The best ways to insulate a metal chimney pipe in a bath. How to insulate a chimney

Any owner of a country house or cottage with stove heating faces the problem of chimney insulation. To the question: is it necessary to do this, the answer is unequivocal - yes. This will protect the channels for the removal of combustion products from premature destruction and extend their service life.

Why does a chimney need to be insulated?

In the case of a chimney, insulation is not quite the right term; in fact, we are talking about thermal insulation. It must be done to prevent the rapid destruction of the chimney. There are several reasons for this:

Vapor compounds with combustion products are poisonous. Once in the room, they can cause poisoning of the inhabitants.

The essence of chimney insulation is the creation of a heat-insulating barrier around the pipe, which reduces the temperature difference with the environment. It is necessary to insulate, first of all, the sections passing through unheated premises and located outside the building.

Thermal insulation options

Before starting work, you need to decide on the material of the insulation. You can use almost anyone, you just have to take into account that the chimney heats up to high temperatures, which means that the insulation must be heat-resistant and non-combustible.

1. Mineral, basalt or glass wool. The most commonly used material. Sold in mats or rolls. The material is not combustible, has good thermal insulation properties, often has an additional waterproofing layer in the form of a thick film. It should be borne in mind that cotton wool, when wet, loses most of its thermal insulation properties and gradually collapses. In the open air, the structure should be protected by a casing made of metal or other material.

   
   Basalt wool is sold in rolls or as mats and may have a waterproofing film on the outer surface.

2. Loose heater. These are broken bricks, expanded clay, sand and other materials. In this case, too, you can not do without a casing. It is built around the chimney, the free space is filled with insulation. Keeps heat well, cheap.

   
   Expanded clay is poured into a casing that is built around the chimney

3. Metal foil. Shields heat and cold, reducing temperature differences. Used as an additional layer with fibrous insulation.
4. Ready-made cylindrical insulation with a foil screen. It has a different diameter, which greatly facilitates the solution of the problem of thermal insulation. The insulation is put on the pipe and fixed with clamps or construction tape.

   
   Cylindrical insulation is selected according to the diameter of the chimney pipe

5. Cinder concrete slabs. Most often used for thermal insulation of brick pipes. The plates are attached to the walls of the structure, after which they are covered with a plaster solution.

   
   Cinder concrete slabs are used to insulate brick chimneys

6. Plaster mortar. Prepared from special heat-resistant mixtures. For greater efficiency, the solution is applied in three layers, each next thicker than the previous one. For effective insulation, the thickness of the plaster must be at least 4 cm. It is applied to a reinforcing mesh that serves as a frame.

The choice of insulation method depends largely on the material of the chimney. It is also necessary to take into account the strength of the structure on which the structure will be installed. Heavy thermal insulation can push through the ceiling over time and cause it to deform.

The choice of thermal insulation method depending on the material of the chimney

Gone are the days when chimneys were mostly made of bricks. With the advent of gas and solid fuel boilers, they began to be made of metal, and asbestos pipes are also not uncommon. Insulation of different pipes requires an individual approach.

Insulation of metal pipes

For thermal insulation of pipes of fireplaces and stoves, which are not the main source of heating, but are used periodically, it is enough to plaster the pipe. More often this method is used for brick pipes, but it is also applicable for metal pipes.

For chimneys of furnaces and heating boilers, a different method is used. These are the so-called sandwich chimneys. Such designs are on sale, but they are not cheap. With a limited budget, you can make them yourself.

You can buy a sandwich chimney on the construction market or make it yourself

Do not use galvanized pipe for the chimney. Under the influence of high temperatures, zinc evaporates, forming toxic compounds that are harmful to health.

An asbestos pipe is also insulated according to the same principle. In addition to mineral wool, loose insulation can be used.

Thermal insulation of asbestos pipes

Mineral wool is considered the best insulation for asbestos pipes. This material is most often covered with a moisture-proof protective film, which is very important for asbestos because of its ability to absorb moisture. For thermal insulation with bulk material around the pipe, it is necessary to mount a protective casing, into which the insulation is poured. To prevent moisture from entering from above, the gap between the pipe and the casing is filled with cement mortar.

Insulation of brick chimneys

Brick, like asbestos, is able to be saturated with moisture, so it is important to think not only about insulation, but also waterproofing. The simplest way is plastering, but it is much more reliable to do it with mineral and basalt wool.

A brick chimney can be protected and insulated by plastering

Insulation with cinder-block slabs and mortar or shield materials is also suitable.

The method of insulation must be considered even at the stage of construction of the chimney, in some cases it will be necessary to pre-lay the wire for fasteners in the masonry so as not to spoil the brick.

Do-it-yourself warming - procedure

Before proceeding with the thermal insulation device, prepare everything you need for work. Clean the pipe from dust, repair cracks and chips. It is important that the surface is dry, otherwise the quality of thermal insulation will decrease.

Plastering

Video: plaster and chimney insulation

Sleeve or sandwich chimney

When working with fibrous materials, protect your respiratory organs with a mask or a damp cloth with an elastic band.

