If you’re in the market for a new chimney system, you’ve likely come across the two biggest brands – DuraVent and DuraPlus. Both offer high-quality chimney products made from sturdy stainless steel, but there are some key differences between the two.
As a homeowner, you want a chimney system that’s durable, efficient, and safe. In this detailed guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of DuraVent and DuraPlus chimney systems to help you decide which is best for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | DuraVent | DuraPlus |
| Construction | Double-wall stainless steel | Single-wall stainless steel |
| Durability | Excellent – 25+ year warranty | Good – 25 year warranty |
| Efficiency | High – minimizes heat loss | Medium – more heat transfer |
| Safety | Very good – cooler exterior | Good – meets standards |
| Creosote Buildup | Low due to insulation | Medium risk |
| Installation | Easy – rigid & self-supporting | Moderate – may require support |
| Cost | $$$ – premium materials | $ – affordable option |
| Stove Pipe Options | Limited sizes and connections | More flexible sizing and snap-locks |
| Chimney Caps | Many decorative shroud options | Basic cap styles |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 25 years |
| Customer Support | Online videos, FAQs, support line | Online docs, email/phone support |
Overview of DuraVent and DuraPlus
DuraVent and DuraPlus are leading manufacturers of chimney and venting products for residential and commercial applications.
Both brands offer chimney pipe, chimney caps, stove pipe, and more to suit any installation need.
DuraVent is an American company founded in 1948 and headquartered in Vacaville, CA.
Their chimney systems are designed for use with gas, wood, or oil-burning appliances.
DuraVent is known for their double-wall stainless steel pipes that provide an insulating air gap for efficiency and safety.
DuraPlus chimney systems are manufactured by DuraVent’s Canadian sister company, Security Chimneys International out of Montreal, Canada. DuraPlus is marketed as a more economical alternative to DuraVent with single-wall stainless steel construction.
Key Differences Between DuraVent And DuraPlus Chimney Systems
Now let’s look at how these two popular chimney brands compare across some key factors:
- Durability and Construction
When it comes to sturdiness and longevity, DuraVent’s double-wall design gives it the edge over DuraPlus’s single-wall construction.
The double-wall design sandwiches an insulating air layer between two stainless steel walls. This provides excellent protection against corrosion and reduces heat transfer for higher fuel efficiency. It also keeps the exterior chimney surface cooler for safety.
DuraPlus uses a single layer of stainless steel which is still durable but more prone to exterior surface corrosion over time. The single wall also allows more heat transfer through the chimney.
Both brands offer 25+ year warranties on their chimney systems so you can expect a long service life as long as the chimney is properly maintained. DuraVent’s double-wall design likely means less maintenance and repairs down the road though.
Durability and Construction Winner: DuraVent
- Ease of Installation
Installing a chimney system correctly is critical for performance and safety. Both DuraVent and DuraPlus chimney parts assemble simply with twist-lock connections.
DuraVent’s double-wall piping is more rigid and self-supporting which makes partitions easier to stack. The connection points are also precision-machined for perfect alignment.
DuraPlus single-wall parts are more lightweight and may require more brackets for support on taller chimney runs. The looser tolerances also allow more variance in joint alignment.
When it comes to ease of installation, DuraVent once again has an advantage with their Sturdier pre-assembled chimney sections and precise fit designs.
Ease of Installation Winner: DuraVent
- Design Flexibility
Having flexible chimney options allows contractors and DIYers to tackle any installation scenario. Both brands offer adjustable length pipes and a variety of elbows for routing around obstacles.
One area where DuraPlus pulls ahead is stove pipe options. DuraPlus offers both adjustable length stove pipes and snap-lock connections for easier installation and removal for cleaning. DuraVent’s stove pipes have more limited size options and use screw-together connections.
For chimney caps, DuraVent has a larger selection of decorative shrouds and styles to match your home’s aesthetics and weather needs. DuraPlus has a smaller range of more basic chimney top options.
Overall, both brands provide a diverse array of chimney components, but DuraPlus has an edge with more stove pipe flexibility while DuraVent leads in decorative chimney caps.
Design Flexibility Winner: Tie
- Safety
Safety should be your top priority when selecting any chimney product. DuraVent’s double-wall design again provides added safety benefits over single-wall systems.
The air gap insulation keeps the exterior surface cooler, preventing burns and reducing the risk of igniting nearby combustibles. It also minimizes creosote buildup by containing hot gases in the inner wall.
Both manufacturers utilize stainless steel construction for excellent corrosion resistance and durability. DuraVent and DuraPlus also offer chimney liners, caps, and flashings made specifically for high-temperature appliances like wood stoves.
Always make sure to have your chimney installed properly with required clearances. But DuraVent’s superior insulating design reduces safety risks from excessive heat and creosote.
