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Top or Rear stove exit better?

  • 22-09-2010 10:45PM
    #1
    Site Banned Posts: 344 ✭✭


    Folks,

    have got 4 quotations from stove installers to install a stove.

    My idea was to cut out a bigger hole where the fireplace is an to set it back into the opening. Using top exit the flue would be straight up.
    2 installers with 20 years experience said this is very bad and dangerous as all soot, deposits etc will fall back into the stove. They said the pictures I see of stoves like this are a myth and only in magazines.
    He showed me pictures where black soot/cresole was coming out through the chimney walls on the outside.
    If they did it this way they guranteed me to have problems within a few years. They can do it this way but will not garantee it. They say the best way is out the back and then up. Also a builder I have spoken to claims a bend is always necessary for the draw.
    The other 2 installers will do it this way and claim top exit is always best. And straight up is the way to go. This is the natural course for the smoke. 1 is a very experienced technician.
    But is this not quite a valid point about the soot etc with a straight up flue? Where will the soot go and if it falls back into the stove, is this not bad as it
    might clog something up?
    Anyone who has a top exit stove maybe you could let me know if you have had any issues with this?

    Thanks very much in advance

    John


«1

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,756 ✭✭✭demanufactured


    Its either /or...niether one is right or wrong , its all down to asthetics.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,632 ✭✭✭heinbloed


    2 installers with 20 years experience said this is very bad and dangerous as all soot, deposits etc will fall back into the stove. They said the pictures I see of stoves like this are a myth and only in magazines.

    This is true. On the continent such installations as seen here in most Irish households are illegal. My sister in law had such an installation done, the mixture of soot and condensing water and rain running down the chimney into the stove, flowing out at the flue pipe joints.
    Further on there is no way left of cleaning the chimney and consequently any atempt to do so means throwing soot into the stove and the flue pipe. Soot is a carcinogenic substance b.t.w..
    Also a builder I have spoken to claims a bend is always necessary for the draw.

    This is rubbish.Talk to a real builder, someone who has experienced the laws of physics and knows how to make the most of them. Selling myth and mystery is not a builder's job.
    Where will the soot go and if it falls back into the stove, is this not bad as it
    might clog something up?

    Your doubts are justified. In case a larger deposit of ash and soot falls from the chimney into the flue pipe it might block it and then you'll die of CO poisoning. Or the house burns down...

    That is the reason why these installations are absolute illegal. But subsidised by the SEI, well, killing people makes them to zero energy consumers. Ask your fire safety officer.

    A chimney designed to operate as a flue gas duct for an open fire is by no way suitable to be operated with a stove. It must be altered, usually by reducing it's diameter.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭danjo


    Contact the supplier/manufacturer. Why do you think the design gives you the option of straight up or out the back?

    Where does the soot and residue go when you have a bend?

    The most important thing about a stove is to keep the flue system clean as this will give you best efficiency.

    I am not saying which is right or wrong but I would be wary of advice without knowing the make and model of your stove and the details of your flue.
    Ask the manufacturer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,632 ✭✭✭heinbloed


    Danjo asks:
    Where does the soot and residue go when you have a bend?

    It must go downwards into the soot chamber. Check your central heating boiler's chimney build-up. The soot chamber sits below the flue pipe inlet. It has a little fire proof door to empty out the soot.
    It is a legal requirement.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 902 ✭✭✭DoneDL


    I am not a chimney expert, but I would not install a wood burning or multi -fuel stove without suggesting a liner and suitable cowl and you didn't mention this has been suggested to you. As mentioned in the other threads stoves and open fires are different beasts. The reason that you get staining and creosote coming out the wall is because the chimney is damaged or failing. Most likely from age but probably from poor construction. Call the manufacturer, ask for technical and heed their advice


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 302 ✭✭ntpm


    DoneDL wrote: »
    I am not a chimney expert, but I would not install a wood burning or multi -fuel stove without suggesting a liner and suitable cowl and you didn't mention this has been suggested to you. As mentioned in the other threads stoves and open fires are different beasts. The reason that you get staining and creosote coming out the wall is because the chimney is damaged or failing. Most likely from age but probably from poor construction. Call the manufacturer, ask for technical and heed their advice

    Would agree with DoneDL.
    Generally I would get the chimney thouroughly cleaned and inspected by a reputable company first. If you are going to reuse the existing chimney you will need to use a reducer 9"-5" ( depending on your cimney/stove spigot size).
    As for top or back exit, the manufacturers of stoves spend thousands on research and development. Their stoves (if they carry IS, BS or EN etc stamps) must meet certain standards regarding safety).

