How to wrap a chimney pipe to prevent fire. How to insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands: choosing insulation, preparing and performing thermal insulation work How to properly insulate a chimney

Have you decided to insulate your chimney but can’t choose a thermal insulation material? We will tell you which insulation for a gas chimney will work most effectively in various conditions. Let's consider the types of thermal insulation and dwell in detail on their technical characteristics.

To choose the most optimal option, we will first get acquainted with the designs of chimneys and the materials that are used for their construction. This will help us in choosing thermal insulation protection, which will increase the efficiency of the gas boiler and ensure maximum service life of the chimney.

Our proposed article provides rules for carrying out insulation work. Our recommendations will help you decide on the most rational, simple and easy-to-implement option. The information presented will be extremely useful for independent craftsmen.

When passing through the boiler pipe, heated gases lose temperature, giving up part of their own heat to the walls of the structure. But at the same time, the gas must be vented outside.

The quality of draft largely depends on the temperature of the chimney pipe walls. If there is insufficient draft, there is a risk of smoke in the room and even poisoning from waste combustion products.

The efficiency of removal of combustion products, in other words, the quality of draft, depends on the speed of overcoming the moment of condensation formation. This indicator is largely determined by the material from which it is made.

If a stainless or galvanized steel pipe is used as a chimney, then the period of condensation formation takes place within 2-3 minutes, but a standard brick chimney needs much more time - about half an hour.

At the moment condensation appears and until it disappears, active mixing of water with combustion products occurs, and as a result of the ongoing reaction, an acidic solution appears. It is this acid that has a negative effect on the pipe, causing its destruction.

If an asbestos pipe or brickwork is used as a chimney, then condensation residues can be absorbed into their walls. In the absence of high-quality insulation, accumulated moisture will freeze and destroy the chimney. Advantages of chimney insulation

If you properly insulate the chimney pipe from a gas boiler, you can identify a considerable number of advantages. The main ones are:

  • Reducing the influence of precipitation;
  • Reducing heat loss during the heating season;
  • Improved traction quality;
  • Presentable appearance of the chimney;
  • Reducing the volume of condensate formed on the outside of the chimney pipe.

Taking into account the above advantages, it is obvious that insulating the gas boiler pipe is simply necessary. To carry out the work, various insulation materials can be used, each of which differs not only in physical characteristics, but also in the characteristics of the work.

Rules for installing chimney systems

Before moving on to a review of insulation materials and the rules for working with them, you need to understand the requirements that must be met when installing a chimney. This point is very important, since violation of the standards can lead to the inability to operate the equipment.

Chimney ducts must comply with the requirements of DBN V.2.5-20-2001 and SNiP 2.04.05-91. The basic requirements are as follows:

  • The internal diameter of the chimney pipe must be larger than the diameter of the outlet pipe of the gas boiler;
  • The main pipe cannot have curved or tapering sections, must be located vertically, a slope of no more than 30 degrees is allowed;
  • The diversion main can have no more than three turns;
  • The distance from the outer surface of the pipe to walls made of combustible materials is 25 cm, to walls made of non-combustible materials – 5 cm;
  • The insulation of the connections of the chimney elements must ensure complete tightness of the joint;
  • No connections are allowed within the roof passage (this part of the chimney pipe must be solid);
  • In places of turns, inspection hatches must be installed;
  • The lower part must be equipped with a condensate collection structure;
  • The upper part should rise above the roof ridge by no less than 50 cm, and the length of the chimney itself should provide high-quality draft.

Compliance with the standards and requirements for the installation of gas chimneys not only improves the operating efficiency of the equipment, extends the service life of the chimney, but also guarantees fire safety and eliminates the threat of smoke in the room.

Types of gas flues

Depending on the material used, gas chimneys are divided into several types, while brickwork is practically not used for gas removal.

However, brick is often used for piping the exhaust pipeline. This is not a simple facing brick - it has a square shape, and its inner part has a round cross-section.

Stainless steel chimney pipes

Metal chimneys are the most popular. The most commonly used material is stainless steel, which is characterized by high corrosion resistance.

The main advantages of stainless steel structures:

  • Resistance to condensed moisture;
  • Resistance to precipitation;
  • Chemical resistance to soot resulting from gas combustion;
  • Resistant to high temperatures;
  • The internal smooth surface reduces the coefficient of friction, ensuring the unhindered passage of gases with minimal soot deposition;
  • Light weight allows the use of standard fasteners;
  • Simple installation eliminates the difficulty of carrying out work with significant destruction of walls;
  • Quite affordable price.

It is not recommended to use conventional stainless steel pipes. This is due to the fact that they are made from special grades of stainless steel, which, due to the introduction of alloying elements, are highly resistant to acids resulting from the formation of condensation.

Brick chimney installation

Currently, a brick chimney is used much less frequently, because... built mainly for brick kilns, and they are actively being replaced by gas models. In addition, it takes a lot of time to set it up.

Along with this, a brick chimney has the following disadvantages:

  • Rough internal surface, promoting the accumulation of soot and reducing traction;
  • Instability to corrosion by acid. Due to the hygroscopicity of the material, condensation is absorbed and quickly destroyed;
  • Difficulty of construction. Masonry from piece building materials takes much more time than assembling metal or ceramic modules.

The negative qualities of a brick chimney can be eliminated by inserting a sleeve in the form of an asbestos or stainless steel pipe.

Chimney made of asbestos cement pipes

Previously, asbestos-cement pipes were very widely used in the construction of chimneys for gas boilers. Despite the porosity of the material, the roughness of the internal walls and the far from ideal cross-section, the popularity of asbestos-cement pipes is due to their low cost.

To avoid these disadvantages, a chimney made of asbestos-cement pipes should be as straight as possible with sealed joints. Simple cement mortar is not enough here; dried joints must be treated with sealant or special sealed clamps must be used.

In general, the work is not difficult. If the joints are properly sealed, a chimney made from asbestos-cement pipes will be in no way inferior to its stainless steel counterpart. However, during active use it will serve no more than 3-5 years, after which it requires mandatory replacement.

Smoke channel made of ceramic pipes

Chimneys made from ceramic pipes are reliable, durable, and highly corrosion resistant to aggressive substances and temperature changes.

When installing a high chimney from a ceramic pipe, the construction of a reliable foundation is required, since they are erected according to the “root chimney” scheme

However, along with this, they have their drawbacks - heavy weight, the mandatory construction of a separate foundation and high cost. But all these shortcomings are covered by decades of reliable and stable operation.

Types of insulation for chimney pipes

The choice of insulation for gas chimneys is quite limited due to high requirements for heat resistance and fire safety.

Obviously, popular sheet foam, polystyrene foam and similar polymers will not work. When exposed to high temperatures, they can not only easily deform, but also ignite if a spark hits them.

Insulation for a gas chimney must meet the following requirements:

  • The minimum thermal conductivity index that ensures fire safety standards;
  • Light weight to reduce roof load;
  • Plasticity and flexibility for simple thermal insulation of geometrically complex areas;
  • Neutrality to chemical media, precipitation and condensation;
  • Long service life.

The ideal option is to insulate the chimney of a gas boiler using mineral heat insulators. Due to their low cost, previously, bulk materials were most often used, but they lost their position due to low efficiency and large mass.

They gave way to cotton wool insulation, made from basalt wool minerals and fiberglass. These materials are characterized by high fire resistance; they can withstand temperatures of more than 400 degrees.

Mineral wool group

The mineral wool class includes materials: slag fiber, glass fiber, stone wool. Each of the three groups differs in its structure - the thickness and length of the fibers, resistance to stress, moisture resistance and fire safety.

To understand the technical characteristics of mineral wool, we will consider each of the groups separately.

Technical characteristics of glass wool

The thickness of glass wool fibers is in the range of 5-15 microns with a length of 15-50 mm. It is elastic and durable; you need to work with the material as carefully as possible, since glass fibers can not only dig into the skin, but also get into the respiratory tract.