Safety Winner: DuraVent
- Cost Comparison
Since DuraVent systems utilize double-wall stainless steel pipes and precision-machined connections, they are the more expensive option when comparing directly with DuraPlus’s single-wall components.
However, the added material quality and performance you get with DuraVent can justify the cost over the system’s lifetime. The enhanced safety and lower maintenance of DuraVent chimneys also helps offset the higher initial investment.
If you’re on a tighter budget though, DuraPlus provides a more affordable alternative without sacrificing quality construction. Just be prepared for somewhat lower efficiency and potentially quicker replacement compared to DuraVent.
Here is a basic cost comparison if installing a basic 15-ft chimney system for a wood stove:
- DuraVent Chimney 15-ft kit – $600
- DuraPlus Chimney 15-ft kit – $450
As you can see, DuraVent carries about a 25% premium over entry-level DuraPlus components. The cost difference may be less for larger custom chimney installations.
Cost Winner: DuraPlus
- Appearance
Beyond performance, you also want a chimney system that looks appropriate for your home’s exterior. This is mainly determined by the chimney cap.
DuraVent provides the most decorative cap options from contemporary metal styles to ornate copper shrouds. They offer a sleek modern look perfect for newer homes.
DuraPlus has simpler cap designs including basic chimney pots. These tend to blend in better on traditional styled homes.
Both brands provide chimney pipes in a brushed stainless finish that is neutral enough to match any home. DuraVent definitely leads in visual customization though.
Appearance Winner: DuraVent
- Customer Support and Warranty
A good chimney system should come with backing from the manufacturer long after installation.
Both DuraVent and DuraPlus provide strong customer support resources and decent warranty coverage:
- DuraVent – Limited lifetime warranty on most products. Provide online FAQs and videos plus technical support line.
- DuraPlus – 25 year limited warranty on chimney parts. Have online documentation and email/phone technical support.
While warranties are similar, DuraVent’s customer support content including how-to videos sets them apart.
Their wide availability and network of dealers also makes obtaining parts and service easier.
Customer Support Winner: DuraVent
DuraVent Or DuraPlus Chimneys: Which Is Best For You?
Now that we’ve compared the key factors, which brand comes out on top?
For superior safety, efficiency, durability, and looks – DuraVent is the best overall chimney system. The double-wall stainless steel construction provides excellent insulation and corrosion resistance. Precision-fit connections also allow for secure DIY or pro installation.
However, if cost savings is your top priority – DuraPlus provides similar stainless steel quality and durability in a more affordable single-wall chimney system. Just be prepared to potentially have higher maintenance costs long-term.
There are several additional factors to weigh based on your specific needs:
- Type of appliance (gas, wood, oil, pellet) you’re venting
- Height/pitch of your roof
- Desired clearance from combustibles
- Aesthetic preferences
Consult with your contractor on which chimney system best suits your installation requirements. And always make sure to follow local building codes and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Proper chimney setup is crucial for performance and safety, so don’t cut corners. Investing in a quality system like DuraVent or DuraPlus will give you long-lasting, worry-free operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some lingering questions about DuraVent and DuraPlus chimney systems? Here we’ll break down some of the most common FAQs for choosing between the two brands:
No, DuraTech and DuraPlus are separate product lines made by different companies. DuraTech is manufactured by DuraVent in the USA. DuraPlus chimneys are made by Security Chimneys International in Canada.
While some components may seem physically similar, using parts not rated for the same system can be dangerous and void warranties. Always use matching chimney products from the same brand and model line.
Yes, DuraTech is simply a line of chimney products made by DuraVent. DuraTech uses double-wall stainless steel pipes that can be paired with other fittings in the DuraVent family.
So DuraTech = DuraVent, while DuraPlus is a separate, non-interchangeable brand.
DuraVent chimney products are manufactured by DuraVent Inc. which is headquartered in Vacaville, CA. The company was founded in the U.S. in 1948 and remains family-owned.
All DuraVent chimney systems are designed and made in the United States at their Vacaville facility. Their sister company, Security Chimneys International, produces DuraPlus chimneys in Canada but operates independently.
No, Selkirk and DuraVent are two competing chimney brands that manufacture their products separately. Their parts use different designs and connections so should never be mixed.
Selkirk is another reputable maker of chimney systems for residential and commercial use. Like DuraVent, they offer double-wall stainless steel chimneys but use an alternate twist-lock pipe joining method.
In summary
- Selkirk and DuraVent = separate companies and non-interchangeable product lines.
- DuraPlus and DuraVent = related but still incompatible due to different part types.
Always check that all chimney components come from the same manufacturer and product line for safety. Consult a professional for the best brand for your specific appliance and home. Proper chimney installation is not a DIY job.