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Flue Stretchers – Improve Draft & Chimney Safety
Flue stretchers are a practical and affordable solution to fix chimney draft problems or meet clearance requirements between the flue and nearby combustibles. At Chimcare, we provide high-quality flue stretchers designed to enhance chimney performance, improve fireplace efficiency, and meet local building codes—without the need for major structural changes.
What Is a Flue Stretcher?
A flue stretcher is a metal extension that attaches to the top of a chimney flue, increasing its overall height. The added height helps with a number of chimney issues, especially those related to airflow and code compliance. When a chimney flue is too short, it can cause smoke to enter the living space or fail to draw properly. A flue stretcher resolves this by allowing smoke and gases to rise more effectively, improving the draft and ensuring safer operation.
Why You Might Need a Flue Stretcher
There are several reasons a flue stretcher may be necessary:
Poor Draft: If smoke struggles to rise out of your chimney, adding height can enhance the updraft, allowing smoke and gases to escape more easily.
Downdrafts: In windy areas, air can be pushed back down the chimney. A flue stretcher helps minimize downdraft by improving the chimney’s airflow dynamics.
Code Compliance: Building codes require chimneys to meet certain height requirements, such as the 3-2-10 rule (3 feet above the roof and 2 feet taller than anything within 10 feet). A flue stretcher helps meet these standards.
Fire Safety: When chimneys are too close to combustibles, increasing the flue’s height adds necessary clearance, reducing the risk of fire.
Smoke Backflow: If your fireplace causes smoke to enter your home, a flue stretcher might be the quickest fix to improve ventilation.
Features of Our Chimney Flue Stretchers
At Chimcare, we focus on durability, functionality, and ease of installation. Our flue stretchers offer:
Stainless Steel Construction: Rust-resistant and built to last in harsh outdoor conditions.
Multiple Sizes: We offer various width and height options to suit your existing chimney flue.
Secure Fit: Designed for stability and safe mounting, even in windy or wet climates.
Custom Options Available: Have a unique chimney setup? We can craft a custom solution that fits perfectly.
Why Choose Chimcare Chimney Caps?
Chimcare has been a trusted name in chimney care for decades. We’re known for our professionalism, fast response times, and quality craftsmanship. Whether you’re dealing with smoke issues, code compliance, or airflow concerns, our team is here to help with tailored solutions that work.
FAQ
Flue stretchers (or flue extenders) look like chimney caps but are much taller, and are designed to attach directly to your flue tile to extend it by one or two feet. Flue stretchers address two problems:
- Negative house pressure:Â If you have both an upstairs and a downstairs fireplace, negative house pressure can draw the smoke from one flue down the flue next to it. Using a flue stretcher for the upstairs fireplace puts distance between its smoke and the pull of the downstairs flue.
- Drafts:Â Placing the flue opening above other roofs and nearby structures increases upward drafts and reduces downdrafts.
A flue stretcher may be right for your home if you have both an upstairs and a downstairs fireplace and you notice smoke entering your downstairs area when you have a fire in the upstairs fireplace. Other indications that you might need a flue stretcher include having draft issues in a single-fireplace chimney. By raising the height, you naturally increase the draw of the chimney.
Flue stretchers install like a chimney cap and have a chimney cap built in, removing the need to purchase one separately.
Our flue stretchers are available in stainless steel and copper. Both of these options are incredibly durable and corrosion-resistant.
Measure the exact outside dimensions of your flue tile sticking up above the crown of your chimney.
