Class A ?

Sconnie,
I insulated my chimney chase as well. I have a zero clearance fireplace and I don't have any condensation issues with my pipe. It is up about 14" from the top of the chase cap. Tim, from Spring Valley is my chimney guy and it was from his guidance that I built mine. Let me know if you need Tim's number if anything for a second opinion.
Marty
Also, my top of chase is 6" higher than the peak of the roof and it gets westerly and northerly winds real nice so draft is not an issue. not sure how high your chimney is in relationship to the peak. Code is one thing, but getting proper draft in something else. IMO.

 

I re-lit a fire while I still had the ladders up to get on the roof. I got it going good and shut down to my normal operating range. Took the IR thermo up with me and the inside cap top was 15 deg warmer than the outside air temp (38ish with surrounding materials at 23ish) I think the condensation is just going to be normal. If I have to wash the chase top in the spring so it looks "pretty" I will. It feels better to be giving the gas man a few pennies instead of hundos!

 

Thanks Marty, I may take you up on that #. PM it to me or share it here it makes no difference to me. If nothing else I can pick his brain and see what he has to say. I'm thinking it might just be the way it is? Doesn't hurt to get other input though!

 

Sconnie,
Tim's Top Chimney 715-495-0201
he is from Spring Valley, WI.

 

Thanks Minnesota Marty! I'll give him a shout.

 

Sconnie Burner our chases are similar( although yours is prettier) mines got r 2 fiberboard. .. stoves are very similar, I got IS I think ash grate slots on your a little wider, my chase is 24 feet IIRC, my top cap has a screen which invariably gets a little bit in it creosote loozing stuff in screen... raising my chimney may get better draft but my draft is already around 60 pascals.. read high.. so I doubt more draft will help your problem.. Tom (owner of Woodstock) said my draft was high and suggested a key damper to lower draft. nonetheless I think what's happening is steam is mixing with a little ash and condensating like brenndatomu mentioned!