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Chimney & Fireplaces/2 wood burning units sharing same chimney

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Expert: - 11/4/2007


Question
I am a log home contractor in Arkansas and am getting prepared to build a good sized log home in Bella Vista. The plan calls for a wood burning insert in finished basement and a pellet stove insert directly above.  Lots of questions with this, what are the general specs on placement of 2 flues sharing one chimney (ie how far apart) and whats your thoughts on venting?  The bottom FP will have at least 45 ft. to clear 3' above peak.  Thanks so much
Chris

Answer
Chris,

The bottom FP with the 45' foot height and the upstairs pellet appliance will both have manufactures installation instruction that will answer all of your questions and more. The distance between flues at the termination will be addressed in both manuals but will most likely have different requirements, as long as you use the requirement that is the farthest apart and add two inches to it you will be fine here. As for the wood-burner, all listed venting system will have limits on overall height according to the connected appliance, be sure to check this specifically and don't be bashful about calling the manufactures themselves if your not certain you understand the requirements. Good luck

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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