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When choosing a chimney pipe, you have many options, but some brands will stand out. One example is the insulated chimney pipe by Excel. The pipe is produced by ICC out of Saint-Jérôme, Canada, and has a strong reputation for long life and efficiency. Still, it comes with other benefits that are worth knowing.
This article provides a closer look at the Excel piping to help you know if it is right for you and how to install and maintain it properly.
What is an Excel Insulated Chimney Pipe
Like all chimney pipes, the Excel pipe funnels smoke, ash, and other combustion fumes from your firebox and outside of your home. It works as a Class A chimney by funneling the smoke through walls, attics, and the roof and is certified to withstand chimney fires.
Due to its proximity to combustible materials, this Class A chimney pipe is more durable and heat resistant than the exposed pipe inside a room.
What Types of Units Use an Excel Insulated Chimney Pipe
The chimney pipes by Excel are for wood stoves, wood fireplaces, and residential wood and oil furnaces.
Benefits of an Excel Insulated Chimney Pipe
If you shop around, you will notice immediately that the construction of the Excel line is different from other pipes. The design brings unique benefits:
• No end cap needed - This avoids any rigid joints that restrict expansion and detraction that lead to dangerous chimney fires.
• Advanced insulation - Its Thermoplus insulation works like one continuous blanket to retain heat inside the flue and keep cool temperatures outside. It also heats flue gases faster than in typical pipes while staying soft enough to effectively expand and contract, leading to a cleaner and safer burn.
• No Lock Seam Needed - It avoids the need for a lock seam – the weakest part of the pipe – by having a continuous seam weld running from top to bottom.
• Lightweight design - This chimney pipe is the lightest in the industry, making it simple to install and replace.
• Stainless Steel Construction - The material uses a proprietary 430 stainless steel for improved strength, advanced corrosion resistance, improved flexing, and higher heat temperatures, and a longer lifespan than aluminum.
• They are Exceedingly Good Looking - These pipes are made to be admired. The male and female sides fit over each other without any need for crimping, giving you an ultra-clean look. The stainless steel adds a beautiful design touch to your home, and the black version allows you to paint your pipe to match your existing stove.
• The piping saves you space - It is the first 1" wall chimney to pass the ULC standard, allowing for a 1" clearance along shielded sections and a 2" clearance near unshielded areas.
• Lifetime warranty - Each pipe comes with a lifetime warranty.
• Sizing to fit - The stainless steel comes in 6", 7", and 8" diameters.
• Environmentally friendly packaging - The company uses a "Bikini Box" - two pieces of cardboard that sit along the top and bottom of the pipe and are secured with a single strap. With no cardboard on the sides, the company reduces cardboard waste and makes it easier to catch damage quickly so you can refuse the package upon arrival or easily snap pictures for a claim. The transport companies also take more care to avoid damage during delivery.
How to install and Replace an Excel Insulated Chimney Pipe
Be sure to consult the company's instructions before doing any work, but here is a general guide to the process. To install, You will need a ¼" nut driver and note that you will need to start with a fixed-length pipe if connecting to a damper.
• Stack one pipe on top of the other one at a time, with the female side facing upward and vertical seams facing the back wall for a clean appearance. If you are installing an elbow section, position the female sides so that they point out of the room. •With the vertical seams aligned, the pre-drilled holes should also align. Take your self-drilling screws and screw them in through each hole.
How to Clean an Excel Insulated Chimney Pipe
Since wood stoves and fireplaces are prone to creosote and soot buildup, you will need to regularly clean and inspect the pipes to minimize any buildup. If you don't, you will experience fire-causing buildups in as few as two weeks, so make the cleaning and inspections a priority.
For cleaning, use a nylon or steel chimney brush that does not scratch the interior lining; for example, avoid using too large of a brush. For added help, see our articles on What is Creosote.
How to Maintain an Excel Insulated Chimney Pipe
Maintenance is as important as cleaning:
• Follow this up with inspections every two months during the burning season. This will help you spot obstructions and creosote/soot buildup early for easier cleaning. Once spotted, clean it immediately.