Glass wool has average hygroscopicity, the maximum heating temperature is 450°C. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.03 – 0.052 watts per meter per Kelvin.

Technical characteristics of slag wool

The thickness of the slag wool fibers is in the range of 4 – 12 microns with a fiber length of 16 mm; the basis of the insulation is blast furnace slag. The material is highly fragile and hygroscopic.

Despite the permissible heating temperature of 300°C, slag wool is unsuitable for insulating a gas chimney due to high moisture absorption. In addition, the material is characterized by residual acidity, which has a negative effect on the metal.

Technical characteristics of stone wool

Thermal insulation material is made from waste gabbro-basalt rock. In fact, it is a product made from mineral fibers, which has another name - stone wool. The thickness of the fibers does not exceed 7 microns with a length of up to 50 mm.

During the production of insulation, rock is crushed, followed by melting and drawing out the finest “threads”. After preheating to 300 degrees, the threads are passed through the press twice. The resulting material is characterized by high fire resistance and strength.

Stone or basalt wool has the following characteristics:

  • Low thermal conductivity– 0.032 – 0.048 watts per meter per Kelvin;
  • Hydrophobicity– moisture cannot get inside, as it settles on the surface. Resistance to precipitation.
  • Resistance and resistance to deformation– achieved due to the mixed arrangement (vertical and horizontal) of fibers, withstands loads up to 80 kPa;
  • High fire resistance– the material can withstand temperatures of more than 1100°C without losing strength. Taking into account the fact that the ignition temperature of soot does not exceed 1000°C, the material is suitable for insulating almost any smoke exhaust system.

Basalt or stone wool is an ideal solution for insulating a gas chimney, but due to its lower cost, glass wool can also be used.

Release form of insulation

The form of mineral wool is mats or rolls; at the same time, they can be supplemented with special functional layers and elements. For example, a foil layer can not only reflect heat, but also prevent the fibers from weathering.

Sometimes it is justified to use lamella mats cut into strips - they easily follow the shape of the chimney. Rolled materials and stitched mineral slabs are highly practical. For round chimneys, the ideal solution would be insulation in the form of cylinders made of basalt fiber.

The cylinders have a cut and represent a kind of drop-down sleeve. It is enough to unroll the cylinder by hand and simply put it on the pipe. Such insulation materials have different thicknesses and may have a foil coating on the outside.

Methods for insulating a gas chimney

Only that part of the chimney that is located outside or in an unheated attic requires insulation. In this case, pipes fixed to the facade of the building must be completely insulated, including the horizontal section passing through the wall.

The choice of insulation method is determined by the material from which the gas chimney is constructed. Work on insulating a chimney from a gas boiler depends not only on its design, but also on the selected material.

Insulation of asbestos-cement gas chimney

You can insulate an asbestos-cement pipe in three fundamentally different ways. Mineral wool, brickwork or plaster are suitable for their implementation.

Insulation with brickwork

Insulation with brickwork and filling the voids with bulk insulation is allowed, but the process is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming.

This method is most often used if there is already a brick chimney, and an asbestos-cement or galvanized steel pipe is used as a sleeve.

Insulation of a chimney pipe by plastering

Asbestos-cement pipe has high adhesion, so plastering can be used as insulation. Before performing work on the pipe, it is necessary to secure the reinforcing mesh.

The solution is prepared according to the following proportions:

  • 3 parts sifted slag;
  • 1 part cement;
  • 2 parts lime with water.

The solution should have a thick plastic consistency. The first layer is applied with a thickness of 20-30 mm. All subsequent layers are applied only after the previous one has dried. Before painting or whitewashing, the surface of the plaster must be sanded and any cracks that appear must be filled with putty.

Insulation with mineral wool

The work comes down to fixing a layer of mineral wool on the outside of the pipe. Before starting work, the pipe must be cleaned of dust and the layer of rolled insulation must be secured with clamps. Considering that mineral wool can absorb moisture, it is recommended to hide it under a galvanized steel casing.

In order to save money, you can do without a steel casing within the attic, but under the influence of precipitation, the service life of mineral wool is unlikely to exceed 2-3 years.

Insulation of a steel chimney

Stainless steel chimneys are essentially two pipes of different diameters, the space between which is filled with insulation. You can purchase a ready-made structure in the form of a sandwich pipe. In this case, it is sufficient to carry out installation work without insulation, since the insulation is already installed initially.

But the cost of sandwich pipes is high enough that you can save money by building one. To do this, it is enough to wrap the inner pipe with rolled mineral wool insulation or use a ready-made shell or cylinders made of the same material. Instead of stainless steel, the outer pipe can be made of galvanized steel.

Simply insulate a steel pipe using a wooden box filled with expanded clay. It is important to prevent contact of flammable materials with heated surfaces

Where the box comes into contact with the roof or sheathing, it is necessary to install protection from steel sheets to prevent fire.

Insulation of a brick chimney

A brick chimney is traditionally insulated by plastering with preliminary fastening of the reinforcing mesh. The advantages of this method are low cost, the disadvantages are low efficiency. Heat losses are reduced by no more than a quarter.

Lining a plastered chimney with natural slate tiles will not only protect the chimney from destruction, but will also give it an original aesthetic appearance

You can increase the efficiency of insulation of a brick chimney using mineral wool mats.

The insulation must fit tightly to the plastered chimney, this way the appearance of cold bridges is eliminated. Taking into account the fact that mineral wool easily absorbs moisture, it must be covered with a layer of vapor barrier film and then secured with construction tape.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Insulation of a steel gas chimney:

To ensure high-quality removal of gases generated as a result of combustion, insulation of the chimney pipe is a vital necessity. Mineral wool is considered the ideal insulation material; it is this material that meets all the requirements for high-quality and reliable insulation.

Purchasing ready-made insulated modules will help speed up installation work. But you can carry out insulation yourself with basalt wool, and get an analogue of a sandwich pipe at a lower cost. The use of cylinders and shells made of mineral wool can significantly speed up the process of chimney insulation.

When fuel burns in stoves and fireplaces, carbon monoxide is formed. They are removed through the chimney. Despite its apparent simplicity, this design is complex. Chimneys are installed to provide the necessary draft, so they should be correctly brought to the roof, the height determined and connected to the roofing. Properly made thermal insulation for chimneys is also important.

Reasons for insulating chimneys

Furnace gases escaping from the furnace to the outside have a high temperature. When they rush up the chimney channel, condensation forms on its inner walls. This leads to the following problems:

  • if moisture is absorbed into the chimney material, it will deteriorate over time;
  • sometimes water droplets settle on the surface of the outlet channels, which reduces their permeability and allows smoke to leak into the room;
  • when condensate constantly flows down the walls of the chimney, smudges, hanging drops and an unpleasant odor appear.

Thermal insulation of the chimney helps to avoid these troubles and extends its service life.

Note! The chimney is insulated to prevent rapid cooling. If you do it incorrectly, you can’t count on a positive result.

Methods for insulating furnace ducts

How to isolate the furnace channel depends on the material from which it was made. You can make insulation using:

  • crushed bricks;
  • slag;
  • expanded clay;
  • basalt or mineral wool;
  • kaolin, etc.

After installing the containment shell, the smoke exhaust structure is lined. For this purpose it is used:

  • brick;
  • slag concrete and reinforced concrete slabs;
  • galvanized metal casings;
  • wooden boards;
  • profiled sheet, etc.

On a note! The easiest way is to buy a ready-made insulated sandwich pipe and install it at the stage when the chimney is being built.

Let's take a look at some thermal insulation options separately.

Basalt wool insulation

This method of protecting chimneys is attractive due to its accessibility and is therefore used more often than others. Basalt wool has a thickness of 20-100 mm and can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees. This fire-resistant material is wrapped in several layers around the pipe and secured with wire. A layer of plaster is applied on top.

