Wood Stoves & Building Codes

Ventilation Regulations

• Although your stove manufacturer and local building department specify the exact requirements for your project, certain vent pipe regulations are common to most areas. The maximum length of stovepipe is usually 10 feet. Additionally, codes usually require a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot and limit the number of 90-degree turns to two. If possible, use 45-degree instead of 90-degree bends. Slopes and gentle bends prevent build-up in the piping system. The allowable pipe size varies according to the stove model. Typical stovepipe diameters fall between 4 and 8 inches. The minimum thickness of stovepipe walls is typically 24 gauge. Note that when discussing metal gauge, small numbers represent thicker metal than large numbers.

Stove Location

• Although codes rarely prohibit any specific installation location, stovepipe regulations limit your choices. When you choose an installation location for your wood stove, keep in mind the maximum length of the stovepipe, the required slope, the allowable number of bends and the angles of the bends. Classic wood stoves lack mechanical circulation, such as fans, so the most effective position is near the center of the room. To find the best position, you must balance code requirements against the ideal, central location for your stove.

Minimum Clearance

• The term clearance refers to the distance away from a particular building feature. Regarding wood stoves, clearance requirements concern proximity to combustible building materials, particularly wall coverings. Wall clearance distances vary according to stove type. Traditional stoves that simply radiate heat have wider clearances than insulated, circulating stoves. In general, both types of stoves require 3 feet of clearance between the stove's body and an unprotected surface. Installing a protective covering over the wall decreases the clearance requirements. Stovepipes have different clearances than the body of the stove; they're usually allowed to sit closer to unprotected surfaces. Your stove's manufacturer and the local building department can provide tables and charts that illustrate the allowable clearances and acceptable protective coverings.

Stove Base and Floor Requirements

• Floor protection requirements vary according to the height of the stove's legs. Low-lying stoves require more protection than elevated stoves. Floor protection materials must extend a set distance beyond the perimeter of the stove's body, usually 1 1/2 feet. Protection materials range from sheet metal and fireproof pads to masonry materials, such as stone and brick. If your stove sits directly on a concrete or masonry floor, your project might not require additional protection. However, existing masonry floors must meet several standards to qualify, such as minimum thickness and spacing. Find the exact requirements from your local building department and your stove manufacturer's guidelines.