    Most Back and Top exit stoves have a baffles that can be removed for direct sweeping/cleaning of chimney (from the chimney pot downwards).

    With regards of the existing chimney, if in doubt I have utilised a flexible flue which relines the chimney and this is connected directly in to the back of the stove or via a matching flue pipe in to the top of the stove.

    I recently was asked by a customer to open up a chimney and recess a stove (similar to your idea). They were concerned about losing floor space. ( and liked the look of the stove in the magazine .. spooky heh).

    After careful deliberation and investigation I found that the existing gatherer was too low to allow for a decent top opening flue pipe without major re-working of the chimney.
    I also pointed out that inserting a stove into a recess would reduce the effectivness of heating the room ( air circulation / convection would be hampered).
    Finally as the stove would have to be centred to the existing chimney flue/lining would have meant that the stove and hearth/plinth was only going to be recessed by about 9-12".
    The customer final decision was to go with flexible flue, use vermiculite to insulate between flue and existing chimney, back entrance, block up opeing, and have the stove sit in front of chimney.
    They are very happy with it and saved a small fortune on modifiying the chimney. Food For Thought.:)


  • Site Banned Posts: 344 ✭✭johneym


    thanks very much lads for the replies,

    the stove is an solid fuel olymberyl aidan 21 KW with boiler. I will be using a 6 inch flexi flue and cowl and will be back filling with vermiculite.
    One of the installers wanted to put a back exit without a soot box. Soot boxes are a thing of the past he says. Both the top and back baffle can be romoved for cleaning purposes.
    He didnt think it necessary but if I went this route I would use a 90 degree T or 45 degree T with a 45 bend would be used. This might be a holding where the soot would go.
    As regards the builders suggestion, he is a professional builder. Any older people will all tell you the same thing about a bend for the draw. My grand uncle for one who is 87 years old and has seen many stoves/ranges installed in his day. All I am saying is that there must have been something in it. But I am not really concerned about this at all and think the draw will be good regardless.
    I need to make a decision one way or the other soon. But I do not want problems down the line and want the best possible installation.
    Unfortunately the room is not big enough to allow the stove too far out in the room. Even a little back is a help.
    I would like to hear from someone who has a top exit straight up flue and if you had any issues.

    Thanks a lot,

    John


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,079 ✭✭✭✭Micky Dolenz


    heinbloed wrote: »
    That is the reason why these installations are absolute illegal. But subsidised by the SEI, well, killing people makes them to zero energy consumers. Ask your fire safety officer.


    Do SEI offer grants to fit solid fuel stoves? I didn't think they did.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,389 ✭✭✭Carlow52


    johneym wrote: »
    Folks,

    ....
    He showed me pictures where black soot/cresole was coming out through the chimney walls on the outside.

    Some of the worst crap I have read on boards.
    heinbloed wrote:
    It is a legal requirement.

    Source please.
    heinbloed wrote:
    On the continent such installations as seen here in most Irish households are illegal.
    Indeed
    See Aura 1 and 3 here
    http://www.vardeovne.dk/page.asp?sideid=165&zcs=53


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 902 ✭✭✭DoneDL


    Do SEI offer grants to fit solid fuel stoves? I didn't think they did.

    No they don't nor for wood burning stoves, more to do with V.A.T. than the environment I would guess, then how do you tax a tree?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,632 ✭✭✭heinbloed


    Quote:
    Originally Posted by heinbloed viewpost.gif
    That is the reason why these installations are absolute illegal. But subsidised by the SEI, well, killing people makes them to zero energy consumers. Ask your fire safety officer.



    Do SEI offer grants to fit solid fuel stoves? I didn't think they did.