Lining the chimney with stainless steel sheets is done in the following order:

  1. measure the perimeter of the pipe, including insulation;
  2. cut a piece of sheet steel up to one meter long and a width equal to the perimeter of the structure plus an allowance for fastening;
  3. round the sheet and finish the edges with a roller;
  4. put the resulting form on the stove chimney, pull it together and fasten it with metal screws;
  5. In the same way, install several more metal casings on top of each other (make sure that the seams run at an angle of 120˚).

On a note! If you do not use steel casings, the insulation will not last long and you will have to replace it. Even if you insulate the chimney with foil or film, they will not be able to prevent moisture from penetrating into the basalt wool.

Applications of kaolin

Another method of thermal protection of chimneys is the use of kaolin. The material is characterized as:

Work on installing non-flammable thermal insulation for chimneys is carried out in the following order:

  1. first plaster the stove channel;
  2. then glue kaolin sheets to the wet plaster;
  3. Finally, sew up the chimney with facing material.

Insulation with mineral wool

Thermal insulation using mineral wool is done as follows.

  • Build a metal profile sheathing around the chimney. The profile size is selected depending on the thickness of the insulation, and the lathing pitch depends on the width of the insulating sheets.
  • Attach mineral wool to the profile in several layers (do not forget to space the seams).
  • Wrap the finished structure with vapor barrier film and seal the joints with tape.

Note! Sheets of metal corrugated sheets can be used as finishing. They are fixed to the sheathing using special screws with rubber gaskets.

How to insulate a chimney also depends on the material from which it was made.

Chimneys - nuances of insulation

Thermal insulation of steel pipes

The chimney, made of a round steel pipe, is insulated using a ready-made metal case. Large diameter galvanized pipe is suitable for this purpose. The difference in the diameters of the chimney and insulation is 16-20 cm. Thermal insulation is installed in this way.

  1. Place the casing on the steel chimney.
  2. Pour expanded clay, broken brick or slag into the space formed between the elements. You can also compact mineral wool, basalt wool or fiberglass between the pipes.
  3. Fill the open area with cement mortar, waterproof it and install a protective casing on top.

On a note! The profile steel pipe is sheathed using wooden panels or metal sheets (corrugated sheeting). The distance between the components of the structure is 8-10 cm. The space is filled with insulation and securely sealed on top.

Insulation of brick chimney

In this case, preference is given to mineral wool, which is attached as follows:

  • cut out pieces of insulation the size of which corresponds to the area of ​​the side walls of the pipe;
  • attach the blanks to the brick using plastic dowels with round heads, or use tape (this option is lightweight, but not reliable);
  • cover the attached material with asbestos-cement slabs, corrugated sheets or bricks.

Important! To reduce heat loss, plaster the brick on the outside of the channel, and then cover it with a frost-resistant compound.

Thermal protection of asbestos-cement pipes

Insulating chimney pipes from asbestos cement is done like this.

  1. First, clean the outer surface of the chimney from dust and dirt.
  2. Make a folding metal casing consisting of two halves. When assembled, its diameter should be 12-16 cm larger than the diameter of the pipe. The height of the case can vary within one meter.
  3. Place the bottom galvanized casing on the chimney.
  4. Fill or compact protective material into the resulting space.
  5. Install the next case and reinstall the insulation.
  6. Cut the top casing together with the asbestos cement pipe at a slight angle.
  7. Cover the insulation with a thin layer of cement mortar.

On a note! If you do not install a metal case, the mineral wool will become wet, heavy, crumpled or frayed in the wind. Birds, rodents or cats also take away the insulation.

Insulation of the chimney in the ceiling

When a metal chimney passes through a wooden ceiling, the distance between them must be at least 30 cm. If the chimney is lined with brick, then this value is reduced to 10 cm. The opening is filled with basalt wool and closed from below and above with a metal sheet. Make sure that the chimney is securely fastened to the ceiling.

These are just some of the options for insulating chimneys. Each stove maker uses his own method. Let your chimney work flawlessly!

Thermal insulation for chimneys: types of insulation and methods of protecting chimneys, Portal about pipes


How to insulate a chimney - non-flammable thermal insulation. What materials are used to insulate chimney pipes in the ceiling? Methods and nuances of insulating structures made of

How to properly insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands

Equipping a private home with a gas or solid fuel boiler or stove heating requires high-quality performance of such work in all respects. Heating efficiency depends not only on the power of the heating system, its type and the presence 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 firebox, is subject to the harmful effects of combustion products, combustion temperatures and ambient temperatures. Insulating the chimney helps to minimize the effect of temperature changes on the chimney design, making it more efficient in terms of heat retention and more aesthetically pleasing in the overall appearance of the building. We will talk about how to properly insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands. What materials to choose, their advantages and disadvantages.

Why do you need to insulate your chimney?

The smoke exhaust system from a stove or boilers of various types is based on the main building element - the chimney. Chimneys are made of metal, asbestos, galvanized pipes and brick. 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 exposed to the influence of temperature differences. The amplitude ranges from + 200 degrees or more to - 35 degrees. Constant heating and sudden cooling leads to a cyclic change in the structure of the molecular lattice of the material from which the chimney is made. A material, be it metal or brick, expands when heated and contracts when cooled.

The inside of the chimney is also susceptible to moisture. Not the absolute amount of moisture from combustion materials enters the atmosphere. A certain amount of it often settles on the inner walls of the chimney. As condensation accumulates, it becomes a constant phenomenon and takes an active part in the destruction of the walls (especially brick) of the chimney.

Such processes negatively 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.

But there is a solution to the problem. It does not eliminate 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.

Advantages of insulation

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

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

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

Another advantage is that the chimney can be made to match the overall aesthetic appearance of the building, be it a private house or just a garage.

Another pressing reason for insulating modern buildings, in particular chimneys, is the amount of heat loss passing through it.

What insulation materials exist?

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

The following materials are used for insulating chimneys:

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

Each of the above materials has a different price category, mechanical properties and density. The material should be selected taking into account the local conditions of the chimney. It is important to take into account the ease of installation, since the insulation of such structures involves working at heights, and this is not something to joke about.

  • The use of flammable materials is strictly prohibited.
  • It is better to choose a material that is pliable and light. Cinder blocks are used by professional builders based on a developed project with calculated loads on the roof and load-bearing structures. Self-insulation is much easier to do with mineral wool.
  • Pay attention to the operating recommendations specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

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

The design of an insulated chimney and its features

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

A comparative example of how thermal insulation works is shown in the figure, as they say: “Find 10 differences.”

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: basic design parameters

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

For the “Rich Way” option, you can use a ready-made chimney sandwich. This product is manufactured at enterprises and combines the optimal performance and properties of an insulated chimney. All you have to do is assemble it like a construction set, based on the desired height of the structure.

Example of installation of sandwich chimneys for exterior and interior use.

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

Chimneys made from asbestos-cement pipes are insulated in two ways. The first involves wrapping the pipe with insulation (mineral or basalt wool), fixing it with wire and placing a casing over the insulation. The second method is implemented by lining the pipe with special slag concrete blocks and, if necessary, insulating it with mineral wool, as in the first example. This method is more labor-intensive and expensive.

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

It should be taken into account 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 its entire length. In this case, it is necessary to maintain the same thickness along the entire length.

Do not use wire with an electrical insulating layer (wire) to fix the heat insulator. When the chimney heats up, the rubber or vinyl insulation of the wire may not withstand the high temperature and melt. Thus violating the physical properties of the insulation and its integrity.

It is better to use thin steel wire.

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

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

If possible, roll the edges at the seam to give it an ideal circle shape.

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

The final stage of insulating an asbestos chimney is installing a protective cone to prevent rainfall from entering the chimney pipe.

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

No matter how simple the process of performing work at height may seem, you should not expose yourself to thoughtless risks. Therefore, all work on insulating chimneys of any design must be carried out by two people.

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).

This method is more expensive due to the cost of the brick. Brickwork also weathers over time.

Chimney made of steel pipe.

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

Insulation of a brick chimney is the most labor-intensive process compared to other types.

