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Chimney & Fireplaces/Stove pipe height on a split level house

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Expert: - 12/11/2009


Question
Hi there just came across this site while looking for some answers and this seems like a great site. I understand the 3' 10' 2' rule but here is what complicates my interpretation--I live in a split level house with 3 roof levels: garage, main level, and upstairs. I want to put a stove in but it is going to be really complicated to run the pipe up if I have to apply use my highest roof. What I was hoping was that I could use my middle roof. Is this acceptable as long as I am 10' away from where the eve of the highest roof meets with the middle roof? Or am I only allowed to pipe out of the tallest roof? Does that make sense? I just want to apply the 3' 10' 2' rule on my middle roof but not sure if that is acceptable. Bottom line: do I have to use my tallest roof? Thanks a ton, Greg

Answer
Greg,

You seem to have a good understanding of the rule. The simple answer to your question is yes, you can install anywhere you can meet that requirement even the lower roof structure. The issue will remain as to if it will draw effectively. The rule is a best case scenario that doesn't cover every application. That being said, anytime your chimney termination is lower than the highest point of the house envelope, you can have a stacking effect. This means that pressure can leave your house at a higher level and make up air by using the lower chimney. A down draft occurs that can be difficult to reverse as the fire is just starting and as you loose heat during the extinguishment, both events are necessary for every fire. Be carful and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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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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