    Yes, they do. But it must be designed to burn pellets or timber chips only, at least some fuel that might be renewed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,632 ✭✭✭heinbloed


    The poster Carlow52 has a few questions. Last first, a propaganda cataloge is linked showing faked installations....

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by heinbloed
    On the continent such installations as seen here in most Irish households are illegal.

    Indeed
    See Aura 1 and 3 here
    http://www.vardeovne.dk/page.asp?sideid=165&zcs=53

    The last two pictures in the link show the very same stove/boiler in the very same situation for propaganda reasons. To sell, not to inform. Prove: the same flame picture, first (maybe) with an external flue which is not shown and second with an upwards flue shown.
    This is a fake! Targeting idiots? Well, they find plenty this way (smiley)....


    Now the first statement of Carlow25's post, doubting about the real world's pictures. I quote again
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by johneym viewpost.gif
    Folks,

    ....
    He showed me pictures where black soot/cresole was coming out through the chimney walls on the outside.


    Some of the worst crap I have read on boards.


    I have seen the very same, my relatives have such a shoddy installation since 2 years where the condensate/rain is dripping down the from the flue joints and junctions. They had a chimney fire before with the open fire, it won't be the last.....

    In my (previously) own Irish home the chimney was leaking. The plaster falling off, the chimney wet and sodden. Full of creosote/tar. A new house, build 1990.

    On the EU continent a combustion installation must ALWAYS be acompanied by a certificate of a fire safety engineer or-with smaller installations above 8kW - by a chimney sweeper's certificate. A chimney sweeper on the EU continent had a training of at least three years before he/she is allowed to work without supervision. Not to mention certifying anything...
    Source ? EU legislations and own experience.

    Maybe Carlow52 will link us the INSTALLATION MANUALS from his propaganda link? So we all can check more than advertising slogans and colourfully faked pictures?



    Comparing a double lined stainless flue ( linked by Carlow52 , see above) with the proposed build-up of the OP is going into the direction of, I quote,
    Some of the worst crap...

    Has Carlow52 understood the OPs question at all ? Turning an open fireplace chimney into a stove chimney and wondering if the connection should be made horizontal or vertical?

    I doubt it....


  • Site Banned Posts: 344 ✭✭johneym


    Thanks Heinbloed,

    you are a correct.

    And you are a gentleman.

    Unlike others.

    John


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    Strange that I am dealing with someone called Michael about the same issue. I can show you any Gods amount of photos of tar coming through walls, however this is normally caused by one of two reasons. Either the flue was not correctly cleaned prior to a flexible steel liner being installed, or there is no liner installed. The staining only occurs when flue gasses cool and condense inside the chimney and cause condensates (which is the correct name for these moistures that cause the staining) to leech into the structure. The flexible steel liner will encourage flue gasses to remain warm, and especially if the steel is insulated with vermiculite which we always do. The steel sleeve is installed in one continuous length and any moistures are channeled into the stove to evaporated again once the stove comes back up to a high temperature. This flue is kept the same diameter as the outlet on the stove to maximise efficiency of the appliance. I give talks in Northern Ireland for Building control on flue systems and as chairman of the Northern Ireland Association of Chimney Sweeps, I train all our registered chimney technicians in the North too. You guys need to get a copy of Document J from here http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,1650,en.pdf

    Clearly you need to be making sure the flue is vertical where possible for solid fuel. My apologies to the moderators here, but I would suggest you all visit a certain web site of a company in county down that sells stoves...if you know what I mean when you go to google. You will see some very interesting images.

    As far as deposits falling, if they fall down through a vertical flue into the stove they are easily accessible to you the end user while cleaning your stove, which is preferable to them accumulating out of reach. A stove can be vented from the rear or the top, but if you are coming off the rear, the maximum your flue can travel horizontal is 6" 150mm before it rises, and a "t" section is recommended to collect soot at a lower level that on the bend. The bottom of the "t" becomes a sump. You will not stop soot from falling if you neglect to sweep and maintain the flue, but if it does fall, I can assure you are a registered chimney technician, I would prefer it falls onto your throat plate in the stove, so you can safely remove it during routine cleaning. The "t" sump can be cleared during the sweeping process, which should be carried out every six months to a year depending on use. Remember if you use dry fuel, in an insualted steel flue, the gasses should not cool enough to cause the build up of soot. The only time significant soot build up occurs is if you have fitted a modern efficient stove to a clay liner which is designed for open fire use where flue gas temperatures are always high because of the excessive heat loss. Let me ask you why you are fitting a stove in the first place...if it is to help efficienty heat your home, then install a stove properly and do your homework first. Leaders in the UK for efficiency are Charnwood made in the Isle of Wight and Clearview (famous for Clear window) made in Shropshire, and then Morso and Jotul are two good Scandanavian stoves.