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

After applying the first layer, it needs to be allowed to dry. This will help identify cracks in the applied layer and eliminate them. The subsequent layer can be applied after laying the mineral wool layer. After which another layer of plaster is applied. Subsequently, such a chimney can be whitewashed or painted. As an option, you can use facing bricks, but this makes the structure much heavier.

Required materials and tools

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

Tools required to perform insulation:

  • plumbing tools (hammer, clamps, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.);
  • measuring instrument (tape measure, ruler, square, level, construction pencil, felt-tip pen);
  • mounting knife for cutting insulation;
  • a riveter and a set of rivets for connecting a 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, trowel and a container for mixing the mortar;
  • You may need a construction syringe with a tube of bitumen mastic to seal small cracks. But mastic may also be needed for additional waterproofing of the plaster.

Bitumen mastic can be diluted with gasoline if it has hardened. In this case, the amount of gasoline is determined by eye. Add a little to the mastic and stir until it has a sticky consistency.

We should not forget that any method of chimney insulation is work at height.

Assess 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 laid boards, this way the weight is better distributed over the area. The board should be laid across the slate waves. Check the integrity of the ropes used to lift materials and tools. If possible, secure yourself with a rope, wrapping it around your waist and securely fastening it to the supporting element of the structure. (In ideal conditions, this is the use of a mounting safety belt). Work in special clothing.

Errors leading to undesirable consequences

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

To prevent this situation, the chimney should 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 uninsulated. This will prevent overheating of the insulation, as it may lose its properties due to critical overheating. Data on the critical temperature for a particular material are indicated by its manufacturer in the operating instructions.

Experience shows that thermal insulation of furnace equipment is becoming increasingly in demand. The costs of insulation or even reconstruction of the smoke exhaust system are more than recouped due to economical heat consumption.

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

How to insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands: choice of materials, technology, instructions with photos


Advantages of various thermal insulation materials. How to insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands, why to do it.

Insulating a chimney in a bathhouse - how to wrap and insulate a metal pipe

One of the most important stages in the construction of a bathhouse is the installation of a chimney. And insulating the chimney of a bathhouse is a mandatory process during its construction, which has two goals: fire safety and corrosion protection.

If you do not make thermal insulation, then under the influence of temperature changes condensation will form, gradually flowing inside and contributing to the destruction of the structure itself.

Insulated smoke exhaust channels warm up faster, making the sauna stove work much more efficiently.

Depending on what the sauna chimney is made of, various materials are used for its thermal insulation.

There are several types of already insulated chimneys for sauna stoves, the most common of which are sandwich pipes made of stainless metal.

There are also ceramic sections that are already installed in expanded clay concrete modules.

And now about everything in more detail.

Why insulate a chimney?

During operation of a sauna stove, its chimney becomes hot, and its inevitable close proximity to flammable materials can lead to a fire.

If the chimney pipe is made of brick, it heats up less, and if the chimney is made of metal, then much more.

Metal pipes heat up over 600 C°, and their proximity to the wooden lining of the steam room is very dangerous, especially if the bathhouse is directly adjacent to residential buildings.

The second, no less important problem is the appearance of condensation in the chimney. Condensation is the main enemy of all smoke removal systems.

This is not just moisture that forms on the walls of the chimney, but an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, which can destroy almost any material. It appears as a result of the passage of heated air through a still cold chimney.

As a result of the impact of condensation on an uninsulated brick chimney, the masonry is destroyed, since it has the ability to penetrate microcracks in the brick, and when freezing, it expands. Metal smoke ducts also suffer greatly from condensation.

Metal of ordinary brands is not resistant to acids, so it quickly becomes unusable when exposed to condensation.

The only way to combat the appearance of condensation is to insulate the smoke exhaust ducts, in which the pipe will cool less and the sauna stove will return to operating combustion mode faster.

Insulation materials

Chimney insulation can be done using various methods using non-combustible materials.

The most common are:

  1. Thermal insulation of the chimney with basalt wool and glass wool. Insulation materials used for both large surfaces of brick chimneys and pipes of relatively small diameter. Available as filler, in rolls or in the form of mats. For its use, it is recommended to manufacture an additional casing.
  2. A method of filling the space around the chimney with heat-insulating material: expanded clay, slag, broken bricks, special heat-insulating granules. This method involves making an additional chimney casing.
  3. Plastering. This is the most common, until recently, method of insulating brick chimneys. For this purpose, a slag-lime solution was used, applied in a layer of 5-7 cm to the reinforcing mesh. After drying, a sand-cement mortar of the same thickness was applied to it. But when the smoke exhaust system was heated and cooled, such insulation cracked and required annual repairs, so this method is considered unjustified from the point of view of labor costs and efficiency.
  4. Chimney insulation with modern materials made of foamed polyethylene. “Teploizol” or “Folgoizol” is produced in rolls, is light in weight and has good elasticity, and cuts well, which makes it accessible to even non-professionals to work with. This is the simplest and most inexpensive method of insulating chimneys, widely used today.

Choosing insulation for a chimney

The choice of insulation for insulating a chimney with your own hands must be approached carefully and seriously.

You shouldn’t buy the cheapest one, because it should have good thermal insulation properties, be easy to use, not require additional reinforcement of the load-bearing structures of the roof and ceilings, be non-toxic and non-flammable.

Stone or basalt wool is an excellent thermal insulation made from basalt stones.

This insulation can withstand prolonged exposure to fairly high temperatures and does not burn, even when in contact with an open fire. In addition, when heated, it does not emit any toxic or unpleasant odors. Such insulation can be safely called an environmentally friendly material.

Glass wool is a type of mineral wool insulation made from waste from the glass industry. There are a large number of voids between its fibers, so it retains heat well.

Glass wool does not burn and does not absorb moisture, and, in addition, is not susceptible to rotting and rodents. It is not expensive and easy to use. Most often produced in slabs and rolls.

Teploizol or folgoizol are multifunctional types of insulation made of polyethylene foam and covered with a sheet of aluminum foil. It is produced in rolls and has a thickness from 2 to 10 mm. They can perfectly insulate the chimney of a bathhouse, since these insulation materials can withstand heating up to 150C°-170C°.

We make insulation with our own hands

Chimney insulation using mineral, basalt or glass wool can be done in two ways: insulation under a casing or insulation of a chimney without a casing.

In order to insulate a chimney using mineral wool mats, you need to cut out several pieces of slab from them that will correspond to the sides of the pipe from the outside.

Then, using wire stitching, secure them to the chimney.

Important! There should be no voids left between the layer of thermal insulation, otherwise the insulation will lose its effectiveness.

To insulate a metal pipe, you need to wrap it with basalt wool and secure it with wire around the entire perimeter. After that, put a second pipe of larger diameter on the chimney to make a kind of sandwich.

This method of thermal insulation of chimneys is the most effective and simple, but it allows reducing heat loss by more than half, as well as significantly reducing the fire hazard and the formation of condensate in smoke exhaust systems and protecting them from destruction.

Thus, thermal insulation helps to increase thermal efficiency and safe use of stoves. At the same time, it gives the building and the structure itself a more aesthetic appearance.

Chimney insulation


How to insulate a metal pipe in a bathhouse. Materials for chimney thermal insulation, fire safety and do-it-yourself insulation installation.

Insulation of a metal chimney pipe: materials, nuances and methods

Probably, any owner is faced with such a problem as insulating a chimney when renovating a home. The question arises: is it necessary to insulate the chimney pipe from the outside? As a rule, the answer to this is positive. Later, the owner decides how to insulate the chimney pipe of the house. Basalt wool is good as insulation for the chimney of a building. You can make thermal insulation yourself, as this work is not difficult. You just need to know how to insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands correctly. Let's look at this question in more detail.

