Installed some handsome Isokerns: two custom see throughs with class A 16” ID, flue by Durachimney (Earthcore didn’t have 16”ID available). Flue runs are 30’ each.
The trouble is getting someone comfortable installing the Duravent product on Isokern. Compounding a bit is that the plans call for a mechanical top mount damper by KW which would be interlocked with the EIS/IPI (gas logs will be installed even though it’s masonry and class A).
Now getting some static that the products aren’t by the same manufacturer (although Isokern engineers already wrote extensive instructions)…
The problem with having products by different manufacturers is that components aren't lab tested with different manufacturers' products. No installer worth their salt will touch that.
They are all UL 103 with same material. SS 403 if I’m not mistaken.
Again, retailers and dealers will sell you all the components under the sun.
FWIW, Duravent warranty says
“For purposes of this warranty, a trained professional installer is defined as one of the following: licensed contractors with prior chimney installation experience, CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, NFI Certified Specialists, or WETT Certified Professionals.”
Isokern fireplaces are not listed with duravent chimney, absolutely no one will install that, doesn't matter what you think about what is the same or not, you can only use pipe specified by the manufacturer for installation. period.
What is the actual UL listing code? Search UL 103 on the product iq site doesn't help much.
A UL doesn't have anything to do with material it's made from, but whether or not the system has been tested to withstand direct flame for extended periods of time.
Typically, a UL won't list two competing manufacturers.
No decent installer is going to put Durachimney on a fireplace that isn’t listed for use with Durachimney, because if it doesn’t function correctly or causes damage to the home, they can be sued into oblivion. I don’t know if you’re the builder or the homeowner, but now you’ve made a public post online about it. Is Reddit anonymous? Kinda. But not completely. You can be linked to your post.
My advice? Stop now, get the right venting. Do it right or don’t do it at all. This could kill someone. And now you’ve left a trail of digital breadcrumbs to link you to the destruction. Stop now, return the wrong pipe, get the right pipe. Period.
I hope you don't think that we're coming down on you. Most of us here would happily offer assistance. But when something is a no-go, you're gonna be told 8 ways from Sunday as to why. Take care and good luck, brother.
We’re all here to solve problems. That’s what separates Reddit from the animals. It’s a journey to learn whether it’s a hobby or career.
It’s a custom Isokern that needs a metal flue 16”ID, per Earthcore engineering. It’s in the specs and it’s by the book. Ecosteel is super limited so I’m done there. It’s out.
How many flue manufacturers are there, a couple? (Metal fab, Dura etc). Personally I think Duravent has advanced all of our careers with their huge breadth of offerings.
At the end of the day, this is a masonry FP. It’s custom so forget the UL anyway.
unfortunately, it is not a masonry fireplace, if it was a masonry fireplace built to masonry code then you could use different materials, however- it's an isokern which is a UL tested and listed appliance, not a masonry fireplace. FOr instance the side walls around the firebox are only 4" nominal where with a masonry appliance they would need to be 8" minimum.
when you use a listed system like that you have to follow and use their guidelines. Unfortunately in this case that limits your solutions. Just like if that was a masonry fp it could not be on that wood framing, so you cant call it a masonry fireplace, because it is not, its an isokern.
Idk and good luck. I personally refuse to do anything that involves dampers/fans/gas logs together. Too many issues. If ur doing logs I cant imagine why u would be doing that and not a direct vent unit. I’m assuming the venting components are over 10k per chimney in just pipe. That whole set up just looks sketchy af.
I spoke to my local earthcore rep down here in Florida and he said that is not an approved installation. You must use the ecosteel pipe made for isokerns to be covered under any sort of their warranty.
What dies the manual say? Does it state it has to be ecosteel pipe used? On the custom, did they fabricated the top to accept a 16" id, or do you have to modify the hole to accommodate that?
Right, Earthcore/ Isokern engineered this as custom. It’s 16” ID from the get-go. For ST, we’ve got to have larger for the amount of open hearth. (40x24 high per side).
Great Qs! No specific flue other than class A (air cooled or insulated) and 16” ID, no mods whatsoever. No elbows, just straight up 30’ with tons of clearance in enclosed chase - from collar to chase top.
To make sure I'm understanding correctly. IsoKern made a custom firebox and didn't specify a flue to be used, just that it had to be class A and 16"? Every flue manufacturer will have their own proprietary ways of connecting to a firebox. Did IsoKern provide a specific way of connecting this, yet to be specified flue, during the design stage? I'm super confused how you got to this point without having this all laid out first.
Sure thing and I appreciate the questions. The custom fireplaces were produced with a 16” outlet. Yes indeed in the specifications they require a 16” ID class-A. I have the specs and in fact I emailed Isokern today with my situation. They replied with
“To ease your installers mind, you could reference our ESR report number 2316 that details the allowed factory built chimneys.”
They go on to highlight in that document certain requirements:
Gotcha. That does help clarify things. It seems the flue you selected meets this requirement. As long as you have an approved way to adapt the class A to the IsoKern, I don't see a problem. I could be missing some perceived liability as my personal experience with IsoKern has been with their in house flue brand. Based on your photos it does appear you have such an adaptor plate though.
I take it your having trouble finding a local installer to run the piping? Tbh, that is the fairly simple part. Have you consider doing it yourself?
Most companies will not take on the liability of a partial install or install customer supplied parts. My company operates this way.
I wish you luck though, this looks like a sweet fireplace!!!
Thanks for your encouragement… I wish it was more straightforward. Still looking for someone with some experience and no issue with them taking no liability. Will have inspections after.
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u/Bald_Harry 3d ago
The problem with having products by different manufacturers is that components aren't lab tested with different manufacturers' products. No installer worth their salt will touch that.