Chimney pipe in framed chase, test run?

[PA452]

We're putting in a two wood stoves in our new home build. The chimney chase is wood framed, going to be trimmed out in stone on the outside and in the living room. My builder and his crew got all the class A chimney pipe in. I helped my builder put the last of it in this morning.

I have one of the stoves now. I suggested that we get some stove pipe and hook it up now temporary just to try it out before closing the chase up to make sure the chimney pipe is all good to go. My builder doesn't think that's necessary.

How important would a test of that sort be at this stage? I guess I just don't like that we're going to be sealing it all up and won't be able to see any potential problems when we do go to use the stove otherwise. But then again, maybe there's very little I'm likely to see without more long-term use too. I don't know.

 

[NickW]

It was suggested here by the wise ones to do so on our build in the Northwoods, which I did. In the unlikely event of any issues, it will be easier to spot and rectify before sealing it up...

 

[begreen]

I have some questions/observations on the chimney pipe. Why is the chimney thimble so high? It looks like it is cutting the combustibles clearance a little tight. I would lower it so that if in the future someone connects with a single-wall stove pipe, the clearances are still good, but I am not sure of the planned finishing details without the thimble installed. It could be ok. Also, it looks like there are two chimney systems, one for the basement too. The right chimney appears to be leaning at the top. It should be plumb, but maybe they ran them too close to each other and had to separate them at the top to accommodate the flashing. Will the chase be insulated before sealing it up? Did they do a fire break with an attic insulation seal at the top of the chase?

 

[PA452]

I actually asked my builder that exact question about the height of the thimble, why so high. He was checking clearances between that pipe and the framing above it, seemed like it would work but it was a little close to spec. I said something about bringing it down and he said it's supposed to be high... Is that nonsensical?

On the lean of the right pipe, I think they might have leaned it a little to get separation at the top like you said. Could that lead to a problem? Couple pics I had of the outside below, but they aren't a great angle.

Insulation, to be honest I'm not entirely sure yet how that works with the chase, if they insulate the chase or essentially leave the chase out in the cold. They do have fire breaks, I think three of them.

 

[begreen]

The stove pipe should have 2-3' rise before the thimble. Looks like there's about 4' but that is just eyeballing it.
Looks like they ran the basement flue too close to the other and had to compensate at the top.
My preference would be for an insulated chase to keep the chimneys warmer but this is your call. At the least, the interior of the chase behind the stove should be insulated.

PS: I don't see a need to do a test run unless you want to do a few break-in fires and bake the paint.

 

[PA452]

Actually looks like over 5' of height from the stove to the thimble. That's a 4' section of pipe right below the thimble and then another 1' and a bit. And the stove should ultimately sit a couple inches lower than it appears there in the end.

Do you think it's ok that they leaned the longer pipe like that to get separation up top?

My builder and his crew installed the pipe. He's an old school guy, been building houses like 40+ years, so he's always pretty confident his way is good. They've put in chimney pipe many times before, but it's not their primary expertise, so always interested in feedback from others. Having chimney pipe in a wood-framed chase worries me, so I want to make sure this stuff is right.

 

[cahaak]

If you meet your clearances, having pipe in a chase is no issue. Correctly install pipe with the sections locked and banded is not going anywhere.

Somewhere you'll need to insulate to the exterior, where you do that depends.

 

[PA452]

I was looking at it briefly with my builder tonight. We are going to swap some pieces around to move the thimble down about a foot.

 

[Lancer10]

I am constructing a new build this spring and looking at a similar design as you have shown in your post. I am hoping you can share some information on your install of 2 class A insulated pipes in 1 chase. I am planning to have a jotul oslo freestanding wood stove in my great room sitting on a raised hearth like you have shown with another wood stove in the basement below in the same location. I am curious how much space you left between the two pipes and how you have them supported. I was planning to start both pipes in the basement ceiling using a ceiling or attic support box to hold the weight of the chimneys. The main floor stove would connect in a T just like your but the clean out cap would be moved to the basement ceiling- lower part of the floor joists to be terminated there. Basically not being visible from the basement (hidden in the ceiling) until you need to clean the pipe. If you have any pics to share of your install - specifically where both pipes begin would be great. Also, any feedback on running both stoves at the same time and having 1 pipe backdraft off the other. I see you terminated them at different elevations which seems like a good idea vs having them come out evenly. Below is the design that i am trying to emulate but using a freestanding stove vs an insert. Thanks for help and hope your enjoying the new house.

View attachment 337334

 

[begreen]

2023 posting. You may have better responses by posting a new thread.

 

[Lancer10]

2023 posting. You may have better responses by posting a new thread.

ok will do

 

[stovelark]

I don't know, it would bug me to look up every day and see the pipes were not symmetrically centered (or so the picture looks like) in the top of chase. Or is there going to be a third chimney put in the chase as well? I know that is small potatoes in the big picture, but this is a new build, offset the pipe, make it look right. Just my 0.02. Nice stove too. Stay warm.