Chimney Damage Factors

Poor-quality thermal insulation or lack thereof leads to premature destruction of the chimney. There are two factors that directly affect the integrity and proper operation of the chimney:

  1. Humidity. It is constantly present in the chimney due to the fact that warm air systematically circulates in it. The water carried with its vapor condenses on the chimney.
  2. Aggressive chemicals. When burned, many harmful chemical elements are released. When the chimney operates, they escape into the atmosphere. When it is inactive, the chemical products of combustion settle in the pipe in the form of soot, thereby destroying its structure.

Carrying out thermal insulation makes it possible to stop or avoid irreversible processes that occur under the influence of humidity and combustion products.

If you do not take the necessary measures to preserve the chimney, the consequences can lead not only to its destruction, but also to seriously damage the structure of the home itself. Condensation, together with chemistry, gradually corrodes the material from which the chimney is made.

Humidity poses a particular danger during the spring thaw. It seems that now you will not have a question about why to insulate the chimney pipe, after the information received.

Advantages of an insulated chimney

Answering the question why a chimney pipe is insulated, I would like to say - first of all, to prevent significant negative factors. Undoubtedly, insulating a chimney with your own hands does not fully protect the chimney from the negative effects of natural phenomena. But this event will extend the duration of use of the chimney.

An insulated chimney has a number of advantages. What allows you to extend the time of use of the chimney system:

  • eliminates the risk that condensate, together with harmful chemicals, will enter the chimney;
  • aggressive acids escape into the atmosphere along with smoke;
  • temperature changes are reduced. Hot smoke vapor and a cold pipe no longer have the same temperature contrast;
  • energy is saved. The insulation of the chimney allows you to save fuel, which maintains a high temperature in the stove heating;
  • The strength of the chimney itself increases. The insulation serves as its frame and makes the chimney system resistant to strong winds.

If the insulation for the chimney pipe is selected correctly, the frost resistance of the entire structure will increase. According to the rules, the selected insulation for chimneys makes it possible to partially eliminate the negative effects of high temperature on the part of the roof that comes into contact with the chimney.

Thermal insulation extends the service life of the roof itself. The advantages include the high aesthetic qualities of insulation, because it preserves the original appearance of the smoke duct for a long time.

Thermal insulation of the chimney

In cases where they decide how to insulate a metal chimney pipe, they take into account the high temperature that the system reaches when heated (up to 300° C). Therefore, the insulation for the chimney must consist of a material that is not capable of igniting under any conditions. These can be various materials, such as mineral wool, slag concrete, basalt wool or other insulation. When insulating a chimney, ordinary cement mortar is used for plaster. To insulate an iron chimney pipe with your own hands, which has a “sandwich” shape, it is necessary to use stainless steel sleeves.

Important information: the weight of the chimney insulation from the outside must not exceed the prescribed standards for the roof. Heavy chimney insulation can push through the roof over the years. It is better to use options with lightweight insulating materials, such as insulating the chimney with mineral wool, for example.

In the question of how to insulate an iron chimney pipe, the use of special cylindrical insulation materials available on the market helps. A special screen based on foil provides complete protection of the chimney pipe.

Characteristic nuances of insulating metal pipes

Before starting insulation, it is necessary to check its compliance with the design technology standards.

When producing an insulated chimney, the following requirements are met:

  • the height of the iron pipe must be at least 5 m to ensure optimal traction of the system;
  • the distance between the ceilings, roof truss system and chimney pipe must be at least 0.25 m;
  • if the roof is constructed of flammable materials (slate, roofing felt, etc.), a spark arrester must be installed on the chimney.

Important: to prevent a fire in the structure, the distance between the metal stove and the ceiling must be at least 1.5 m.

Before wrapping and wrapping the chimney pipe, the system must be checked for serviceability. It should be ensured that insulating materials are insured against possible fire.

You should carefully study the instructions that come with the purchased chimney insulation that you are going to use.

Isolation methods

Chimney systems of various types provide as many different methods of insulation. It all depends on the functions that the chimney system performs.

When deciding how to insulate a metal chimney pipe with your own hands, you need to know that the market is already saturated with factory-made samples made of stainless steel. They are designed extremely simply - two pipes of different diameters are taken, inserted into each other and there is insulation between them. So it is possible to insulate the chimney this way.

So, the smaller pipe is inserted into the larger one. We take any insulation for chimney pipes and fill the gap between them.

Among modern materials, basalt wool is very popular. It is a little similar to mineral, but much more practical and durable.

Methods for insulating metal stove and fireplace pipes

Metal pipes are sometimes used for decorative stoves and fireplaces, which are not the main resource for heating a home. In this option, when deciding how to insulate the metal pipe of your chimney, use ordinary plaster. In principle, this method is designed for a brick chimney, but it is also used for metal.

A special mixture for this method is sold on the building materials market. It is poured into water, and the resulting solution is stirred using a construction mixer. Using a spatula, the resulting mixture is applied to the pipe in lumps. Afterwards, a reinforcing frame is attached to them - a mesh, which includes fiberglass. Thanks to the frame, the plaster adheres to the pipe. After applying the rough layer of plaster, the finishing layer is applied.

Tip: the section of the chimney located in the attic can be wrapped with mineral wool. Fixation is carried out using construction tape. This option is unacceptable for an open air vent area, since such insulation loses its properties in humid weather.

This is, perhaps, the complete answer to the question of how to wrap a metal chimney pipe for insulation.

Insulation of metal chimney pipes of a gas boiler

When it comes to insulating a chimney from a gas boiler, so-called sandwich structures are used. We have already looked at how they are structured in the method of two pipes with different diameters. I must say that this method is very popular. It is very effective in protecting the chimney system from condensation due to the fact that it saves energy.

Do-it-yourself insulation of this kind is not a fire hazard, because the winding is protected by a layer of stainless steel or galvanized iron.

How is a chimney from a gas boiler insulated using the “sandwich method”? There are several steps:

  1. holes are made in the roof and its ceilings with a diameter 0.25 m larger than the diameter of the chimney pipe;
  2. The metal chimney is insulated with basalt wool, the thickness of which is about five centimeters. A layer of cotton wool should be wrapped around the pipe with an overlap;
  3. when fixing the insulation, steel wire is used, wrapped around the circumference of the pipeline;
  4. A large pipe is put on top of this, serving as a casing. If it is made from thin sheet iron, it is fixed with adhesive tape and tightening straps.

Then the insulation of the chimney from the gas boiler is checked for the absence of loose edges and the insulated chimney pipe is put on the boiler pipe through a hole in the roof. Upon completion of installation, the metal sheet near the riser is filled with expanded clay, asbestos or clay.

Asbestos and stainless steel pipe insulation

What does insulating an asbestos chimney pipe with your own hands include and how is it carried out? There are two elements - an internal pipeline enclosed in an insulating casing and an additional protective pipe, the material for which is galvanized steel. Rolled mineral wool is used as insulation.

The following rules must be observed:

  • the thickness of the heat-insulating material should not exceed 10 cm for stainless steel pipes;
  • areas located in the building - no more than 4 cm.

Let's see how to insulate an asbestos chimney pipe, and what is needed for this. Let's say that such work is relatively simple. This option is temporary due to its fragility.

  1. preparation of mineral wool;
  2. pipe wrapping;
  3. tie and fastening with staples.

This method is intended for the chimney section that is located in the attic. It cannot be used externally. How to properly insulate an external chimney? To insulate a stainless steel chimney, it is necessary to carry out full insulation, which includes:

  • production of the casing. Material – galvanized steel. Manufactured taking into account the inner pipe and insulation;
  • cleaning the insulated surface and workplace;
  • fastening the lower part of the casing, filling the interpipe space with insulating material;
  • installing the next casing element and repeating the process.

It is important that the elements fit tightly together. Having finished fastening all the elements, the chimney is tilted slightly. Defects in joints are eliminated with cement mortar.

Proper insulation will allow you to get good traction and maintain proper operating conditions.

Thermal insulation of a brick chimney

The question of how to insulate a brick chimney has two answers - insulating the chimney with mineral wool or using plaster. Let's consider both options for insulating a brick chimney. Let’s say right away that insulating a brick chimney from the outside using mesh plastering is ineffective. What they do:

  • The chimney is cleaned from the outside;
  • The reinforcing mesh is fixed.