Video: instructions for making a sandwich chimney

Lining a brick chimney

The method described above is suitable for metal and asbestos chimneys, brick chimneys will require a lot of effort and time.

Wrap the insulation layer with foil, this will increase its thermal insulation properties.

1. A casing is built around the chimney. Depending on the material, it can be round or rectangular.
2. The gap between the casing and the pipe is filled with sand, expanded clay or broken bricks.
3. Cement mortar is poured on top to prevent moisture from getting inside.

For insulation with expanded clay and other bulk materials, a casing is required

Such simple work will not only save the chimney from destruction and extend its life, but will also help save a lot by minimizing heat loss.

The efficiency of heating a residential building largely depends on the quality of the arrangement of the chimney system. The thermal insulation of this complex is an important process, which also involves the insulation of the chimney pipe.

The need for chimney insulation

The pipe leading from the heating device to the outside needs to be insulated. This is necessary to maintain the functionality of the chimney, to prevent its destruction. This is due to the fact that as a result of fuel combustion, combustion products settle on the pipe walls, and oxygen vapor accumulates. The impact of temperature changes outside contributes to the occurrence of chemical reactions that can cause an explosion, smoke in the furnace. The thermal insulation of the chimney helps to avoid such consequences and maintain the functionality of the building's heating system.

Insulation is necessary for pipes of any type

Proper insulation eliminates the risk of pipe destruction from any material as a result of exposure to condensate and chemical products of fuel combustion. The thermal insulation layer protects the chimney from sudden temperature changes, extending the life of the heating system. This allows you to avoid significant costs for the replacement of the chimney, loss of time for repairs.

The choice of material for insulation

A wide range of materials for thermal insulation includes structures with different characteristics, properties and applications. When choosing, the material from which the pipe is made, climatic features, safety and ease of use of the insulation are taken into account. The properties of the thermal insulation structure significantly influence the choice. First of all, it is important to pay attention to fire safety and resistance of the insulation to moisture.

The type of material used affects the order of work on insulation.

High-quality material for thermal insulation will protect the main pipe from corrosion. Outside, the insulation is covered with an outer shell, for example, with a wide pipe or lined with bricks. This is necessary for the aesthetic appearance of the structure and the protection of the heat-insulating layer.

The use of mineral wool

In the field of construction, mineral wool is a popular and effective insulation. It is used for thermal insulation of walls, floors, roofs. Insulation of chimneys is also possible with the help of mineral wool. This material has the following properties:

• incombustibility;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of installation;
• long service life;
• availability.

Basalt or mineral wool is used to insulate steel and ceramic pipes, insulate the penetration of roof ventilation or a chimney box. For round pipes, special shells can be used, which are selected depending on the diameter of the pipes.

The shells have a convenient shape for easy installation.

Shells or mineral wool cloth are wrapped around the pipe, fixed with a special tape with a reflective coating. The material does not load the pipe, as it is lightweight. The porous fibrous structure retains heat well and is resistant to mechanical stress.

Foil insulation

Polyurethane foam shells are in demand and convenient for pipe insulation. Products have a foil outer coating, which enhances the thermal insulation properties of the material. Shells are presented in the form of semi-cylinders, segments or cylinders of different diameters. The wall thickness, the length of the elements also differ, and manufacturers produce an extensive range of options and therefore it is easy to choose certain shells with foil for chimney insulation.

PPU shells are conveniently mounted on pipes due to the shape of the products

PPU elements are selected depending on the shape and diameter of the pipes. The parts are applied to the surface of the chimney, fastened with a metallized tape or clamps, and then finishing is carried out, if such a process is provided. Installation does not require the use of complex tools, expensive materials. PPU shells are durable, resistant to temperatures ranging from -185° to +85°C. If the surface of the pipes has a higher temperature, then a layer of mineral wool 2 cm thick is first laid, and then the shells are mounted. The foil layer acts as a screen, preventing temperature changes from affecting the surface of the chimney.

Use of Styrofoam

Styrofoam in the form of plates or granules has thermal insulation properties and is used for arranging floors, walls, attics. The use of foam plastic for chimney insulation is not recommended, since the material is fire hazard, it releases toxic substances when heated. Therefore, it is not suitable for the arrangement of chimney pipes, and its installation on a regularly used heating system is prohibited due to its danger.

Styrofoam shells are suitable for thermal insulation of water supply pipes

It is possible to use foam plastic for thermal insulation of cold water supply pipes. For this purpose, there are special shells that differ in shape, thickness, and size. The material is resistant to moisture, but susceptible to rodent attack. The installation of the shells is carried out according to the same technology as the fixation of the PPU elements.

Thermal insulation by backfilling

When building a house and building a chimney, an affordable and effective method of insulation is often used - a wooden box with backfill. There are several options for this method, but a universal and simple technique involves the use of backfill in the form of slag, glass wool or sand.

