How to Install a Wood Stove Interior Flue Pipe Through the Roof

Measure from the top of the wood stove to a point directly above it on the ceiling. In order for the flue pipe to be installed as straight as possible, use a stepladder to reach that point on the ceiling, and hammer a small nail in that location.

Cut a length of nylon cord so it is a little longer than the distance from the top of the wood stove to the point directly above the stove on the ceiling. Tie one end of the cord to the nail in the ceiling. Tie a weight onto the other end of the cord to create a plumb line. Check whether or not the plumb line hangs perfectly straight. If it isn't, adjust the nail so that the plumb line is straight.

Draw a circle around the nail in the ceiling. Make the circle slightly larger than the diameter of the metal or ceramic flue piping you will use. Remove the nail from the ceiling, and drill a hole in the center of the circle you drew.

Insert a jigsaw's blade in the ceiling hole, and use the jigsaw to cut out the circle on the ceiling. Using the ceiling hole as a guide, cut out a hole in the roof to expose daylight.

Cut metal or ceramic flue piping to lengths no longer than 3 feet each. Those lengths will increase the pipe's stability. Building codes in most jurisdictions prohibit segmented sections longer than 3 feet.

Install the first section of flue piping onto the wood stove, and then attach another section of pipe to the first section. If the piping is metal, attach the pipe with galvanized screws. If the piping is ceramic, use generous amounts of fire-clay to bond the pipe sections together. Install additional pipe sections one pipe section at a time. If the pipe is ceramic, allow ample time for the fire-clay to cure before attaching a new section.

Insert the final stove pipe section through the hole in the roof. Ensure the pipe clears the roof by at least 3 feet. Apply fire-clay in the gap between the pipe and the roof, and, if necessary, cut tree limbs that encroach on the roof to avoid leaves falling into the flue pipe.