The first step in safe woodstove use

Questions

Ask yourself the following questions. You should be able to answer “yes” to each one.

  1. Is your stovepipe at least 18 inches away from any wall or ceiling?
  2. Is the stovepipe thimble at least 12 inches from any combustible wall or any other combustible materials?
  3. Does the horizontal portion of your stovepipe have an upward pitch of at least 1/4″ per foot?
  4. Are all stovepipe joints fastened with at least three sheet metal screws?
  5. Is the stovepipe as short as possible?  It should be no more than 10 feet long with no more than two elbows.
  6. Is your stove the only heating device connected to the flue?
  7. Is your stove at least 36 inches away from all combustible materials?
  8. Are the stove’s legs at least four inches long?
  9. Is your woodstove placed on a certified stove board or masonry hearth?
  10. Is the stove board located so it extends at least 18 inches on all sides and also in front of the loading door?
  11. Does your chimney have a clay thimble or pre-fabricated metal collar where the stovepipe goes into the chimney?

Checklist

Stove

  • Check stove for cracks and signs of overheating
  • Repair and replace all damaged parts
  • Burn only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods
  • Keep your stove placed on a non-combustible surface extending at least 18 inches on all sides
  • Store ashes only in an approved airtight metal container on a non-combustible surface

Stovepipes

  • Fasten all pipe joints with at least three sheet metal screws
  • Check stovepipes monthly and clean as needed
  • Maintain at least 18 inches of clearance between stovepipes and combustible materials
  • Replace all corroded and heat-damaged stovepipes
  • Use only an approved all-fuel metal or clay wall thimble installed per manufacturer’s recommendations

Chimney

  • Check chimney for cracks and creosote accumulation before the heating season
  • Clean chimney or have it done by a professional chimney sweep
  • Mark calendar to schedule future chimney cleanings
  • Clean chimney at least once each heating season (more frequently if wood is burned regularly)
  • Inspect chimney liner for cracks

This is general information; it’s critical that you know the correct installation and use specifications for your particular model of stove. Be sure to obtain the appropriate installation and operation literature from your manufacturer or dealer.

Woodstove Installation Safety Tips

The First Step in Safe Woodstove Use

Questions

Ask yourself the following questions. You should be able to answer “yes” to each one.

  1. Is your stovepipe at least 18 inches away from any wall or ceiling?
  2. Is the stovepipe thimble at least 12 inches from any combustible wall or any other combustible materials?
  3. Does the horizontal portion of your stovepipe have an upward pitch of at least 1/4″ per foot?
  4. Are all stovepipe joints fastened with at least three sheet metal screws?
  5. Is the stovepipe as short as possible?  It should be no more than 10 feet long with no more than two elbows.
  6. Is your stove the only heating device connected to the flue?
  7. Is your stove at least 36 inches away from all combustible materials?
  8. Are the stove’s legs at least four inches long?
  9. Is your woodstove placed on a certified stove board or masonry hearth?
  10. Is the stove board located so it extends at least 18 inches on all sides and also in front of the loading door?
  11. Does your chimney have a clay thimble or pre-fabricated metal collar where the stovepipe goes into the chimney?

Checklist

Stove

  • Check stove for cracks and signs of overheating
  • Repair and replace all damaged parts
  • Burn only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods
  • Keep your stove placed on a non-combustible surface extending at least 18 inches on all sides
  • Store ashes only in an approved airtight metal container on a non-combustible surface

Stovepipes

  • Fasten all pipe joints with at least three sheet metal screws
  • Check stovepipes monthly and clean as needed
  • Maintain at least 18 inches of clearance between stovepipes and combustible materials
  • Replace all corroded and heat-damaged stovepipes
  • Use only an approved all-fuel metal or clay wall thimble installed per manufacturer’s recommendations

Chimney

  • Check chimney for cracks and creosote accumulation before the heating season
  • Clean chimney or have it done by a professional chimney sweep
  • Mark calendar to schedule future chimney cleanings
  • Clean chimney at least once each heating season (more frequently if wood is burned regularly)
  • Inspect chimney liner for cracks

This is general information; it’s critical that you know the correct installation and use specifications for your particular model of stove. Be sure to obtain the appropriate installation and operation literature from your manufacturer or dealer.

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