Things You'll Need
60-grit sandpaper
100-grit sandpaper
Rag
Caulking gun
Super high-temperature caulk
Utility knife
Nail
Pellet stoves provide heat in a home using pieces of wood, grass, straw and waste paper compressed into small pellets. Manufacturers recycle sawdust and wood scraps along with other combustible natural materials and sell them to consumers as a method of providing extra heat to their homes thereby reducing energy costs. Pellet stoves come in a variety of sizes. Each size designates the amount of heat the stove will provide. Venting pipes carry harmful gases including carbon monoxide that require an outside vent to keep the occupants of the home safe. Applying caulk around the vent pipe creates a barrier that prevents heat loss and cold air entry. Caulking the pipe stops dangerous gas emissions and smoke from entering the living space.
Step 1
Allow the vent pipe to cool to room temperature. Do not attempt to apply sealants to a hot vent pipe or while the stove is in use.
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Step 2
Inspect the venting pipe beginning at the roof working downward through the attic and locate gaps. Likely sources of gaps include joints, storm collars and the point at which the pipe penetrates the roof or side of the house.
Step 3
Clean the edges of the gaps with 60-grit sandpaper immediately followed by 100-grit sandpaper to remove corrosion and residue. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove dust and sanding debris. Allow the vent pipe to dry fully.
Step 4
Load a caulking gun with super high-temperature caulk. Cut off the end of the caulking tube with a utility knife and pierce the inner liner with a sharp nail.
Step 5
Position the tip of the tube over the gap and squeeze the caulking gun trigger while moving along the gap. Wet your finger and run your finger over the super high-temperature caulk pressing it in place and slightly flattening it. Super high-temperature caulk can span gaps of up to 1 inch, but if the gap is that wide, consider replacing the vent pipe with tighter fitting pipes.
Step 6
Allow the caulk to set for 24 hours before using the pellet stove.
Tip
Consider using black furnace cement rather than super high-temperature caulk to seal the vent pipe.
Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home to detect harmful gas leaks.
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