Expanded clay is used for backfilling inside the box

The sides of the box in contact with the ceiling, roof or batten are insulated with metal sheets to prevent fire or damage to the roof. Installation involves the manufacture of a box, the dimensions of which correspond to the openings at the chimney pipe. The frame must be sheathed with slate sheets, the resulting shields are attached along the contour of the pipe. Expanded clay, glass wool, sand, slag or other heat-insulating components are poured inside. Outside, all the cracks near the pipe are sealed, and from the inside of the room the ceiling is finished.

Video: sheathing and insulation of a brick chimney

Features of thermal insulation of different chimneys

A stove or fireplace chimney can be made of different materials, have a complex or simple shape and size. In each case, you need to choose the option of insulation, which will be the most effective and safe, ensuring the durability of the home heating system. At the same time, the method of warming is taken into account. For example, thermal insulation can be carried out outside after the pipe has been installed. If the insulation is carried out from the inside, that is, in the process of arranging the chimney, then it is important to seal all the gaps formed, to provide waterproofing.

Insulation of metal pipes does not require complex actions

After choosing the insulation method, you need to prepare all the necessary materials. Fasteners should be in stock, as unforeseen situations may arise, for example, fastener damage. And it is also important to use only high-quality materials, because the effectiveness of chimney protection depends on this.

Iron pipe insulation

The device of metal pipes often consists of several layers of materials that wrap the pipe. For this purpose, shells are effective, which are protected from the outside with an external metal pipe. This technology is easy to implement, but it is possible to insulate an iron pipe using the backfill method. It should be taken into account that the iron pipe needs to be treated with anti-corrosion agents and this helps to prevent rust and damage to the element.

The iron pipe is insulated in several layers

Before insulating a metal pipe, it is important to make sure that the heating system of the house is functioning properly. Only after that they begin to insulate the chimney, taking into account the following features of this process:

• materials such as mineral wool, PPU shells, backfill method are suitable for warming iron elements;
• waterproofing and sealing all cracks to prevent corrosion of the metal pipe;
• the distance from the chimney to the roof surface must be at least 25 cm;
• the distance between the oven and the ceiling must be at least 1.5 m;
• if the roof of the house is made of combustible materials, then the outside of the pipe is equipped with a spark arrester.

The arrangement of the iron chimney pipe is distinguished by simple technology, and for work they use affordable and effective materials in the form of basalt wool or shells.

Video: thermal insulation of the chimney with mineral wool

Stainless steel chimney

A stainless steel pipe is a common element of a home heating system. Stainless steel differs from iron in greater strength, non-corrosion, practicality and durability. For the insulation of such a chimney, the methods used for any other metal chimney pipes are optimal.

Insulation from the outside involves the installation of a PPU shell and a protective metal shell

When insulating a steel pipe, several materials can be combined. For example, a sandwich is created from the outside of the PPU shells and the outer shell, sealing the area of ​​​​contact between the pipe and the roof. From the inside, from the side of the attic, you can wrap the chimney with mineral wool with a foil layer. For pipes having a rectangular or square section, basalt fiber mats are optimal.

Asbestos pipe insulation

Products from a mixture of 85% cement, water and 15% asbestos are in demand for the installation of chimneys and are distinguished by a number of high characteristics. Pipes are resistant to moisture, corrosion, rotting, chemical components. The strength of the material is practically not affected by temperature changes and ultraviolet rays. At the same time, asbestos-cement pipes are used to create chimneys, subject to certain restrictions. For example, the products pick up soot quickly and only withstand temperatures down to -300°C. Therefore, the chimney must be located away from the heat source. The combination of an asbestos-cement pipe and a coal stove is prohibited by established standards in terms of fire safety.

Asbestos-cement pipes also need to be insulated like other chimneys.

For thermal insulation of asbestos elements, glass wool or mineral fibers are used. Installation involves careful waterproofing of the joints, wrapping the insulation with foil or metallized tape. To prevent precipitation from entering the pipe, an umbrella must be installed on the top of the element, which is used for all metal chimneys.

Thermal insulation of a brick chimney

Insulation of a brick pipe from the outside requires more careful preparation and selection of materials than when working with pipes made of other materials. There are two most popular and simple methods in which you need to use only high-quality materials.

Brick chimney needs insulation in regions with a harsh climate

The first method involves the use of a slag-lime mortar, which is applied to a reinforced mesh, previously attached to the surface of the chimney. Such plaster is applied in a layer of 2 cm, and the number of layers is 3. The first application is carried out with a mixture of a liquid consistency, and the subsequent ones are performed with a thick composition.

The second option for insulating a brick pipe involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning the surface of the chimney from dust and dirt.
2. Fastening mineral wool boards to the pipe using dowels-mushrooms.
3. Fixing the heat insulator with a metallized tape.
4. Plastering with a waterproofing compound.
5. Finishing, brick cladding, asbestos-cement slabs.

When arranging a brick chimney, it is important to carefully seal the junction of the insulation and the roof. This is necessary for any external insulation of chimneys and prevents the penetration of moisture into the premises.

