What is ULTRABLACK Close Clearance Pipe

If you own a wood stove, you know it can achieve remarkably high temperatures while gifting you the beauty and visual warmth of a real fire. At the same time, channeling the smoke, gas, and particles away from the room while limiting creosote and soot buildup can be a challenge. And with some pipe designs,  the look and positioning of the pipe can be a bit of an eye soar.

ICC offers a product that combats these issues with stove piping. Its ULTRABlack close clearance pipe has a double wall design for a safer and more efficient fire, and it looks great doing it.

This article looks deeper into the company’s close clearance pipe and explains the best ways to clean and maintain it so that those benefits last.  

What is ULTRABlack Close Clearance Pipe?

The ULTRABlack pipe has a double wall construction with a 3/8" space between the inner and outer pipe, allowing for stronger containment and insulation of gas and particles that burned off from the fire. You also enjoy a cooler-to-the-touch temperature for the pipe while maintaining enough heat inside to create a strong draw of gases and other particles up and out of the room.

The increased draw provides benefits like:

• Reduced smoke
• Improved efficiency
• Reduced moisture, creosote, and soot buildup

Other double-wall pipes have similar benefits. How is this design different?

How is ULTRABlack Close Clearance Pipe Different from Other Pipes?

Here are the benefits that distinguish this design from others in the market:

• It comes in a clean design without crimps, beads, or any unsightly slots or vents.
• The attractive design also blends beautifully with an old-fashioned appearance.
• The pipe is a "close clearance pipe," which means it can sit as close as 6" from combustible materials, such as your interior walls. This leads to a cleaner and less obstructive design within a room.
• It comes in a black satin finish, making it easier to paint the pipe to match your stove cleanly.
• It has a 100% complete replacement lifetime warranty, "...no questions asked."

What Types of Units Can Fit ULTRABlack Close Clearance Pipe?

It is used regularly on a wide range of freestanding oil, wood, or coal-burning stoves and attaches to masonry or metal chimneys. The pipe fits stoves that accommodate either 6", 7", or 8" diameter pipes.

Issues to Be Aware of With an ULTRABlack Close Clearance Pipe

You should avoid scratching the interior lining with an overly strong or thick brush during cleaning for maximum life and performance.

How to Install and Replace an ULTRABlack Close Clearance Pipe

Installation of the piping is easy. Here is a basic explanation of the process, but be sure to consult the instructions before doing any work. 

1. First, determine your configuration and sizing. It is typically best to follow the original configuration of your current stove pipe since it may comply with local rules and regulations while also ensuring a strong draw. If you change the design, make sure you comply with local rules for fire safety. With this product, you should maintain a minimum of 6" from combustible materials, such as walls and ceilings (when installing horizontal sections).
2. Purchase your piping. You will need to select from fixed or adjustable piping based on your needs. A fixed pipe should be the first to connect your stove to your damper.
3. Each pipe fits snugly together using three (screw nails) that come with each pipe, with the female side (indicated with an arrow) facing upward or outside the room if installed vertically. The male side fits inside the female side.
4. Align the vertical seams of each connected pipe with the seam facing away from the room for a clean appearance.
5. Ensure the three screw holes align with each pipe so that the self-screwing screws feed through easily. Then screw in each screw.

How to Clean and Maintain a ULTRABlack Close Clearance Pipe

As with any stove pipe, ensuring your ULTRABlack piping has a long life means doing regular inspections. Start with weekly evaluations after installation to help you spot how often you should clean. Follow this up with reviews at least once every two months during your burning seasons. Look for issues like soot and creosote buildup, and proceed with cleaning when the buildup reaches 1/4" thick or more.

For cleaning, use a nylon brush that isn't too small or too large - just right. A brush that is too small will make cleaning difficult, and one that is too large can scratch or damage the stainless steel and chimney.

You can also use chemical cleaners for more challenging issues of creosote buildup. For more information on these materials, click here.  

ULTRABlack Close Clearance Pipe for an Ultra Clean and Safe Fire

The blend of beauty and strength of the ULTRABlack piping ensures you have an attractive stove design in the color you want while keeping the piping cool to the touch and achieving maximum draw for an efficient fire. You may pay a little more for this product, but the durability and beauty make it worth it.