Expert: James Ball - 11/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have no choice but to put a slight angle in the first 3 meters of my chimney.
Then it straightens and can go up another 5-7 meters straight. The direction
would be towards the BACK of the stove. Is this a problem? For some odd
reason, would it be better to have 2 right angles and go up straight?
thank you

ANSWER: Hello Ncoom, I am not sure what you are asking, what does the stove installation instructions say? what does the pipe manufacturer say? what does the local building department say?
those are the 3 you will have to know....in most pipe installs you can not angle more than 2-30 degree angles.
but that could affect the draft.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It's a straight Godin core which I have no documentation on yet, so I don't
know what the manufacturer says. Pipe will be locally made, and no building
department, to speak of. Stone and concrete construction, so not very
combustible. Are there general rules? Talking about 2 15 degree angles,so
you're saying that won't affect the draft? A local stone fireplace builder says
that the direction of the angle is important, and if the angle is backwards,
away from the face of the stove, that's not good (though that makes NO
sense to me). That's why I'm looking for an expert opinion. You've never
heard of such a 'principle?' And the angles seem reasonable to you?
thanks,



ANSWER: Welcome Back Ncoom, when installing a pipe you must follow their instructions for installation. so call them and ask them i am sorry but I know the pipe I use and a few others, but never heard of "Godin Core" who makes that? You should also check with the stove maker they may not allow an angle from the back of the stove, most have to go straight up 2-5' before any turns/bends.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  www.drolet.com claims to be the American distributor of Godin stoves. What
I was calling a 'core' I think is known to you as an 'insert.' Heart of a stove,
without legs or finishing, which has stone or other finishing built around it.
The exit is from the top, not the back, but what you're saying about the
necessity of going straight up fits with the information I received. I'll take that
as confirmation. Wish I had access to manufacturer information, but not able
to find it so far. Thanks for your help

Answer
welcome back Ncoom, ok now it sounds like you have an insert that goes into your fireplace and you should be using a flexible stainless steel liner (most common set up) to pipe the exhaust up the inside of the chimney. contact a certified sweep to do that install.
James