Thermal insulation of a galvanized chimney

Galvanized steel pipes are used for smoke exhaust in a bathhouse, in a country house and other premises that are used from time to time. Installation of a galvanized pipe in a residential building requires careful insulation, which involves the use of an external metal casing and heat-insulating material. The technology of working with a galvanized chimney does not differ from the arrangement of steel or iron products. The thickness of the insulation layer must be at least 5 mm.

Galvanized metal with insulation will last much longer than without thermal insulation.

In the area where the pipe adjoins the roof, it is necessary to apply a layer of sealant, attach the roofing sheets to the self-tapping screws. The heat-insulating material should be as fireproof as possible, and also resistant to humidity and temperature extremes. A universal solution is the combination of mineral wool with a foil layer.

Ceramic chimney insulation

Thermal insulation of the ceramic pipe of the smoke exhaust system can be carried out using mineral wool. For this, a box of concrete, brick blocks is constructed, in which the pipe is installed. The gap between the walls of the box and the chimney is filled with insulation. Outside, the pipe with insulation is plastered and lined with bricks.

Warming can be carried out according to the scheme

When installing a ceramic chimney, it should be taken into account that it should rise 1.2 m above the roof plane. The head of the structure must be protected from precipitation with a special umbrella.

Do-it-yourself thermal insulation of a steel chimney

The arrangement of a metal pipe for a smoke exhaust system is distinguished by simple technology, but it is important to use high-quality materials.

The complex of works includes the following actions:

1. Preparation of two steel pipes, one of which will be located inside and serves to remove smoke, and the second should have a diameter larger by several centimeters and be placed outside.
2. Pipes must be inserted one into the other, and then fill the space with insulation. If installation is carried out inside the attic, then an external casing is optional. In this case, it is sufficient to use a heat insulator having a layer of foil. When carrying out outdoor work, an external metal casing is required.
3. The outer end is insulated with a metallized tape, and a protective umbrella is attached to the upper part of the pipe.

The method of warming a metal chimney is simple. To further simplify the work, it is worth using ready-made sandwich pipes, which only need to be fixed on the roof and indoors.

Video: features of chimney insulation from a sandwich pipe

Chimney insulation of any type requires the use of high-quality and fireproof materials. Otherwise, the risk of smoke in the room, fires and a decrease in the functionality of the heating system increases. Therefore, the correct insulation technology is important for the durability and reliability of the chimney.

Many owners of individual houses are interested in how to insulate a metal chimney pipe with their own hands and how to do it correctly. Every experienced master knows that for efficient heating of private houses it is necessary to solve a whole range of technical problems. One of them is the thermal insulation of the flue ducts of stoves, fireplaces or gas boilers. It is worth considering in more detail how to increase the resistance of a metal chimney pipe to temperature extremes and how to carry out thermal insulation in the Russian climate.

Why insulate the chimney pipe

During the operation of stove heating or a gas boiler, their chimney elements are affected by the combustion products passing through them of varying degrees of acidity and toxicity. Also, a constantly high temperature difference has a negative effect, especially in the cold winter months, on the pipes.

In the Russian climate, it is imperative to insulate chimney pipes

The combination of these factors contributes to:

1. Combustible toxic vapors and their oxides condense and solidify on the inner surface of the pipes.
2. Slag soot eats into the walls of the chimney and increases its mass. And the extra mass is increased pressure, both on the design of the pipe itself and on the adjacent parts of the roof of the building.
3. The compounds emitted by the smoke, among other things, are capable of corroding the materials from which the pipe is made. With constant use, microcracks form in them, which can subsequently lead to serious damage and even destruction of the integral structure, as, for example, in the case of brick chimneys.

Warming allows the owners of cottage houses to avoid all these troubles. After a well-done work, the surface of the pipe will warm up evenly along its entire length, due to which a larger volume of smoke will pass through it without settling on the walls and without destroying the material. This will also increase the strength characteristics of the pipe, and hence its durability.

It is important! Increasing the thermal insulation of the chimney will also affect the efficiency of the heating system as a whole. The insulated pipe will allow the boiler or furnace to warm up faster, increasing their efficiency and saving fuel.

Fireplace chimney insulation

A separate clarification on the issue of pipe insulation should be made for owners of decorative stoves and fireplaces. Despite the fact that such systems, as a rule, are used for aesthetic pleasure, and not for constant heating of the room, craftsmen also recommend that they be thermally insulated.

In this case, the main reason for pipe insulation will be not so much energy efficiency as safety and ease of use.

Pipes of fireplaces and decorative stoves are also recommended to be insulated

Any fireplace, even if not used as often as a stationary heat source, must be cleaned regularly after lighting and use. If his chimney is thermally insulated, soot will form less often in it, which means that the risk that the fireplace will clog will be much less.

How to insulate a metal pipe

The process of warming metal chimney pipes in a private house begins with the selection of the necessary heat-retaining material. The main characteristics that the insulation must meet:

• Resistant to high temperatures and shocks. The material must be both frost-resistant and non-combustible, withstanding up to -35 degrees on the outside (for example, on a frosty night outside) and up to 300 degrees on the inside.
• Relative lightness. As in the case of soot, the applied insulation should not make the pipe structure too heavy and impair its stability. Also, its weight should not be allowed to strongly “press” on the roof or other roof material.

