Stainless Steel Chimney Extension

Your chimney isn’t tall enough and smoke keeps backing up into your house.

That happens a lot with older homes where the original builder didn’t account for nearby trees or roof additions. A stainless steel chimney extension fixes this problem by adding height to your flue. We’ve been installing these extensions for 15 years and they work every time.

What Is a Stainless Steel Chimney Extension

A stainless steel chimney extension is a pipe that adds height to your existing flue. Think of it like adding a section to make your chimney taller. Most extensions we install are 2 to 4 feet tall,

But some go up to 8 feet when needed.

The extension sits right on top of your current flue and creates better draft. And unlike galvanized steel, stainless won’t rust out in 5 years.

These extensions come in different sizes to match your flue dimensions. We stock everything from 8×8 inch squares to 9×17 inch rectangles. The flue stretcher options we carry fit most home chimneys. You need the exact measurements of your flue opening to get the right fit. But don’t worry – we measure everything before ordering.

When You Need a Stainless Steel Chimney Extension

Smoke coming back down your chimney is the biggest sign you need more height.

This Happens when wind hits your roof and creates downdrafts. Trees that have grown taller than your chimney cause the same problem. New additions or dormer windows can also block the natural airflow around your flue.

Your chimney might be too short compared to your roofline too. Building codes say chimneys need to be 3 feet above the roof and 2 feet higher than anything within 10 feet. Older homes don’t always meet these requirements. An extension brings your chimney up to code and stops the smoking problems. We see this issue a lot with ranch-style homes where the original chimney barely clears the roof peak.

Poor draft is another reason to add height. Your fire burns poorly and you can’t get a good flame going. Your 8×8 extension we install creates the draft you need for a proper burn. More height equals better airflow through your fireplace or wood stove.

Here’s How Stainless Steel Chimney Extension Installation Actually Works

First we measure your flue opening and checking the condition of your existing chimney top.

Your extension needs to sit flat and seal properly to prevent leaks. Any cracks or damage in the current flue gets fixed first. Then we clean the top surface so the new extension bonds correctly.

Your extension slides down over your existing flue about 6 inches for a secure connection. We use high-temperature sealant around the joint to make it weatherproof. Stainless steel screws hold everything together – no cheap fasteners that rust out.

The whole installation takes about 2 hours for most home chimneys.

After the extension is mounted, we test the draft with a smoke pencil. You should see strong upward airflow with no downdrafts. Plus we check that rain can’t get into the connection joint. A proper installation looks like it was always part of your original chimney. The 13×17 stretcher we use fits most rectangular flues perfectly.

Stainless Steel Vs Other Extension Materials

Stainless steel costs more upfront but lasts 3 times longer than galvanized options. Galvanized extensions rust through in 7 to 10 years based on your climate. Stainless steel handles 20+ years of weather without problems. The rust resistance alone makes it worth the extra cost.

Clay tile extensions crack from freeze-thaw cycles and high winds. We’ve replaced plenty of broken clay extensions with stainless steel. Aluminum extensions work but dent easily from hail or falling branches. Stainless steel takes the abuse and keeps working. When you factor in replacement costs,

Stainless steel actually saves money long-term.

The heat resistance of stainless steel matters. Wood stoves and fireplaces create high temperatures that can warp cheaper materials. Stainless steel handles the heat without warping or discoloring. Our durability comparison shows why stainless wins every time.

Common Stainless Steel Chimney Extension Sizes

Most home chimneys use square or rectangular flue openings with standard dimensions. The 8×8 inch size fits smaller fireplaces and some wood stoves. Ranch homes and smaller colonials have this size flue. We keep several 8×8 extensions in stock for quick installation.

Larger fireplaces need 13×13 inch or 13×17 inch extensions. These bigger sizes handle more airflow for grand fireplaces or multiple flue systems. The 9×17 size works for rectangular flues in modern homes. Each size comes in different heights from 1 foot up to 4 feet tall. We measure your flue and recommend the right combination of width and height for your situation.

Custom sizes are open for unusual flue dimensions. Older homes sometimes have odd-sized flues that don’t match current standards. We can fabricate extensions to fit almost any opening. Round extensions work for metal chimneys and some prefab fireplaces. Call for pricing on custom fabrication – it takes 2 weeks to make special sizes.

Why People Pick Chimcare Chimney Caps

• 15 Years Experience: We’ve installed thousands of chimney extensions across all home styles and flue types.
• Quality Materials: Only 316-grade stainless steel that resists corrosion and handles extreme temperatures.
• Proper Installation: Extensions sealed correctly with high-temp sealants and stainless steel fasteners.
• Local Knowledge: We understand wind flow and building codes in your area.
• Quick Service: Most installations completed same week you call.
• Warranty Backed: All our stainless steel extensions come with manufacturer warranty protection.

Related Chimney Services

• Need Wind Protection? Our directional caps stop downdrafts while extending height. Wind directional caps.
• Want Complete Coverage? Full chimney covers protect your entire flue system from weather. Chimney covers.
• Multiple Flues? Large directional caps handle complex chimney tops with several openings. Large directional caps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should my chimney extension be?

Most extensions are 2-4 feet tall depending on your specific draft problems. We measure your roofline and nearby obstructions to determine the right height.

Will a stainless steel extension rust?

No, 316-grade stainless steel resists corrosion for 20+ years. Unlike galvanized steel, stainless won’t rust through or need replacement.

Can you install an extension on any chimney?

We can install extensions on most masonry and metal chimneys. The existing flue top needs to be in good condition for proper sealing.

How long does installation take?

Most residential extensions install in 2-3 hours. We measure, seal, and test the draft to ensure everything works properly.

Do I need a cap with my extension?

Yes, extensions need caps to prevent rain and debris from entering your flue. We recommend stainless steel caps that match your extension.