    Bends in chimneys are not used to increase flue performance. I understand you may have been told this in the past, but I can assure you than most chimneys in mainland Europe, America and Canada are vertical. The reason bends were introduced to chimneys in the UK and Ireland was to ensure the chimney terminated at the highest point of the roof to ensure that any direction of wind did not cause a blowdown or downdraught problem, also know in the industry as positive pressure problems. It was a fact that old chimneys always seemed to work well, and therefore people mistakenly thought it was something to do with needing bends, but this was not the case. In days gone by it would have been much easier for builders to build chimneys vertically than put bends in them but it was necessity rather than choice.

    I trust this helps

    David Campbell


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    ntpm wrote: »
    Would agree with DoneDL.
    Generally I would get the chimney thouroughly cleaned and inspected by a reputable company first. If you are going to reuse the existing chimney you will need to use a reducer 9"-5" ( depending on your cimney/stove spigot size).
    As for top or back exit, the manufacturers of stoves spend thousands on research and development. Their stoves (if they carry IS, BS or EN etc stamps) must meet certain standards regarding safety).

    Most Back and Top exit stoves have a baffles that can be removed for direct sweeping/cleaning of chimney (from the chimney pot downwards).

    With regards of the existing chimney, if in doubt I have utilised a flexible flue which relines the chimney and this is connected directly in to the back of the stove or via a matching flue pipe in to the top of the stove.

    I recently was asked by a customer to open up a chimney and recess a stove (similar to your idea). They were concerned about losing floor space. ( and liked the look of the stove in the magazine .. spooky heh).

    After careful deliberation and investigation I found that the existing gatherer was too low to allow for a decent top opening flue pipe without major re-working of the chimney.
    I also pointed out that inserting a stove into a recess would reduce the effectivness of heating the room ( air circulation / convection would be hampered).
    Finally as the stove would have to be centred to the existing chimney flue/lining would have meant that the stove and hearth/plinth was only going to be recessed by about 9-12".
    The customer final decision was to go with flexible flue, use vermiculite to insulate between flue and existing chimney, back entrance, block up opeing, and have the stove sit in front of chimney.
    They are very happy with it and saved a small fortune on modifiying the chimney. Food For Thought.:)

    Might I just point out that if a stove is to be sited on a pre existing hearth, that once served an open fire, it is a requirement that the hearth extends in from of the stove by a MINIMUM of 225mm, and more than likely 300mm. We would take it a little further and state that the SWING OF THE DOOR be protected with non combustible material. Just something that is often overlooked until a house buns to the ground and the installer is in court trying to defend against something that can't be defended against....and on a more sobering thought...if you have fitted the stove yourself and you loose the house...a fire inspection officer and loss adjuster might find you have not complied with regualtions and you might not be insured....interesting thought when you are buying a box from shop and being told to fit it yourself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    ntpm wrote: »
    Would agree with DoneDL.
    Generally I would get the chimney thouroughly cleaned and inspected by a reputable company first. If you are going to reuse the existing chimney you will need to use a reducer 9"-5" ( depending on your cimney/stove spigot size).