Mineral wool - a common insulation for chimneys

It is equally important to select the material (including its composition, shape and dimensions) in such a way that it matches the design and type of the chimney itself, otherwise it will be fraught with difficulties in its installation (application).

Thermal insulation materials

Having specified the qualitative characteristics of heat-retaining materials we need, we will consider a number of them, which can most often be found on sale via the Internet in construction markets or in hypermarkets:

1. Construction plaster. Relatively cheap material that can reduce heat loss by about 25-30%. The disadvantages include the weighting of the structure from additional retaining elements.
2. Mineral wool. Such a heater is the least susceptible to thermal effects and is resistant to toxic smoke fumes generated during operation. Cotton wool covers both the pipe elements located in the room and those that go outside. The coating filler differs in fiber content, fiber length and their viscosity (thickness). On sale you can find cotton wool with 4 types of filler: fiberglass, stone chips, basalt and slag. The advantages include its high heat resistance and environmental friendliness.
3. Cylindrical "sandwich" heat insulator. Its undoubted advantage is the ease of installation, since it is already sold in a “ready-made form” for various diameters of the outlet pipe. The design includes cylindrical stainless steel rolled metal, in which a light mineral wool filler, for example, basalt, is laid, with a longitudinal hole in the center for the diameter of the pipe.
4. Extruded polystyrene foam or XPS. Durable waterproof material that is used for external thermal insulation of stone and brick chimneys. Sold in the form of plates, subdivided into classes, depending on heat resistance (or combustibility). The coefficient is considered from 1 to 4, where the first two are the most heat-resistant and withstand gas temperatures up to 500 degrees at the outlet of the pipe.
5. Casing made of stainless steel. Just like a “sandwich” cylinder, a stainless steel casing is put on the outer elements of the pipe, filling the space between it and the pipe with mineral fiber or asbestos, closing the top with cement mortar from moisture and combustible particles flying out with smoke.
6. Tree. In order to save money, the material of the "cylinder", or rather, in this case, the outer box, can serve as a tree. It is made of panels knocked together at right angles so that between them and the pipe there is 15–17 cm. This space is then laid and sealed with a suitable heat insulator.

Cylindrical "sandwich" heat insulator is easy to use

It is important! The outer surface of the insulating structure can also be made of other materials, it is important that it tightly holds the filler inside and protects it from moisture or wind and gives stability to the structure.

How to insulate correctly: the nuances of the procedure

Before starting the insulation of the chimney with the appropriate material, it is necessary, first of all, to determine the scope of work. Will the thermal insulation be installed only on the outer part of the pipe or on the chimney throughout its entire length, including the pipe in the room.

This will significantly affect the amount of purchased material, as well as directly on its choice. So, it is obvious that if the metal pipe is to be insulated not only from the outside, but also from the inside, then the EPPS will not work for the master, and the method with plaster will have to be abandoned. It is best to use sandwich cylinders or mineral wool in this case.

In the event that the master plans to lay the heat-insulating material on his own, it is recommended to have the following tools at hand:

• Hammer drill or screwdriver;
• Roulette and pencil (marker);
• Saw grinder;
• Scissors for cutting metal;
• Industrial knife;
• Hammer;
• Nails and screws;
• Spatula, construction mixer and hot melt adhesive (for certain types of work);
• Protective glasses;
• Working overalls.

Pipe elbows insulated with basalt filler

Depending on how the master intends to increase the thermal insulation of the pipe and what material he chose for this, the progress of repair and construction work will be determined. Further, the features of the procedure for thermal insulation of metal chimneys with the materials presented above are considered.

Thermal insulation of the outer part with plaster

To insulate the protruding part of a brick or stone pipe with the help of "smearing", you will need:

1. Measure the protruding part: its height and width.
2. Purchase a sheet of material that will cover the structure - asbestos cement, siding or stainless steel - in such a way that it can cover the pipe with it, and there is a gap of up to 12 cm between it and the outer "box".
3. Tightly fasten the reinforcement mesh to the pipe walls.
4. Using a mixer, prepare a plaster solution and apply it to the mesh and pipe in 2-3 layers.
5. Allow the solution to harden and consolidate, and then put the selected material on the pipe so that it fits snugly around the insulated structure.

You can isolate a brick chimney with plaster

It is desirable to install an “umbrella” or a cover on the resulting box so that particles from the pipe or precipitation do not fall between it and the pipe, violating the thermal insulation.

Thermal insulation of the chimney with mineral insulation

Insulation of the outlet channel of the furnace or boiler using fibrous mineral wool is carried out as follows:

1. In the part of the roof slabs around the pipe, a hole is cut in size 25–30 cm wider than the diameter of the pipe. If the pipe crosses the walls along the course of its occurrence, holes of a similar diameter should also be drilled into them.
2. The chimney and the holes made in the roof and walls are cleaned of dust and invasive building particles, and the outer side of the pipe is rubbed with an anti-corrosion agent.
3. On the outer surface of the pipe, a heat-resistant sealant is wound in 3-4 layers, pre-cut into pieces. Having reached the diameter required for the hole, the mineral wool is covered with a vapor barrier film.
4. The resulting "sandwich" is pulled together with construction tape or crimp clamps.
5. Further, the operation is repeated throughout the covered length of the pipe so that the insulation segments are adjusted, overlapping each other. The joints are tightly sealed.
6. The outer "street" segment of the pipe after such a "wrap" is closed with a metal or siding cylinder.

