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Expert: - 8/21/2008


Question
I just removed a Zero Clearance Metal Fireplace that held a 20"H 24"W 21"D Avalon Wood Stove insert. I purchased a Vermont Castings free standing woodstove that measures 29"H 31"W 23"D. Recommended distance from the new stove to the rear wall is 17" and sides are 14". The front of the stove will remain open and I've raised the header to 7' above the stove. Since my available space is limited, I plan to reduce the recommended distances by half and surface my walls with two sheets of cement board with a 1/2" air space in between each board. The outer board will have a 1" opening at the top and bottom to serve as a vent.  Will this work to vent the heat and reduce the possibility of fire or is this a bad idea?

Answer
Hi Tom,

You must consult your owner's manual on the VC for an "alcove" installation.  If you meet the mfg requirements for sizing then it's OK.

Clearance reduction is tricky and you should get a professional's help.  There are many things to consider and we never recommend that clearance reduction is a DIY job.

I recommend you contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep or a NFI Woodburning Specialist to do some on-site measuring to confirm this installation.

You'll also need to install new connector piping and new residential chimney piping approved to 2100 degrees for this installation.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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