Stovepipe installation question

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Is it feasible to install a woodstove stovepipe through an existing window opening or must it go through the roof? Any idea on clearances from the side of the house if it's feasible (using the triple wall pipe)? I guess I'm thinking of some kind of cantilevered arrangement after exiting the window. This is just a theoretical question, I don't have an immediate project in mind at this point, I'm just looking into some possible installation options. Thanks.

-- Susan (smtroxel@socket.net), September 16, 2001

Answers

Hello Susan: I'm not sure about whether a pipe through the window will pass code, but I have seen it done. It is pretty easy if you have the old style windows with actual panes. Just knock out a pane, and it leaves a hole about the right size to be filled with something to insulate it. The newer windows with one large pane and fake grids might be a little more trouble, but you should be able to make it work.

My question is why would you want to run the pipe through a window? Horizontal runs of stove pipe greatly reduce the ability of your chimney to draw smoke out. Hot air will try to move up. Any run more than a couple of feet will need to be supported externally by wires or brackets.

Horizontal runs also add unnecessary cost to installing pipe. The shortest distance between two points? Yeah, you know it's a straight line. Any deviation from the straight pipe up through the roof costs you money, requires unsightly supports, and reduces the efficiency of your chimney.

I'd run that pipe through the roof. It's not that hard to do. Considering the cost of high quality, triple-walled chimney, you could probably pay someone to do the installation cheaper than buying the extra pipe for unnecessary horizontal runs.

-- Jim (catchthesun@yahoo.com), September 16, 2001.


If the roof isn't a feasible route, why not through the wall. It does seem that it would be easier through a window but I think when you come right down to it using the structure of the wall as support would make it worthwhile to do the extra cutting. Also, you don't lose the window. 18 inches is a reasonable clearance inside, so I don't see why it wouldn't work outside. The most difficult part of piping out through window or wall is raising the top of your pipe far enough above the roof. Building codes,(not that you MUST follow them, but they are good guidelines) call for the top of a chimney or stovepipe to be two feet above any roof area within ten feet of the pipe. In my area the wind would require alot of support to a pipe hanging free that high above my roof, and i have a low sloping roof. If you do go out through a window, wouldn't it be nice looking to surround the missing windowpane with stained glass in the other panes? Guess it might melt the lead, though... gilly

-- gilly (WAYOUTFARM@skybest.com), September 16, 2001.

Susan, We moved last year in Nov. and even though we had planned to have elec. and such ready for us when we moved it didn't happen until Jnn. Because of the animals we needed to live on the farm. We had a wood cook stove but because of the situation we hurriedly put the flue out of the window we even had to turn the window upside down. We then opened the window and cut a piece of plywood to fit then cut a hole in it for the flue to go out. Then the flue went up to the eave or gutter. We used some metal straps to secure the flue. This worked fine for us temporarily. Now we are working on going through the roof. We have the parts for the new flue and are planning to cut the hole today I think. All in all this worked fine for us I can see no reason why it will not work for you. I do not miss the light that would have come in that window since the kitchen has 3 other windows. We left the stove in front of the window and use a stove board on the floor and the back wall. I then close the mini blinds and from the outside just looks the blinds are closed. I can also fix the blinds so that the top part of the blinds are open if I want. I think your plan will work fine. If not you can always re- evaluate later. Linda

-- Linda (awesomegodchristianministries@yahoo.com), September 17, 2001.

After you evaluate all the advice,Susan, I would at least ask someone from the fire department or someone with some succesful experience installing a number of wood stoves. People often don't follow the rules and get away with it, but occasionally someone pays the price. Pretty hefty price where your family is involved. I saw unsafe installations that had operated for 20 years with no problems. Also saw houses burned and people hurt from woodstoves that had just been installed. People been at this wood stove thing a long time. Most of them are more than willing to share their knowledge.

-- jz (oz49us@yahoo.com), September 18, 2001.

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