Expert: James Ball - 4/21/2010

Question
Hello James,

We are about to build an 18x18 addition onto our home. We have purchased a Vermont Castings Intrepid II stove.  That stove seems to be the best size for our room.  The best placement for the stove is in a corner of the room which is furthest from the existing house but on the inside of the L being formed by the addition.  Will the stove breathe properly if the stove pipe fits the roof line of our addition but is still "trapped" inside the L?  It's a one story addition on a two story house. Also, the stove will be placed 20" from an outside wall with a low window sill. The complies with the specifications of the manufacturer. Will that dry out the seals of the window?  Thirdly, how much clearance should there be to overhanging branches?  Thanks. I know that is a lot of questions.

Answer
Hello Bruce, not sure I understand where you want to install this stove in the room ("L"), start by taking the owners  manual for the stove and stove pipe to the building department along with your blue prints for all clearances and such. they will tell you. most stove pipe chimneys have a height requirement (15' tall for most, minimum) as far as trees around the top of the chimney I would cut them back a good 15' in all  directions.  I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James