Video: do-it-yourself chimney pipe insulation

It is important! The top of the cylindrical casing must be made of a heat-resistant material, for example, it can be a special pipe deflector made of a heat-resistant alloy, which is put on the nozzle.

It is also important to consider what the roof coverings are made of. If they are made of slate, roofing material or other combustible materials, it is imperative to install a spark arrester on the pipe.

insulated box

This option is relevant when, for example, the chimney and boiler pipes go through the attic to the roof parallel to each other. In this case, you can install the thermal protector as follows:

1. With the help of a grinder, a box-shaped frame is welded (or, in the case of a tree, hammered together) from metal corners or wooden struts, so that the gap between its “wall” and the pipe is at least 10 cm, and its height covers the pipes protruding above the roof ceilings.
2. The box is mounted on the roof covering, closing the pipes. Also, the box can rest on the floor of the attic, if the pipes run parallel there as well. In this case, the height of the box should be greater, and in the roof it is necessary to make a corresponding hole around the perimeter around the pipes.
3. The resulting space between the "walls" is filled with basalt or other fibrous mineral wool and closed with asbestos or XPS panels. The insulating material is glued with heat-resistant sealants, and the seams are covered with heat-resistant plaster.

Insulated chimney box

A similar design can also be used in cases where it is required to make an attic room from the attic. In this case, the pipes must not only be closed, but also decorated. In this case, the column obtained in this way can be sheathed with wooden or chipboard panels.

It is important! No matter how well the thermal insulation of the pipe is organized, over time it may lose its tightness. A sign of this is the increasing accumulation of smoke condensate, and the appearance of a characteristic odor is also possible. In this case, the outer casing should be removed and the thermal insulation filler checked. If it is covered with fungus or signs of decay are found, it must be removed and replaced with a new one.

After that, when installing the casing, you should once again make sure that the inner layers fit snugly against each other and are hermetically sealed.

Thus, today the thermal insulation of a metal chimney can be achieved in several ways. Technologies and materials allow you to do it yourself both at the construction stage and after, when the chimney has already been laid.

However, if it is required to insulate the pipe along its entire length from the boiler to the roof, the help of a professional craftsman may often be required.

The arrangement of a private house with a gas or solid fuel boiler or stove heating provides for the high-quality performance of such work in all respects. The efficiency of heating depends not only on the power of the heating system, its type and the availability of modern materials in the design, but also on the quality of the thermal insulation of the heated room and its structural elements. The chimney is an element of the heating system, which, along with the boiler or furnace, is subject to the harmful effects of combustion products, combustion temperatures and ambient temperatures. Chimney insulation helps to minimize the effect of temperature fluctuations on the structure of the chimney, making it more efficient in terms of heat retention and more aesthetically pleasing in the overall appearance of the building. It will be about how to properly insulate with your own hands. What materials to choose, their advantages and disadvantages.

Why you need to insulate the chimney

The system of chimney removal from the furnace or boilers of various types is based on the main building element - the chimney. Chimneys are made of metal, asbestos, galvanized pipes and bricks. During operation, chimneys are exposed to elevated temperatures and seasonal ambient temperatures. In cold weather, when the chimney works intensively for its intended purpose, it is most actively affected by the temperature difference. The amplitude in this case ranges from + 200 degrees and more to - 35 degrees. Constant heating and rapid cooling leads to a cyclical change in the structure of the molecular lattice of the material from which the chimney is made. A material, whether metal or brick, expands when heated and contracts when cooled.

From the inside, the chimney is also affected by moisture. Not the absolute amount of moisture from combustion materials enters the atmosphere. Some of it often settles on the inner walls of the chimney. Accumulating, condensate becomes a constant phenomenon and takes an active part in the destruction of the walls (especially brick) of the chimney.

Such processes adversely affect the integrity of the chimney structure. Adding here the natural weathering of building materials and the action of aggressive components of combustion products deposited on the inner walls of the chimney, we understand that the durability of chimneys is a very dubious indicator.

Long-term exposure to moisture, weathering and temperature differences on an unprotected chimney

But there is a solution to the problem. It does not ensure the elimination of the entire complex of aggressive factors, but effectively copes with most of them. Insulation is able to delay the action of destructive chemical and physical processes and largely minimize their effect.

The benefits of insulation

The insulated design of the chimney acquires not only protection from harmful factors, but also becomes more efficient in terms of usefulness. The stored heat naturally increases the efficiency of the entire heating system.

Having completed the insulation, you will not have to spend time and money on periodic repairs to the chimney.

