November 1980 RAIN Pagel lCe Into An Asset 1 Oregon fire and building codes, for example, permit two acceptable types of woodstove-to-fireplace retrofits. As shown here (see examples A and C) a positive, solid, airtight connection to the existing fireplace flue is required. I strongly recommend that a cleanout door be installed just above the fireplace smokeshelf to facilitate regular maintenance. When installing the stove, care should be taken to maintain the required clearances from combustibles, as required by local building codes or according to manufacturer's instructions on any UL-listed appliance. To increase the net heat gain from your installation, I also suggest placing a non-flammable, heat-reflecting shield in front of the fireplace cavity. This can be made of sheet metal or asbestos millboard, and will reduce heat loss through the masonry. Entering the chimney above the smokeshelf (see Example A) appears to be the safest and most satisfactory method of connecting a wood stove to a fireplace chimney. If the brick chimney is exposed, with no combustibles nearby, a new connector pipe opening can be made with an electric drill using a masonry drill bit, and a hammer and chisel. The first step is to outline the proposed opening with a series of small holes drilled into the masonry. The next step is to carefully chisel out the center of the outline. Using mortar mix, a thimble can then be inserted and cemented in place to provide a smooth receptacle for the single-wall connector pipe. A chimney concealed behind lath and plaster, sheetrock, panelling, or a 4-inch partition will require extra work. I recommend using a piece of insulated (not triple-wall) chimney material to provide adequate protection from combustibles, and verification of your local code requirements before beginning your project (see Example D). Instead of a thimble embedded in the chimney, the insulated connector is positioned so that the inside end is flush with the inside of the chimney flue, and the outside end extends at least two inches past the wall surface into the room. Air space clearances suggested by the chimney manufacturer should be rigidly adhered to. A wall spacer is used to provide extra support and seal off the wall opening. Trim pieces are EXAMPLE C I 5 1----3 STOVE available for cosmetic trim. Remember that the diameter of insulated chimney is larger than the corresponding size of single-wall pipe, and it will require a larger hole in the masonry. If efficiency is an important factor in your wood-heating plans, I suggest that you weigh carefully the costs, potential benefits, and safety concerns of your planned installation; When using a fireplace flue to exhaust a woodburning appliance, I recommend the following·=· 1. Carefully examine your chimney to determine its condition before doing anything else. 2. Assume that increased maintenance and frequent chimney cleaning will be required. 3. Plan ahead for an easy-to-clean installation, so that there will be little reluctance to proceed with regular cleaning and maintenance chores. 4. Avoid placing h~at exchangers, stoves, inserts, or any other appliance inside the fireplace cavity. DD Please check with your local Fire Department or building officials to determine if your plary.s have their approval. 1. Clearance between the smokepipe and combustibles is 18 inches. 2. Fill with inert material such as sand and cover with grout cap. 3. Hearth shall be of non-combustible material and extend 18 inches beyond stove.on door side and shall be a minimum of 6 inches wider than stove. 4. Recommended clean out position. 5. Minimum clearance of 36 inches between stove and combustibles (mantle) or protected. 6. Damper shall be blocked open. 7. Heat shield. Smokepipe should extend through cavity and rise above damper or smoke shelf. EXAMPLE D If possible, wire the smokepipe into position so it can facilitate easy removal of the fireplace cover. It's best to have a slip joint directly behind the fireplace cover.
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