    But surely reducing the diameter of the entire flue to suit the manufactures stipulation in the brochures will give you a better efficiency from the appliance. Also a flue adapter has to be sleeved UP INSIDE THE CLAY LINER...effectively this is an upside down sockected joint...check the document J about socketed joint being installed with the socket pointing up to contain moistures


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    [After careful deliberation and investigation I found that the existing gatherer was too low to allow for a decent top opening flue pipe without major re-working of the chimney.
    I also pointed out that inserting a stove into a recess would reduce the effectivness of heating the room ( air circulation / convection would be hampered).
    Finally as the stove would have to be centred to the existing chimney flue/lining would have meant that the stove and hearth/plinth was only going to be recessed by about 9-12".
    The customer final decision was to go with flexible flue, use vermiculite to insulate between flue and existing chimney, back entrance, block up opeing, and have the stove sit in front of chimney.
    They are very happy with it and saved a small fortune on modifiying the chimney. Food For Thought.:)]


    A good inset stove with a flexible steel lining system to ensure soot falls into the appliance rather than around and behind it would work. Some of the better ones are basically a stove in a hollow box, and efectively are a convection unit, encouraging cold air to be drawn under the firebox, and heated, then propelled out from the unit through vents above the door. A very good alternative and you also are not needing to extend the hearth usually as the stove is recessed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    johneym wrote: »
    thanks very much lads for the replies,

    the stove is an solid fuel olymberyl aidan 21 KW with boiler. I will be using a 6 inch flexi flue and cowl and will be back filling with vermiculite.
    One of the installers wanted to put a back exit without a soot box. Soot boxes are a thing of the past he says. Both the top and back baffle can be romoved for cleaning purposes.
    He didnt think it necessary but if I went this route I would use a 90 degree T or 45 degree T with a 45 bend would be used. This might be a holding where the soot would go.
    As regards the builders suggestion, he is a professional builder. Any older people will all tell you the same thing about a bend for the draw. My grand uncle for one who is 87 years old and has seen many stoves/ranges installed in his day. All I am saying is that there must have been something in it. But I am not really concerned about this at all and think the draw will be good regardless.
    I need to make a decision one way or the other soon. But I do not want problems down the line and want the best possible installation.
    Unfortunately the room is not big enough to allow the stove too far out in the room. Even a little back is a help.
    I would like to hear from someone who has a top exit straight up flue and if you had any issues.

    Thanks a lot,

    John

    21KW...don't forget to add 550mm squared of ventilation for every KW over 5...My calculation is 16 x 550 = 8800mm Square of ventilation is required in the room....Now there is a reason for Carbon Monoxide gentlemen...a lack of ventialtion, the stove uses the Oxygen quicker than the modern home can replenish and we all fall down... Can you imagine the draught through a permanently open vent in the wall...and yes that is in document J too if you care to check....Check out Clearview or I think the bigger Charnwood stoves that can have this required air ducted directly into the stove rather than ventilating the room...much like the time honoured and well respected Baxi open fire with the vent to the ash pit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    heinbloed wrote: »
    This is true. On the continent such installations as seen here in most Irish households are illegal. My sister in law had such an installation done, the mixture of soot and condensing water and rain running down the chimney into the stove, flowing out at the flue pipe joints.
    Further on there is no way left of cleaning the chimney and consequently any atempt to do so means throwing soot into the stove and the flue pipe. Soot is a carcinogenic substance b.t.w..



    This is rubbish.Talk to a real builder, someone who has experienced the laws of physics and knows how to make the most of them. Selling myth and mystery is not a builder's job.



    Your doubts are justified. In case a larger deposit of ash and soot falls from the chimney into the flue pipe it might block it and then you'll die of CO poisoning. Or the house burns down...

    That is the reason why these installations are absolute illegal. But subsidised by the SEI, well, killing people makes them to zero energy consumers. Ask your fire safety officer.

    A chimney designed to operate as a flue gas duct for an open fire is by no way suitable to be operated with a stove. It must be altered, usually by reducing it's diameter.


