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Chimney & Fireplaces/installing wood stove into existing masonry chimney

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Expert: - 11/16/2007


Question
We have an unused masonry chimney that until 7 months ago was used as the chimney for an oil furnace and has been used as the chimney for an wood burning furnace.  We are looking to now install a wood stove in our basement and want to connect into this chimney.  I have two questions:
1.  Are there any specific concerns that should be looked at and addressed prior to the installation and
2.  What is the maximum length of stove pipe that can be used to run to the chimney inside the house.  One location we are looking at putting the stove in would have a run of approx 5 feet at a rise of 9" before connecting into the chimney and allowing for the appropriate clearance from combustible material.

Thanks for any advise you can give


Answer
Terry,

Not knowing the condition of your chimney,weather its lined or unlined, I would recommend contacting a qualified chimney inspection company to perform an NFPA-211, level II inspection prior to proceeding. If your thought was to have a new wood stove share a single flue with the wood furnace, I can tell you no on that from here. Each appliance has to have its own dedicated flue, appropriately sized for said appliance. Each appliances manufactures installation instructions will dictate the maximum length of run for their appliances. I hope this helps, "Google" chimney inspections and this will help you find qualified folks in your area. Good luck.

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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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