Roof elements that are in close proximity to the chimney will no longer be exposed to the hot temperatures emanating from it.

And also the advantage is that the chimney can be made to fit the overall aesthetic appearance of the building, whether it is a private house or just a garage.

Another actual reason for the insulation of modern buildings, in particular, the chimney, is the amount of heat loss passing through it.

Heat loss through an uninsulated chimney is 20–25%

What heaters exist

The choice of material for insulation, perhaps, will be the most decisive factor in the whole work. The complexity of the process of its installation, the effectiveness of the result and the appearance depend on the chosen material.

The following materials are used for chimney insulation:

• mineral wool insulation;
• fibrous insulation;
• slag concrete and structural elements from it;
• broken brick;
• foam glass;

Mineral wool

Fiber insulation. (Wood fiber)

slag concrete

Foam glass

Each of the above materials has a different price category, mechanical properties and density. The choice of material should be based on local chimney conditions. It is important to take into account the ease of installation, since the insulation of such structures provides for work at height, and this is no joke.

• It is strictly forbidden to use flammable materials.
• material is better to choose pliable and light. The cinder block is used by professional builders on the basis of a developed project with calculated indicators of loads on the roof and load-bearing structures. Self-insulation is much easier to do with mineral wool.
• pay attention to the operating instructions specified in the instructions from the manufacturer.

Do not load the roof structure. Try to approach the matter from the point of view of the lightest insulating structure as possible.

The design of the insulated chimney and its features

Insulation of the chimney pipe with various materials

The figure shows an example of chimney pipe insulation with mineral wool and galvanized sheet (left), and insulation with mineral wool and decorated cinder concrete (right). The specified example is considered for a chimney from an asbestos-cement pipe.

A comparative example of the work of thermal insulation is shown in the figure, as they say: "Find 10 differences."

The protective effect of the insulation

A layer of insulation material protects the structure from condensation inside and from weathering outside.

How to insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands: the main design parameters

There are several ways to self-insulate. The difference between them is due to the material used.

For the rich option, you can use a ready-made sandwich chimney. Such a product is manufactured at enterprises and combines the optimal performance and properties of an insulated chimney. You will only have to assemble it as a constructor, based on the desired height of the structure.

Installation example of sandwich chimneys for outdoor and indoor use.

Design examples

The budget option for insulation should be considered in stages. (Example for asbestos-cement pipe).

Chimneys from asbestos-cement pipes are insulated in two ways. The first one involves wrapping the pipe with insulation (mineral or basalt wool), fixing it with wire and putting the casing on top of the insulation. The second method is implemented by lining the pipe with special cinder blocks and, if necessary, insulated with mineral wool, as in the first example. This method is more laborious and costly.

1. The asbestos-cement pipe is wrapped with a layer of heat insulator 100 mm thick.

Start of winding with thermal insulation material

It should be borne in mind that the insulation tends to shrink when it is fixed. Its minimum thickness (in a compressed state) must be at least 60 mm.

2. Fix the insulation with wire along the entire length. In this case, it is necessary to adhere to the same thickness along the entire length.

Fixing the heat insulator

Do not use a wire with an electrically insulating layer (wire) to fix the heat insulator. When the chimney is heated, the rubber or vinyl insulation of the wire may not withstand the heat and melt. Violating thereby the physical properties of the insulation and its integrity.

It is better to use steel thin wire.

3. The next step involves wrapping the insulation with a galvanized sheet.

The sheet can be used up to 1 mm thick, it is more plastic and easy to install. To determine the circumference, use a tape measure, but add 20 mm to the actual size. This is necessary for the overlap, which will serve as a connection point with rivets or self-tapping screws.

Casing section installed

The edges at the seam, if possible, be processed with rollers to give the perfect circle shape.

It is better to place the section on the pipe with the seam inward. The appearance of such a design is more aesthetic.

4. The final stage.

The final step in the insulation of an asbestos chimney is the installation of a protective cone to prevent rainfall from entering the chimney pipe.

Finished view of the insulated chimney

This method of insulation is one of the most economical. It also provides for relatively easy installation.

No matter how simple the process of working at height may seem, you should not expose yourself to rash risks. Therefore, all work on the insulation of chimneys of any design must be carried out together.

Another popular way to insulate an asbestos chimney is to use chimney bricks. The space between the brick and the pipe is filled with insulation (mineral wool).

Using a chimney brick

This method is more expensive due to the cost of the brick. And also brickwork is exposed to weathering over time.

Chimney from a steel pipe.

Insulation of a chimney from a steel pipe is carried out in a similar way. It should be taken into account the fact that steel has a higher thermal conductivity compared to asbestos cement, so it is better to use basalt wool. The clamp is also made of galvanized sheet steel.

Steel pipe chimney insulation

Brick chimney.

Insulation of a brick chimney compared to other types is the most time-consuming process.

One of the effective ways is to plaster the chimney. This method involves laying cement, lime and slag mortar over the entire outer surface area. The layer thickness must be at least 30 mm.