    Flue pipes with spigot and socket joints should be installed with sockets pointing up to contain moistures. A lot of cheap import stoves don't allow the vitreous enamel pipe to connect correctly to the stove, and this causes problems with the ill educated installer who continues to install such joints the wrong way around...clay liners have the same joint and should be installed in the same manner. If they are upside down, or not seated properly. THEN FORGET ABOUT USING A FLUE ADAPTER....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭rpmcs


    i laughing more and more as people come on here saying builders say this and that,and that is a fearful laugh as its so dangerous!!
    i fit fireplaces and stoves, ask any builder what heights your flue gather should be at and everyone will have different answer,most not all, will be incorrect!!
    as for stoves, builders really dont have a clue, theres a reason why we in the industry do courses and stick to what we know, we dont build houses, thats for the builders!!
    why oh why do people still come on here and say my builder who has 20yrs experience said ......!!! jesus, people if you want to extend your house go to a builder,but if you want to fit stoves /fireplace go see someone that has done some courses on chimneys/installation of stoves!!
    sooty soup talks alot of sense, unfortunately in south of ire altough the reg is there,there is not one clear association that are legally required to carry out or asses work!! and this leaves some shops in order to sell stoves will say what seems like they might get the sale!!!
    my best line to people is you can do it that way if you want but if you ever want to call your insurance company they will have a look and tell you your insurance is invalid!! surprising how that gets people to see the light!!
    as to agree with sooty soup in answer to op, as long as the vertical pipe does not exceed 6"150mm in length, should be ok, but given option top is always best with liner going straight up full length of flue!!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    rpmcs wrote: »
    i laughing more and more as people come on here saying builders say this and that,and that is a fearful laugh as its so dangerous!!
    i fit fireplaces and stoves, ask any builder what heights your flue gather should be at and everyone will have different answer,most not all, will be incorrect!!
    as for stoves, builders really dont have a clue, theres a reason why we in the industry do courses and stick to what we know, we dont build houses, thats for the builders!!
    why oh why do people still come on here and say my builder who has 20yrs experience said ......!!! jesus, people if you want to extend your house go to a builder,but if you want to fit stoves /fireplace go see someone that has done some courses on chimneys/installation of stoves!!
    sooty soup talks alot of sense, unfortunately in south of ire altough the reg is there,there is not one clear association that are legally required to carry out or asses work!! and this leaves some shops in order to sell stoves will say what seems like they might get the sale!!!
    my best line to people is you can do it that way if you want but if you ever want to call your insurance company they will have a look and tell you your insurance is invalid!! surprising how that gets people to see the light!!
    as to agree with sooty soup in answer to op, as long as the vertical pipe does not exceed 6"150mm in length, should be ok, but given option top is always best with liner going straight up full length of flue!!

    Just to clarify guys, RPMCS means the HORIZONTAL PIPE should not exceed 6" or 150mm from the rear of the stove.

    It is also interesting to note that Clearview Stoves, which we supply all over Ireland now, refer to a lot of retailers as BOX MOVERS. It is companies like this that can destroy the reputation of a manufacturer simply because the box movers put stoves into the hands of these builders, handymen, plumbers, and blatant cowboys to "install", or sold as a DIY project...then when things go wrong...it is the technical support for the manufacturer that gets bombarded. You can be damn sure it is either crap fuel, or bad installation, and rarely the stove, so you can imagine why these companies get annoyed.

    I'm not saying that the installation can't be done the tradesmen and DIY enthusiast, but all too often they are too proud to take advice, or more importantly the shirt and ties with hands like accountants in showrooms haven't got a bloody clue what they are selling and wouldn't know the first thing about chimneys and flues...

    It shouldn't be allowed but it happens all the time...

    So what do you do? who do you get advice from? Well you can read posts from people on forums if you want. Filter through the rubbish, and hope that some people who UNDERSTAND what they are working with, and are MAKING THE EFFORT to advise are willing to help guide you. We are not doing so for the good of OUR health. The other thing you can do is speak to the manufacturer of the stove you want to buy....but a word to the wise...if you speak to them and feel they are talking crap...then they are employing the wrong people and it is a reflection on the product. Trust me I have spoken to a lot of them over the years, and still find myself suggesting the usual four brands...Morso or Jotul for good Scandanavian stuff and Charnwood or our Clearview's for UK manufacturers. All excellent, and so is the after sales.

