offroadaudio

On most inserts you can check things out simply by removing the surround. Then you can see how the insert is connected: 1. slammer install, means no pipe at all, just an open flue from the insert that vents into the masonry chimney - very bad 2. direct connect - a short length of pipe that goes past the smoke shelf to the first clay tile - better, but hard to clean. The pipe has to be rated for installation inside a masonry chimney - usually SS. Additionally, the clay tiles need to be evaluated as usual. 3. Full liner - a SS flex or rigid liner that connects to the flue outlet on the insert and continues the full length of the chimney and terminates at the top with a cap. Sometimes insulated (recommended) sometimes not, but might be required by the manufacture if clay is not up to par or for other reasons.