Expert: James Ball - 8/8/2009

Question
James,

Can an oval flue be used for a wood burning fireplace?
I have a situation where we are designing a new fireplace and we have a clearance problem with an 18"OD round flue. Can we use an oval flue in place of the round flue?

Thanks,

Rick

Answer
Hello Rick, not really sure what you have or what you are using in this fireplace I would say contact the manufacturer of the pipe/liner you are using and ask them, and your local building department.
most liners with insulation can give you 1" clearance to combustibles, class "A" chimneys 2" to combustibles, and some "B" vent 1" clearance.
James