    Off my soap box I get again...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭rpmcs


    wouldnt get to far sooty with my 150 vertical!! thanks for the correction!! :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    ;) No problem mate


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8 skigolf


    ntpm wrote: »

    After careful deliberation and investigation I found that the existing gatherer was too low to allow for a decent top opening flue pipe without major re-working of the chimney.
    I also pointed out that inserting a stove into a recess would reduce the effectivness of heating the room ( air circulation / convection would be hampered).
    Finally as the stove would have to be centred to the existing chimney flue/lining would have meant that the stove and hearth/plinth was only going to be recessed by about 9-12".
    The customer final decision was to go with flexible flue, use vermiculite to insulate between flue and existing chimney, back entrance, block up opeing, and have the stove sit in front of chimney.
    They are very happy with it and saved a small fortune on modifiying the chimney. Food For Thought.:)

    Can I ask a question please, sorry but just finding this hard to picture...

    If you have blocked up the opening, and I assume you are using the regulations recommended tee (maximum 150mm horizontal, tee to collect soot) for rear exit stoves, how does the flue pipe reach the 'chimney' if the opening is blocked up - would you have a picture of the solution please as it is something I might consider.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 302 ✭✭ntpm


    skigolf wrote: »
    Can I ask a question please, sorry but just finding this hard to picture...

    If you have blocked up the opening, and I assume you are using the regulations recommended tee (maximum 150mm horizontal, tee to collect soot) for rear exit stoves, how does the flue pipe reach the 'chimney' if the opening is blocked up - would you have a picture of the solution please as it is something I might consider.


    Base of clay pipe has adapter fitted, similar to below dreawing:

    clay-liner-adapter.jpg The clay liner adapter is designed to easily make a tar tight connection to existing clay liners. A spigot inserts up into the liner and the shoulder of the adapter then pushes up to meet the liner. Any tar that gets outside of the spigot is led back into the flue system through the shoulder. The clay liner adapter is fixed up by screwing through the upper lip of the shoulder where necessary (often the flue pipe will hold this component up).

    There is then small extension from this and swept bend ie. 45 + 45 deg elbows and another small extension section, that exit the fireplace opening at the correct height for the rear stove spigot.
    NO TEE PIECE REQUIRED. As the chimney can be swept directly back in to stove.
    The existing fire place is blocked uand back filled with bricks or filling.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8 skigolf


    NTPM,
    Thank you for clarifying that. Does the flue go through some hole in the blocked up fireplace?

    I have a stovax stove and just looking at the installation manual - it only gives one option for rear exit flue connection and that is the tee - I think I should contact the manufacturer and see if your suggestion is suitable for this specific stove.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 302 ✭✭ntpm


    skigolf wrote: »
    NTPM,
    Thank you for clarifying that. Does the flue go through some hole in the blocked up fireplace?

    I have a stovax stove and just looking at the installation manual - it only gives one option for rear exit flue connection and that is the tee - I think I should contact the manufacturer and see if your suggestion is suitable for this specific stove.


    Definetly follow Manufacturers Instruction.
    The way i was explaining you will have a continous flue running from the back of the stove rear exit to the chimney flue, This would allow cleaning straight into the stove.
    Some stoves normally have baffles inside that you can remove to clean the chimney.
    The pipe/flue adaptor and elbows are fiited exits the opening at the correct height, The opening is then blocked up and plastered. The stove is then installed and connected to the flue using appropriate spigot.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 648 ✭✭✭PeteHeat


    ntpm wrote: »
    Base of clay pipe has adapter fitted, similar to below dreawing:

    clay-liner-adapter.jpg The clay liner adapter is designed to easily make a tar tight connection to existing clay liners. A spigot inserts up into the liner and the shoulder of the adapter then pushes up to meet the liner. Any tar that gets outside of the spigot is led back into the flue system through the shoulder. The clay liner adapter is fixed up by screwing through the upper lip of the shoulder where necessary (often the flue pipe will hold this component up).

    There is then small extension from this and swept bend ie. 45 + 45 deg elbows and another small extension section, that exit the fireplace opening at the correct height for the rear stove spigot.
    NO TEE PIECE REQUIRED. As the chimney can be swept directly back in to stove.
    The existing fire place is blocked uand back filled with bricks or filling.

    Hi NPTM,

    I will ask you the same question I have asked other manufacturers of similar adapters;

    Do you or the manufacturers have any certification documents such as British Agrement or Irish Agrement certs for this product?

    Do you or the manufacturers have product liability insurance for this product?

