When it comes time to install or replace a chimney or venting system in your home, you’ll likely come across two big brand names: DuraTech and DuraVent. But what’s the difference between these two industry leaders?
And how do you decide which is the right fit for your home and budget?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key features, pros and cons, and real-world performance of DuraTech and DuraVent chimney and venting products.
Whether you’re looking for the most durable and efficient system, the easiest DIY installation, or the best value, we’ve got you covered.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | DuraTech | DuraVent |
| Construction | 304-430 stainless steel | 316Ti stainless steel |
| Safety Certifications | UL-103 HT, UL-641 | UL-103 HT, UL-641, UL-1777 |
| Design | Triple-wall, solid insulation | Triple-wall, air insulated |
| Installation | Easy twist-lock, DIY friendly | Trickier snap-lock, professional install |
| Product Range | Stove pipe, triple-wall chimney, liners | Wide range of chimney systems |
| Cost | $700+ for chimney kit | $900-$2200+ for chimney system |
Also Read: Problems With Double-Flue Chimney Smoke.
Key Takeaways:
- For most homeowners, DuraVent provides the best all-around value and safety thanks to innovative designs.
- DuraTech is ideal for simple DIY installations due to twist-lock design and lower cost.
- Both brands use high-quality stainless steel and meet chimney safety certifications.
- DuraVent offers a wider range of chimney and accessory options to choose from.
- Professional installation is recommended for DuraVent to ensure proper assembly and safety.
- Consider long-term costs: DuraVent will last longer despite higher upfront price.
Overview of DuraTech and DuraVent
First, let’s look at the basics of each brand:
DuraTech
- Founded in 1979, DuraTech is a division of DuraVent, manufacturing chimney and venting products for residential and commercial applications
- Offers triple-wall chimney systems, double-wall stove pipe, and a range of accessories
- Known for high-quality stainless steel construction and specialty chimney liners
- Products meet the UL-103 HT safety standards for high heat and corrosion resistance
DuraVent
- Parent company DuraVent Corporation was founded in 1989 and is based in Vacaville, CA
- Manufactures a wide range of venting products for fireplaces, stoves, grills, and industrial applications
- Flagship product is DuraPlus, a triple-wall, stainless steel chimney system
- Also offers DuraTech, DuraBlack, and PelletVent venting lines
- Known for rigorous safety testing and innovative designs
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into a detailed feature comparison of these two industry-leading brands.
DuraTech And DuraVent Chimney Features and Benefits
Construction and Materials
When it comes to chimney construction, material quality and durability should be top priorities. Both DuraTech and DuraVent use high-grade 316Ti stainless steel in their triple-wall chimney systems.
This specialized alloy offers excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand temperatures over 2000°F.
For stove pipes and connectors, DuraTech uses a 304 stainless steel material while DuraVent uses 430 stainless steel. Both offer good durability and heat resistance, but 304 stainless steel is a bit thicker-walled and more resistant to corrosion over time.
Winner: Tie – both use high-quality stainless steel alloys, with DuraTech having a slight edge for connectors.
Safety and Certifications
Proper safety certifications are also critical for any chimney system.
All DuraVent and DuraTech chimney pipe is tested to UL-103 HT standards, ensuring it won’t corrode or fail under high heat and acidic condensation.
Their chimneys are also UL-103, UL-641, and UL-1777 tested for safety.
When installed properly, both brands meet all chimney safety codes and standards.
However, DuraVent does hold more third-party certifications overall for quality control and manufacturing consistency.
Winner: Slight edge to DuraVent for its extensive third-party safety and quality control certifications.
Design and Engineering
DuraTech and DuraVent take slightly different design approaches for their stainless steel chimneys:
- DuraTech: Focuses on specialty chimney liners and a triple-wall chimney system with an insulated middle layer. Designed for easy DIY installation.
- DuraVent: Uses an air-insulated design in their DuraPlus triple-wall chimney for thermal expansion and contraction. Engineered for professional installation.
DuraVent chimneys are also designed to withstand more thermal stress and extremes due to the air gap insulated design. DuraTech’s solid insulation core can transfer more heat to the outer wall.
Winner: DuraVent takes the edge for its innovative air-insulated chimney design.
Ease of Installation
When tackling a DIY chimney or stove pipe installation, ease of assembly and flexibility are big advantages. DuraTech wins when it comes to straightforward, DIY-friendly installation:
- DuraTech: Features twist-lock connections between chimney sections for quick, simple assembly. Triple-wall pipes are lightweight. Designed for DIY installs.
- DuraVent: Uses snap-lock chimney connections that take more skill to assemble. Galvanized outer pipe is heavy and awkward for 1-person installation. Usually installed professionally.
DuraTech’s lightweight chimney sections and twist-lock design allow easy DIY modifications and adjustments. DuraVent is engineered more for permanent professional installation.
Winner: DuraTech for DIY-friendly design and lightweight simplicity.
Product Range and Availability
When choosing a chimney brand, it helps to have a wide range of venting and accessory options. Here’s how the product lines stack up:
- DuraTech: Offers triple-wall chimney, double-wall stove pipe, and specialty liners. Accessories include shields, roof braces, flashing, and termination caps.
- DuraVent: Manufactures four chimney brands (DuraPlus, DuraTech, DuraBlack, PelletVent) and over 20 accessory options. From basic to luxury chimneys.
While DuraTech covers the core essentials, DuraVent offers far more product diversity. You can find a specialized DuraVent chimney system for any install type, fuel, or budget.
Winner: DuraVent for its wider chimney selections and extensive accessory options.
Cost and Value
The final factor that often determines which chimney brand to install is the cost and value balance.
Here’s how pricing shakes out:
- DuraTech: Offers affordable triple-wall chimney kits starting around $700. Budget-friendly for essential chimney needs.
- DuraVent: Chimney system prices range from $900 up to $2,200 or more. More expensive but high-performance.
While DuraTech provides a solid product at an attractive price, DuraVent offers better value for money when you consider the advanced engineering and safety it provides.
Pay a bit more upfront, gain much longer chimney life.
Winner: DuraVent for outstanding value despite higher upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some questions about choosing between DuraTech and DuraVent? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
DuraTech is a product line manufactured by DuraVent Corporation. Think of DuraVent as the parent brand, while DuraTech is one of their chimney product options. DuraVent also makes DuraPlus, DuraBlack, and other chimney brands.
No, DuraTech and DuraPlus chimney systems cannot be interchanged or mixed and matched. DuraTech is a basic triple-wall chimney pipe while DuraPlus uses a more complex snap-lock, air-insulated design.
DuraVent Corporation, founded in Vacaville, CA in 1989, manufactures all DuraVent and DuraTech chimney systems. They specialize in chimney and ventilation products for residential and commercial use.
DuraTech can be used as chimney pipe for wood stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, boilers, or other venting needs up to 2100°F. It is a basic and affordable triple-wall stainless steel chimney.
Final Thoughts
No matter which brand you choose, be sure to have your chimney installed by a certified professional to ensure safety and efficiency. And inspect and clean the system annually to maximize performance.
Both DuraTech and DuraVent make excellent chimney products that will serve your home for decades when properly installed and maintained.