The solution is prepared by mixing cement, lime and slag. Add water. You can use modern “warm” plaster, which is famous for its thermal insulation qualities.

The solution is applied to the brick in a layer of 2-3 cm. After drying, the next layer is applied. The outermost one is leveled and rubbed. Deficiencies are checked for and eliminated. The pipe is painted with lime or chalk.

More reliable is to insulate the chimney pipe with your own hands using mineral wool. The issue of insulation is resolved as follows:

  1. The surface is cleaned of dirt and unevenness is eliminated;
  2. Assemble the frame in which the insulating material will be placed;
  3. Slots and gaps are not allowed;
  4. Then the chimney is insulated with mineral wool, and this is done with an overlap of 0.15-0.2 m;
  5. The joints are glued using construction tape;
  6. The attic section of the pipe is insulated with sheets of plasterboard.

Attaching the chimney to guy wires

A chimney that is longer than 1.5 m requires additional fastening to protect it from the effects of strong winds. To do this, the chimney is secured to the roof with guy wires, which is simple and effective. In the place where the umbrella is attached, make 2 loops on different sides. Or they pass the wire to the securing clamp and secure it there. Then the wire is brought to the second stretch point. A ring is screwed into the wall. Part of the wire is attached to the lanyard (directly, or in a ring through a special fastener that holds the wire). The lanyard is stretched. There are also fastening methods - attaching the chimney to the wall, attaching the chimney to the roof. Which one to choose is up to you.

We hope you understand why chimneys need to be insulated. Today there are many ways to insulate a chimney pipe, which you can use yourself. Choosing insulation to insulate chimney pipes with your own hands is also easy. You just need to adhere to the necessary requirements for installing a chimney system. Otherwise, it will be a pity to spend money on insulation.

How to insulate a metal chimney pipe: materials, methods and types


Questions about insulating a metal chimney pipe often worry consumers. The functionality, proper operation and durability of smoke exhaust structures depend on thermal insulation.

The efficiency of heating a residential building largely depends on the quality of the chimney system. Thermal insulation of this complex is an important process, which also involves insulating 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 and 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. Exposure to temperature changes outside contributes to the occurrence of chemical reactions that can cause an explosion and smoke in the furnace. Thermal insulation of the chimney allows you to avoid such consequences and maintain the functionality of the building heating system.

Insulation is necessary for pipes of any type

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

Selection of material for insulation

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

The type of material used influences the order of insulation work.

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

Application of mineral wool

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

  • non-flammability;
  • resistance to humidity;
  • ease of installation;
  • long service life;
  • availability.

Basalt or mineral wool is used for insulation of steel and ceramic pipes, insulation of roof ventilation penetrations or chimney ducts. For round pipes, you can use special shells, which are selected depending on the diameter of the pipes.

The shells have a convenient shape for easy installation

Shells or mineral wool sheets are wrapped around the pipe, secured 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.

Insulation with foil

Polyurethane foam shells are in demand and convenient for pipe insulation. The products have a foil outer coating, which enhances the thermal insulation properties of the material. The shells are presented in the form of half-cylinders, segments or cylinders of different diameters. The wall thickness and length of the elements also differ, and manufacturers produce a wide range of options, so it is not difficult to select specific shells with foil for chimney insulation.

PPU shells are convenient to install 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 placed on the surface of the chimney, secured with 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 or expensive materials. PUF shells are durable and resistant to temperatures ranging from -185° to +85°C. If the surface of the pipes has a higher temperature, then first lay a layer of mineral wool 2 cm thick, and then install the shells. The foil layer acts as a screen, preventing the impact of temperature changes on the surface of the chimney.

Use of polystyrene foam

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

Foam shells are suitable for thermal insulation of water supply pipes

It is possible to use polystyrene foam 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 is susceptible to rodents. The installation of shells is carried out using the same technology as the fixation of polyurethane foam elements.

Thermal insulation by backfill method

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

Expanded clay is used to fill the inside of the box

The sides of the box in contact with the ceiling, roof or sheathing 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 of the chimney pipe. The frame must be covered with slate sheets, the resulting panels are attached along the contour of the pipe. Expanded clay, glass wool, sand, slag or other heat-insulating components are poured inside. From the outside, all cracks near the pipe are sealed, and the ceiling is finished from inside the room.

Video: lining and insulation of a brick chimney

Features of thermal insulation of different chimneys

A stove or fireplace chimney can be made of different materials and have a complex or simple shape and size. In each case, you need to choose an insulation option that will be the most effective and safe, ensuring the durability of the home heating system. In this case, the insulation method is taken into account. For example, thermal insulation can be carried out outside after the pipe has been installed. If insulation is carried out from the inside, that is, during the process of installing the chimney, then it is important to seal all the resulting cracks and ensure waterproofing.

Insulation of metal pipes does not require complex actions

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

Insulation of iron pipe

The construction of metal pipes often consists of several layers of materials that are wrapped around the pipe. Shells that are protected from the outside with an external metal pipe are effective for this purpose. This technology is easy to implement, but it is possible to insulate an iron pipe using the backfill method. It is worth considering that an iron pipe needs to be treated with anti-corrosion agents and this helps prevent rust and damage to the element.

The iron pipe is insulated in several layers

Before insulating a metal pipe, it is important to ensure that the home heating system is functioning correctly. Only after this do they begin thermal insulation of the chimney, taking into account the following features of this process:

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

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

Video: thermal insulation of a chimney with mineral wool

Stainless steel chimney

Stainless steel pipe is a common element of a home heating system. Stainless steel differs from iron in being more durable, not subject to corrosion, practicality and durability. To insulate such a chimney, the methods used for any other metal chimney pipes are optimal.

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

When thermally insulating a steel pipe, several materials can be combined. For example, a sandwich is created from the outside from polyurethane foam shells and an outer shell, sealing the area where the pipe comes into contact with the roof. From the inside, from the attic side, you can wrap the chimney with mineral wool with a foil layer. For pipes with a rectangular or square cross-section, basalt fiber mats are optimal.

Insulation of asbestos pipe

Products made 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 humidity, corrosion, rotting, and chemical components. The strength of the material is practically not affected by temperature changes and ultraviolet rays. In this case, asbestos-cement pipes are used to create chimneys, taking into account some restrictions. For example, the products quickly collect soot and can only withstand temperatures down to -300 °C. Therefore, the chimney should be located away from the heat source. The combination of an asbestos-cement pipe and a coal stove is prohibited by established standards from a fire safety point of view.

Asbestos-cement pipes also need insulation like other chimneys

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

Thermal insulation of a brick chimney

Insulating 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.

A brick chimney needs insulation in regions with harsh climates

The first method involves the use of slag-lime mortar, which is applied to a reinforced mesh previously attached to the surface of the chimney. This 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 subsequent applications are carried out 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 slabs to a pipe using mushroom dowels.
  3. Fixing the heat insulator with metallized tape.
  4. Plastering with a waterproofing compound.
  5. Finishing, facing with bricks, asbestos-cement slabs.

When installing a brick chimney, it is important to carefully seal the area where the insulation meets the roof. This is necessary for any external insulation of chimneys and prevents moisture from penetrating into the premises.

Thermal insulation of a galvanized chimney

Galvanized steel pipes are used for smoke removal in bathhouses, cottages and other rooms 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 thermal insulation material. The technology for working with a galvanized chimney does not differ from the installation 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 meets the roof, you need to apply a layer of sealant and attach the roofing sheets to the screws. Thermal insulation material must be as fireproof as possible, and also resistant to humidity and temperature changes. A universal solution is to combine mineral wool with a foil layer.

Insulation of a ceramic chimney

Thermal insulation of a ceramic pipe of a smoke exhaust system can be done using mineral wool. To do this, a box is constructed from concrete and brick blocks into which the pipe is installed. The gap between the walls of the box and the chimney is filled with insulation. The outside of the pipe with insulation is plastered and lined with brick.