    I lose a lot of business because I refuse to stock / sell these adapters even if the customer wants to install D.I.Y.

    .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 189 ✭✭sooty_soupy


    Guys this is going to rumble on. The simple fact is you buy a stove to be efficient, more so than the open fire. the stove company will tell you what diameter the flue needs to be in their instructions. It is considered good practice referring to building regulations in Ireland...document J and in Northern Ireland it's Technical booklet L, that a flue be reduced to suit the appliance intended. This way you can be assured of getting the best efficiency from the stove, but also if the steel liner is used throughout, and backfilled with vermiculite insulation the flue temperatures are kept stable throughout, even when the stove is burning slowly, helping to reduce build up of combustive tars and soot in a flue.

    The MAIN concern I have as a registered Master chimney technician in Northern Ireland is I have seen some disgraceful attempts by builders to build clay flues. Some of them need hung drawn and quartered for the efforts they make at fitting flues in chimneys, with gaps, no insulation, and often joints upside down. When one of the cowboy stove companies sell you this DIY adapter, ARE ANY OF THEM ASKING YOU TO CHECK WITH A CCTV CAMERA IF THE FLUE IS IN GOOD ORDER....bloody sure they aren't...you are packed out of the door with a pice of chinese pig iron made to look like a stove and painted black and a bastardised "chimney system" and they couldn't give a knack.

    Get real people.....Solid fuel, fire, your home and family, and insurance. DO IT ONCE PROPERLY OR DON'T DO IT....as the meerkat says....SIMPLE !!!

    I'm stepping off the soap box again for a wee while. Be safe


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ronan0


    Guys this is going to rumble on. The simple fact is you buy a stove to be efficient, more so than the open fire. the stove company will tell you what diameter the flue needs to be in their instructions. It is considered good practice referring to building regulations in Ireland...document J and in Northern Ireland it's Technical booklet L, that a flue be reduced to suit the appliance intended. This way you can be assured of getting the best efficiency from the stove, but also if the steel liner is used throughout, and backfilled with vermiculite insulation the flue temperatures are kept stable throughout, even when the stove is burning slowly, helping to reduce build up of combustive tars and soot in a flue.

    The MAIN concern I have as a registered Master chimney technician in Northern Ireland is I have seen some disgraceful attempts by builders to build clay flues. Some of them need hung drawn and quartered for the efforts they make at fitting flues in chimneys, with gaps, no insulation, and often joints upside down. When one of the cowboy stove companies sell you this DIY adapter, ARE ANY OF THEM ASKING YOU TO CHECK WITH A CCTV CAMERA IF THE FLUE IS IN GOOD ORDER....bloody sure they aren't...you are packed out of the door with a pice of chinese pig iron made to look like a stove and painted black and a bastardised "chimney system" and they couldn't give a knack.

    Get real people.....Solid fuel, fire, your home and family, and insurance. DO IT ONCE PROPERLY OR DON'T DO IT....as the meerkat says....SIMPLE !!!

    I'm stepping off the soap box again for a wee while. Be safe
    Where does it say that in the regulations...
    2.3 Size - Flue sizes should be at least:
    (a) for flue pipes, equal to that of the flue outlet
    on the appliance
    , or
    (b) for chimneys, at least the size shown in Table
    2, but never less than the size of the flue
    outlet on the appliance or that recommended
    by the appliance manufacturer.

    And the reason this "rumbles on" is because the prices charged by stove installers in the republic of Ireland is absolutely bloody extortionate. Criminal even.

    Then, these charges are justified by making obtuse reference to regulations their customers are unfamilar with and playing on their fears re fire and insurance and so on.

    What we need on boards.ie is a group of good DIYers and builders to share their knowledge, and point each other to guidance contained in regulations, so that they can do the job confidently (as regular houseowners do to a far greater degree in the US, Canada and Europe).

    F**k the bloody cartels operating here in the rip off republic. Recently I saw a couple of quotes for some basic stove remedial work (fiiting a liner) to an elderly neighbour of mine that made my blood boil. I know precisely what is involved in the work and cost of materials having done it myself. But she was being quoted around 650 for labour and 350-450 for the liner (bungalow)?!

    B****rds.


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