A question on Wood Stoves

[acassady]

Was looking at a wood stove that was in the basement. The flue pip ran up though the basement ceiling, though a bedroom, then though the roof. Where it runs though the corner of the bedroom it is inclosed with plywood that the owner says gets warm but not hot. My question is what is the minimum clearance for the flue pipe as it runs behind that plywood?

[Terry Clayton]

Try this link http://inspect-ny.com/chimneys/Flue_...Clearances.htm

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by acassady

Was looking at a wood stove that was in the basement. The flue pip ran up though the basement ceiling, though a bedroom, then though the roof. Where it runs though the corner of the bedroom it is inclosed with plywood that the owner says gets warm but not hot. My question is what is the minimum clearance for the flue pipe as it runs behind that plywood?

What kind of flue pipe is it? It may only need a couple of inches but it may need way more. It really depends what it is.

If you can't see it say so and defer it recommending verification of proper clearances for safety.

[acassady]

Thanks guys...I am going to recommend it evaluated just for the simple fact of the plywood encloser and that the plywood is lacquered.

[jkogel]

It's always good to recommend a woodstove chimney cleaning and inspection by a certified wood heat specialist. For metal single wall pipe, the min distance from combustibles is 18".

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[tneyedli1]

Originally Posted by acassady

Was looking at a wood stove that was in the basement. The flue pip ran up though the basement ceiling, though a bedroom, then though the roof. Where it runs though the corner of the bedroom it is inclosed with plywood that the owner says gets warm but not hot. My question is what is the minimum clearance for the flue pipe as it runs behind that plywood?

Anthony:
The best approach is to have the owner show proof of installation being done according to the instructions for that type of wood heater. Clearances to combustibles is vitally important and unless you have superman eyes, urge that a W.E.T.T. technician give it the proper once over.
Safety, safety, safety.
T.Neyedli
www.alphahomeinspections.ca

[David P. Valley]

If this vent is not viewable, have it evaluated.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jkogel

It's always good to recommend a woodstove chimney cleaning and inspection by a certified wood heat specialist. John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

Absolutely. I would also recommend a C.S.I.A. Level II chinmey inspection for safety.

http://www.csia.org/HomeownerResourc...6/Default.aspx

[Greg Veal]

Anthony,
Were you able to tell what type of vent pipe material was used (looking from the basement level - single wall?, double wall?, triple wall?) at the connection to the fireplace/stove unit?
Also, were there any concerns with clearances with the stove in the basement area, to surrounding wall, floor, or ceiling materials?
Was the fireplace/stove unit designed for heating the Basement only?

[acassady]

The clearances in the basement were fine...my consern was where they ran though a bed room enclosed by laquered plywood...the clearance there could not have been more than 4 or 5" so I recommended he get it evaluated by a wood burning pro...thanks for all you help gentlemen

[klott]

Regardless of clearance, the joints need at least three sheet metal screws. If the flue ever comes apart, you can kiss that house good bye. It should be triple wall with a box at every level where it goes through. With a triple wall, you can lay your hand on the side and it will not burn you. Wood Burning stoves are usually disclaimed for a reason, there is a lot of liability involved, leave them to the Chimney Sweeps.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

In addition to the question of clearance... what about the possibility of toxic gases leaking from the flue and entering a sleeping room?