After applying the first layer, it must be allowed to dry. This will help to identify cracks in the applied layer and eliminate them. The subsequent layer can be applied after the mineral wool layer has been laid. Then another layer of plaster is applied. Subsequently, such a chimney can be whitewashed or painted. As an option, you can use a facing brick, but this greatly complicates the structure.

Fragment of the insulation design

Necessary materials and tools

The materials required for insulation are listed in the considered examples.

The tool needed to perform insulation:

• metalwork tool (hammer, clamps, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.);
• measuring tool (tape measure, ruler, square, level, construction pencil, felt-tip pen);
• mounting knife for cutting insulation;
• riveter and a set of rivets for connecting the galvanized casing (or self-tapping screws);
• electric drill and portable cable extension 220 V;
• drills with a diameter of 4 mm for making holes for rivets;
• for work on applying cement mortar, you will need a spatula, a trowel and a container for mixing the mortar;
• you may need a construction syringe with a tube of bituminous mastic to seal small cracks. But also mastic may be needed for additional waterproofing of the plaster.

Bituminous mastic can be diluted with gasoline if it has hardened. In this case, the amount of gasoline is determined by eye. Gradually pour into the mastic and stir until a sticky consistency.

It should not be forgotten that any of the methods of chimney insulation is work at height.

Evaluate the workplace taking into account all possible risks. Try to minimize them. Prepare the ladder in advance, check its condition, reliability and stability. If you have to move on a roof with slate flooring, walk on the boards laid down, so the weight is better distributed over the area. The board should be laid across the waves of slate. Check the integrity of the ropes used for lifting materials and tools. If possible, fix yourself with a rope, wrapping it around your waist and securely fastening it to the supporting element of the building. (In ideal conditions, this is the use of a mounting safety belt). Work in overalls.

Mistakes leading to undesirable consequences

Sometimes, in order to save money, the pipeline passes through the ceiling without insulation. Such actions are undesirable, insignificant savings can lead to tragic consequences.

To prevent this situation, the chimney must be insulated along its entire length.

The exception is the area in close proximity to the furnace or boiler. It is necessary to leave a section up to 500 mm long not isolated. This will prevent overheating of the insulation, as it may lose its properties from critical overheating. Data on the critical temperature for a particular material is indicated by its manufacturer in the instruction manual.

As experience shows, the thermal insulation of furnace equipment is becoming more and more in demand. The cost of insulation or even the reconstruction of the smoke exhaust system is more than paid off due to economical heat consumption.

You may also find tips and instructions for cleaning chimneys in the following article useful:.

A wide range of materials and construction solutions offer allows you to use your imagination and makes things more interesting.

In summer, the chimney can perform its functions without problems. But with the onset of the first serious frosts, the situation will change. The chimney protrudes above the structure and is constantly under the influence of wind and moisture. Temperature fluctuations and high humidity will begin to destroy the materials from which the chimney is built. At first, cracks will appear, then whole pieces of plaster will begin to fall off.

What is a chimney for? To remove smoke and other products of combustion into the atmosphere. When you heat a stove or fireplace, a certain amount of oxygen vapor accumulates in the chimney as a result of combustion. In winter, the amount of steam increases.
We all know what condensation is. As a result of the combustion of firewood or coal, several types of acids are formed, which also fall on the walls of the structure as a result of steam condensation. We get a very aggressive mixture of condensate and acid, which will quickly destroy building materials.
Chimney collapse is not the only problem that can be expected from a malfunctioning chimney. The formation of steam inside the chimney leads to smoke in the furnace. You will have to constantly ventilate the heated room. If the amount of steam in the chimney reaches a critical level, even an explosion may occur due to excessively high pressure.
To prevent such consequences, you should think about how to insulate the chimney.
Many private houses are built of brick. This building material is still out of competition. Chimneys in these buildings are also brick. The question arises whether it is necessary to insulate the chimney made of bricks. It is necessary to insulate a brick chimney, but this can be done in various ways.

The first method of warming a brick chimney is plastering. A solution of lime and slag should be prepared and applied to the brickwork with a layer of 3 to 4 centimeters. A layer of plaster will reduce heat loss by a quarter. We have already said that the design of the chimney is constantly exposed to the influence of precipitation and wind. In order for the plaster to hold well, it should be applied to the mesh.

• we fix a reinforced mesh on a brick surface;
• prepare a slag-lime mortar;
• apply several layers of plaster on the grid.

Typically, 3 to 5 layers of plaster are applied. The first layer should be the most liquid, the subsequent - thicker.
We have already said that a layer of plaster can retain only 25% of the heat. There is a more effective method of insulating a brick chimney. We will tell you how to insulate a chimney with slab insulation.
The sequence of work can be described as follows:

• the brick pipe is sewn up with insulation boards, you can take mats of basalt or mineral wool;
• the insulation is lined with asbestos cement slabs or with brickwork;
• at the final stage, the structure is plastered.

As you can see, the second method of insulating a brick chimney is more difficult, but the efficiency of this design allows you to retain up to 50% of heat.
Such an insulating structure will significantly reduce the amount of condensate and will effectively prevent destructive processes.