, or from the furnace to the head, and the following tools are needed for this:

• transition device of fittings from the stove to the pipe, depending on the design may need an outlet;
• multilayer pipe;
• Schieber;

Schieber permits controlling the draft

The short list of tools could look something like this:

• drill with drills for concrete and wood;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver or wrench to install the fasteners;
• plastic inserts (dowels) for fixing the brackets;
• hammer.

Additional tools might be required depending on the chimney’s design; this will be determined when creating a sketch project.

Installation of the chimney with your own hands

The metal chimney’s components are ready for installation to such an extent that assembling it only requires a series of basic tasks that don’t call for specialized training or expertise.

The entire procedure could resemble this:

Installation of the stove in its permanent location, fixing.

The stove ought to be placed as far away from anything that can catch fire as feasible.

Insulation is required at the points where the metal chimney and the ceiling come into contact.

Condensate is collected through the pipe outlet’s bottom hole.

The building’s chimney can be found both inside and outside.

When passing through a chimney, ceiling, or roofing pie, the same structural protection technology used for walls is applied.

An umbrella is placed over the chimney on a pitched roof to keep precipitation from getting into the roof hole.

Insulation is required at every point where the chimney joins the wall and roof.

Using sandwich pipes makes installation much simpler because their surface temperature is significantly lower than that of single pipes.

It is imperative to consider the design features of chimney pipes. The landing spots made during production provide jointing, so when installing them, you must align them properly in space. The internal insulation layers are also interlocked during the installation of multilayer pipes.

Steel chimney assembly has the major benefit of not requiring welding.

Video: installation of sandwich chimney with your own hands

Chimney insulation

Only in the case of single-pipe usage is such an operation carried out. Reducing the amount of condensation and shielding flammable buildings from the effects of high temperatures are essential.

Basalt wool is the ideal material for this application because it is completely non-combustible and doesn’t release any toxic fumes during a fire. Additionally, it is employed in the production of multilayer pipes.

Insulation of a metal chimney may not always be required

An insulating layer of aluminum foil should be installed on top of the insulation. It is installed in layers of 10 to 12 centimeters, starting from the bottom. Water cannot penetrate the thermal insulation layer because of this arrangement, which guarantees that the joints are oriented downward.

Features of operation

Despite their many obvious benefits, metal chimneys require more care during assembly and operation:

1. They should not be located near other utilities, such as electrical wiring or plumbing systems.
2. Before starting installation work, the internal longitudinal joints of pipes should be covered with a special sealant, because they are in conditions of temperature difference, which gradually weakens the joint edges.
3. When cleaning stainless steel pipes, it is better not to use traditional metal balls with a wire "hedgehog". From their influence, the mirror-like inner surface is damaged, which makes it difficult to drain condensate into the storage tanks. It is better to choose a brush made of synthetic materials.

The most efficient cleaning technique is mechanical cleaning.

Materials Needed	Metal pipes, elbows, brackets, screws, metal mesh, insulation material (e.g., rock wool), heat-resistant paint
Tools Required	Measuring tape, marker, drill, screwdriver, hacksaw, gloves, safety goggles
Step 1	Measure the height and width of your roof to determine pipe length and placement.
Step 2	Cut metal pipes to required lengths using a hacksaw.
Step 3	Assemble pipes into desired chimney shape, using elbows for corners and brackets for support.
Step 4	Secure pipes together with screws.
Step 5	Install metal mesh around chimney to prevent debris from entering.
Step 6	Fill any gaps between pipes with insulation material to improve heat retention.
Step 7	Paint the exterior of the chimney with heat-resistant paint for durability.
Step 8	Ensure proper ventilation and clearance from combustible materials before using the chimney.

One practical and affordable way to increase your home’s heating efficiency is to build a chimney out of metal pipes. Homes can ensure a safer and more efficient heating system while saving money on installation by choosing a do-it-yourself approach. Metal pipes are a good choice for venting smoke and gases from a fireplace or wood stove because of their strength and ability to withstand high temperatures.

The flexibility that metal pipe chimney construction offers in terms of installation and design is one of its main benefits. Dissimilar to conventional masonry chimneys, which necessitate careful construction and ample room, metal pipes are easily manipulated to fit into confined spaces and complement a variety of architectural designs. Their adaptability renders them a perfect option for both new building endeavors and home renovations.

Additionally, since they have personally contributed to increasing the comfort and energy efficiency of their home, do-it-yourself enthusiasts can be proud of the craftsmanship of their handmade chimney. With careful installation and safety measures taken, homeowners can experience the coziness and warmth of a wood stove or fireplace without having to pay for an expensive professional installation.

It is imperative to acknowledge that constructing a chimney using metal pipes necessitates meticulous planning and compliance with regional building codes and regulations. To reduce the risk of fire and preserve indoor air quality, it is essential to make sure there is enough ventilation and space between combustible objects. Additionally, homeowners should maintain and inspect their chimney on a regular basis to quickly address any wear or damage.

In conclusion, building a chimney out of metal pipes is a useful and doable way to improve your home’s heating efficiency. DIY enthusiasts can successfully complete this project and enjoy the advantages of a safer and more effective heating system if they have the necessary supplies, equipment, and knowledge. Homeowners can experience the coziness and comfort of a crackling fire while saving money and lessening their environmental effect by embracing the do-it-yourself mentality.