Insulation can be carried out following the diagram

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

DIY thermal insulation of a steel chimney

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

The work package includes the following actions:

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

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

Video: features of insulating a chimney made from a sandwich pipe

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

Probably, any owner is faced with such a problem as insulating a chimney when renovating a home. The question arises: is it necessary to insulate the chimney pipe from the outside? As a rule, the answer to this is positive. Later, the owner decides how to insulate the chimney pipe of the house. Basalt wool is good as insulation for the chimney of a building. You can make thermal insulation yourself, as this work is not difficult. You just need to know how to insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands correctly. Let's look at this question in more detail.

Insulation process

Chimney Damage Factors

Poor-quality thermal insulation or lack thereof leads to premature destruction of the chimney. There are two factors that directly affect the integrity and proper operation of the chimney:

  1. Humidity. It is constantly present in the chimney due to the fact that warm air systematically circulates in it. The water carried with its vapor condenses on the chimney.
  2. Aggressive chemicals. When burned, many harmful chemical elements are released. When the chimney operates, they escape into the atmosphere. When it is inactive, the chemical products of combustion settle in the pipe in the form of soot, thereby destroying its structure.

The principle of chimney insulation

Carrying out thermal insulation makes it possible to stop or avoid irreversible processes that occur under the influence of humidity and combustion products.

If you do not take the necessary measures to preserve the chimney, the consequences can lead not only to its destruction, but also to seriously damage the structure of the home itself. Condensation, together with chemistry, gradually corrodes the material from which the chimney is made.

Humidity poses a particular danger during the spring thaw. It seems that now you will not have a question about why to insulate the chimney pipe, after the information received.

Advantages of an insulated chimney

Answering the question why a chimney pipe is insulated, I would like to say - first of all, to prevent significant negative factors. Undoubtedly, insulating a chimney with your own hands does not fully protect the chimney from the negative effects of natural phenomena. But this event will extend the duration of use of the chimney.

An insulated chimney has a number of advantages. What allows you to extend the time of use of the chimney system:

  • eliminates the risk that condensate, together with harmful chemicals, will enter the chimney;
  • aggressive acids escape into the atmosphere along with smoke;
  • temperature changes are reduced. Hot smoke vapor and a cold pipe no longer have the same temperature contrast;
  • energy is saved. The insulation of the chimney allows you to save fuel, which maintains a high temperature in the stove heating;
  • The strength of the chimney itself increases. The insulation serves as its frame and makes the chimney system resistant to strong winds.

If the insulation for the chimney pipe is selected correctly, the frost resistance of the entire structure will increase. According to the rules, the selected insulation for chimneys makes it possible to partially eliminate the negative effects of high temperature on the part of the roof that comes into contact with the chimney.

Thermal insulation extends the service life of the roof itself. The advantages include the high aesthetic qualities of insulation, because it preserves the original appearance of the smoke duct for a long time.

Thermal insulation of the chimney

In cases where they decide how to insulate a metal chimney pipe, they take into account the high temperature that the system reaches when heated (up to 300° C). Therefore, the insulation for the chimney must consist of a material that is not capable of igniting under any conditions. These can be various materials, such as mineral wool, slag concrete, basalt wool or other insulation. When insulating a chimney, ordinary cement mortar is used for plaster. To insulate an iron chimney pipe with your own hands, which has a “sandwich” shape, it is necessary to use stainless steel sleeves.

Important information: the weight of the chimney insulation from the outside must not exceed the prescribed standards for the roof. Heavy chimney insulation can push through the roof over the years. It is better to use options with lightweight insulating materials, such as insulating the chimney with mineral wool, for example.

Sandwich pipes have a second circuit that allows you to fill the space between it and the pipe with insulation

In the question of how to insulate an iron chimney pipe, the use of special cylindrical insulation materials available on the market helps. A special screen based on foil provides complete protection of the chimney pipe.

Characteristic nuances of insulating metal pipes

Before starting insulation, it is necessary to check its compliance with the design technology standards.

When producing an insulated chimney, the following requirements are met:

  • the height of the iron pipe must be at least 5 m to ensure optimal traction of the system;
  • the distance between the ceilings, roof truss system and chimney pipe must be at least 0.25 m;
  • if the roof is constructed of flammable materials (slate, roofing felt, etc.), a spark arrester must be installed on the chimney.

Important: to prevent a fire in the structure, the distance between the metal stove and the ceiling must be at least 1.5 m.

Before wrapping and wrapping the chimney pipe, the system must be checked for serviceability. It should be ensured that insulating materials are insured against possible fire.

You should carefully study the instructions that come with the purchased chimney insulation that you are going to use.

Isolation methods

Chimney systems of various types provide as many different methods of insulation. It all depends on the functions that the chimney system performs.

When deciding how to insulate a metal chimney pipe with your own hands, you need to know that the market is already saturated with factory-made samples made of stainless steel. They are designed extremely simply - two pipes of different diameters are taken, inserted into each other and there is insulation between them. So it is possible to insulate the chimney this way.

So, the smaller pipe is inserted into the larger one. We take any insulation for chimney pipes and fill the gap between them.

Among modern materials, basalt wool is very popular. It is a little similar to mineral, but much more practical and durable.

Methods for insulating metal stove and fireplace pipes

Metal pipes are sometimes used for decorative stoves and fireplaces, which are not the main resource for heating a home. In this option, when deciding how to insulate the metal pipe of your chimney, use ordinary plaster. In principle, this method is designed for a brick chimney, but it is also used for metal.

A special mixture for this method is sold on the building materials market. It is poured into water, and the resulting solution is stirred using a construction mixer. Using a spatula, the resulting mixture is applied to the pipe in lumps. Afterwards, a reinforcing frame is attached to them - a mesh, which includes fiberglass. Thanks to the frame, the plaster adheres to the pipe. After applying the rough layer of plaster, the finishing layer is applied.

Tip: the section of the chimney located in the attic can be wrapped with mineral wool. Fixation is carried out using construction tape. This option is unacceptable for an open air vent area, since such insulation loses its properties in humid weather.

This is, perhaps, the complete answer to the question of how to wrap a metal chimney pipe for insulation.

Insulation of metal chimney pipes of a gas boiler

When it comes to insulating a chimney from a gas boiler, so-called sandwich structures are used. We have already looked at how they are structured in the method of two pipes with different diameters. I must say that this method is very popular. It is very effective in protecting the chimney system from condensation due to the fact that it saves energy.

Do-it-yourself insulation of this kind is not a fire hazard, because the winding is protected by a layer of stainless steel or galvanized iron.

How is a chimney from a gas boiler insulated using the “sandwich method”? There are several steps:

  1. holes are made in the roof and its ceilings with a diameter 0.25 m larger than the diameter of the chimney pipe;
  2. The metal chimney is insulated with basalt wool, the thickness of which is about five centimeters. A layer of cotton wool should be wrapped around the pipe with an overlap;
  3. when fixing the insulation, steel wire is used, wrapped around the circumference of the pipeline;
  4. A large pipe is put on top of this, serving as a casing. If it is made from thin sheet iron, it is fixed with adhesive tape and tightening straps.

Then the insulation of the chimney from the gas boiler is checked for the absence of loose edges and the insulated chimney pipe is put on the boiler pipe through a hole in the roof. Upon completion of installation, the metal sheet near the riser is filled with expanded clay, asbestos or clay.

Asbestos and stainless steel pipe insulation

What does insulating an asbestos chimney pipe with your own hands include and how is it carried out? There are two elements - an internal pipeline enclosed in an insulating casing and an additional protective pipe, the material for which is galvanized steel. Rolled mineral wool is used as insulation.

The following rules must be observed:

  • the thickness of the heat-insulating material should not exceed 10 cm for stainless steel pipes;
  • areas located in the building - no more than 4 cm.

Let's see how to insulate an asbestos chimney pipe, and what is needed for this. Let's say that such work is relatively simple. This option is temporary due to its fragility.

