Hi again,
I'm still working out the details to get my Scan 61 installed (hopefully before winter is over). Now I am trying to determine the right height for the chimney...
The Scan manual is a bit confusing on this topic. First it says: "The chimney must extend 3 feet above the level of roof penetration and a minimum of 2 feet higher than any roof surface within 10 feet." I understand that this is the code minimum and for my low-pitch roof (2:12) it translates to ~4' of Class A. The stove itself is 3' tall and will be installed on the main floor which has 8' ceilings. So if I follow the minimum recommendation, I would have a total system height of ~12'.
Then the Scan manual goes on to say: "The condition of the chimney and height is very important; we suggest a total minimum height of 15’. Measured From the floor level on which the stove is installed." If my basic math skills are any good, that would mean 7' of Class A chimney above the roof.
When I consulted the folks at the stove store, they recommended starting on the short side (5') and adding pipe if necessary down the road. Is this good advice? I don't want to short-sheet the install and then struggle to get a fire lit (especially since I'm a new wood burner). At the same time, I don't want to end up with a very tall (and very expensive) chimney and too much draft that I have to damper down. (The same guy at the stove store recommended that I get the stove pipe adapter with the damper. Was he upselling me or giving me good guidance?)
A few other things you might want to know about the install:
- the house is a 1960's ranch, with low cathedral ceilings (the ceiling is the roof, there is no attic)
- I'm located in the Columbia River Gorge so the winds can really rip
- I'll be installing a VacuStack chimney cap in order to avoid downdraft problems
Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom! It is giving me ever more confidence as I attempt to wean myself off fossil fuels.
I'm still working out the details to get my Scan 61 installed (hopefully before winter is over). Now I am trying to determine the right height for the chimney...
The Scan manual is a bit confusing on this topic. First it says: "The chimney must extend 3 feet above the level of roof penetration and a minimum of 2 feet higher than any roof surface within 10 feet." I understand that this is the code minimum and for my low-pitch roof (2:12) it translates to ~4' of Class A. The stove itself is 3' tall and will be installed on the main floor which has 8' ceilings. So if I follow the minimum recommendation, I would have a total system height of ~12'.
Then the Scan manual goes on to say: "The condition of the chimney and height is very important; we suggest a total minimum height of 15’. Measured From the floor level on which the stove is installed." If my basic math skills are any good, that would mean 7' of Class A chimney above the roof.
When I consulted the folks at the stove store, they recommended starting on the short side (5') and adding pipe if necessary down the road. Is this good advice? I don't want to short-sheet the install and then struggle to get a fire lit (especially since I'm a new wood burner). At the same time, I don't want to end up with a very tall (and very expensive) chimney and too much draft that I have to damper down. (The same guy at the stove store recommended that I get the stove pipe adapter with the damper. Was he upselling me or giving me good guidance?)
A few other things you might want to know about the install:
- the house is a 1960's ranch, with low cathedral ceilings (the ceiling is the roof, there is no attic)
- I'm located in the Columbia River Gorge so the winds can really rip
- I'll be installing a VacuStack chimney cap in order to avoid downdraft problems
Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom! It is giving me ever more confidence as I attempt to wean myself off fossil fuels.