Stages of work:

A visual demonstration of an insulated pipe in section

  1. preparation of mineral wool;
  2. pipe wrapping;
  3. tie and fastening with staples.

This method is intended for the chimney section that is located in the attic. It cannot be used externally. How to properly insulate an external chimney? To insulate a stainless steel chimney, it is necessary to carry out full insulation, which includes:

  • production of the casing. Material – galvanized steel. Manufactured taking into account the inner pipe and insulation;
  • cleaning the insulated surface and workplace;
  • fastening the lower part of the casing, filling the interpipe space with insulating material;
  • installing the next casing element and repeating the process.

It is important that the elements fit tightly together. Having finished fastening all the elements, the chimney is tilted slightly. Defects in joints are eliminated with cement mortar.

Proper insulation will allow you to get good traction and maintain proper operating conditions.

Thermal insulation of a brick chimney

The question of how to insulate a brick chimney has two answers - insulating the chimney with mineral wool or using plaster. Let's consider both options for insulating a brick chimney. Let’s say right away that insulating a brick chimney from the outside using mesh plastering is ineffective. What they do:

  • The chimney is cleaned from the outside;
  • The reinforcing mesh is fixed.

The solution is prepared by mixing cement, lime and slag. Add water. You can use modern “warm” plaster, which is famous for its thermal insulation qualities.

The solution is applied to the brick in a layer of 2-3 cm. After drying, the next layer is applied. The outermost one is leveled and rubbed. Deficiencies are checked for and eliminated. The pipe is painted with lime or chalk.

More reliable is to insulate the chimney pipe with your own hands using mineral wool. The issue of insulation is resolved as follows:

  1. The surface is cleaned of dirt and unevenness is eliminated;
  2. Assemble the frame in which the insulating material will be placed;
  3. Slots and gaps are not allowed;
  4. Then the chimney is insulated with mineral wool, and this is done with an overlap of 0.15-0.2 m;
  5. The joints are glued using construction tape;
  6. The attic section of the pipe is insulated with sheets of plasterboard.

Attaching the chimney to guy wires

A chimney that is longer than 1.5 m requires additional fastening to protect it from the effects of strong winds. To do this, the chimney is secured to the roof with guy wires, which is simple and effective. In the place where the umbrella is attached, make 2 loops on different sides. Or they pass the wire to the securing clamp and secure it there. Then the wire is brought to the second stretch point. A ring is screwed into the wall. Part of the wire is attached to the lanyard (directly, or in a ring through a special fastener that holds the wire). The lanyard is stretched. There are also fastening methods - attaching the chimney to the wall, attaching the chimney to the roof. Which one to choose is up to you.

One of the ways to attach high chimneys is to attach them with guy wires to the roof.

The operation of the bathhouse must be absolutely safe for humans. To prevent fires from coming into contact with a hot stove or chimney pipe, walls and ceilings, as well as hot surfaces, should be thoroughly insulated. We will tell you in detail how to insulate a chimney pipe in a sauna in this article.

As sad statistics say, during 2014, up to 70% of fires in private baths occurred due to incorrect thermal insulation of metal pipes. Therefore, to help our readers protect themselves and their guests, we will tell you about the materials, as well as the technology for insulating pipes in a bathhouse.

Variety of insulating materials for baths

The favorite material for bathhouses in Russia is wood. However, it tends to be very flammable. To avoid this, people have long learned to insulate the chimney in the bathhouse, as well as the stove and all surfaces - walls, ceilings. For these purposes, any available means were used - clay, asbestos or any other non-flammable materials with a low degree of thermal conductivity.

Another argument in favor of thermal insulation of the chimney is that in this case the pipe will cool much more slowly and condensation will not accumulate in it.

It is a mistake to think that a good solution regarding how to insulate a pipe in a bathhouse would be to mount sheet iron on the ceiling. The metal can heat up very quickly, which in no way prevents fire, so it is not suitable for thermal insulation.


As an alternative to lining the pipe in the bathhouse, you can use red refractory brick. However, for such a design it is necessary to foresee the size of the room in advance, strengthen the foundation and select a design.

Among the modern materials that solve the question of how to wrap a metal chimney pipe in a bathhouse, the following are offered on the market:

  • folgoizol;
  • thermal insulation

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Folgoizol

It is a two-layer material consisting of a heat-insulating component and foil. Thanks to the reflective layer, the room does not cool down so quickly, because up to 90% of the heat is retained inside the bath, so it is a very high-quality insulator.

Folgoizol is highly environmentally friendly, because thick food foil is used as a raw material. This material is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and strong temperature changes - the operating range is from -65 ºС to +175 ºС. Therefore, it will be a completely worthy choice for wrapping a pipe in a bathhouse.


Note that foil insulation is often installed not only around the chimney, but also on the walls and ceiling of the steam room. It serves for high-quality vapor and waterproofing, and also insulates the bathhouse well.

The sauna, lined with foil insulation, can be compared to a thermos based on its operating principle. It heats up quickly and cools down very slowly.

Teploizol

One of the options for wrapping a pipe in a bathhouse is thermal insulation. To produce thermal insulation, foamed polyethylene is used, hidden between two layers of foil, and the top layer of foil in the material is designed to protect the chimney from overheating.

Teploizol appeared on the building materials market relatively recently. The thickness of such material ranges from 2-10 mm.


Thermal insulation is easy to manipulate - you just need to wrap it around the chimney and secure it with metallized tape.

Sandwich pipe as a chimney

Recently, various manufacturers have begun to produce new safe sandwich pipes for baths and saunas. With such a design, there is no longer any need to worry about how to protect the pipe in the bathhouse (more details: " "). The design of such pipes involves quick and convenient assembly of sections inserted into each other. Moreover, it is optimal to use such pipes with an iron stove.

The sandwich pipe is a multilayer structure, inside of which there is a stainless steel frame, then insulation made of mineral or basalt wool is laid, and a galvanized casing is placed on top. Thanks to this structure, soot does not accumulate inside the chimney, the outer layer of metal does not experience overheating, and the entire structure looks beautiful and laconic.


However, we note that it is advisable to install sandwich pipes in dry saunas. But for traditional Russian baths with high humidity, you should choose slightly different thermal insulation options.

Method of insulating a chimney in a Russian bath

If a heater is installed in the bathhouse, then fire-resistant bricks are used to build the chimney. It is able to remain warm for a long time.

When building a brick chimney, you should not save, but it is advisable to approach this issue very responsibly, because its durability depends on the quality of the work performed.

In this case, the best way to isolate a pipe in a bathhouse from the ceiling, roof and other roof elements is to attach sheet metal to these surfaces.


As an option, you can install a protective screen around the chimney into which expanded clay can be poured. It will serve as additional fire protection for all wooden surfaces of the bathhouse, and will also serve as a heat accumulator.

However, complete safety in a bathhouse cannot be achieved by insulating pipes alone. Similar actions must be performed with the stove, walls and ceiling.

Insulation of the stove in the bathhouse

Currently, bathhouses often use simple metal stoves, which are lined with sheet metal on the sides and back, and installed directly on the foundation. To ensure that heat is retained in the bathhouse for a long time and to make it presentable, the stove can be lined with red refractory bricks.

Currently, asbestos sheets are no longer used for stove insulation, since it releases toxic substances when heated.

It is advisable to use natural felt to insulate the stove. Although this material is quite expensive, it is an excellent insulator. In addition, when a spark hits the felt, it does not flare up, but begins to smolder, so you will immediately notice the problem by the characteristic pungent odor.

When installing the stove on a wooden floor, you should first lay felt in two layers, and then lay the brick in three rows. Sheet metal is mounted on the walls and floor around the stove in pieces 50-70 cm high.


We hope that this article was able to answer the most frequently asked questions among novice builders. Let us remind you that high-quality thermal insulation of the chimney, stove, as well as all surfaces of the bathhouse will not only keep you warm longer, but also protect yourself and your loved ones.