Chimneys and venting – Harman Stove Company OAKLEAF 1-90-797000 User Manual

Page 13

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13

Dry Seasoned Wood Only!

Oakleaf Woodburning Stove

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3-90-798_R9

5

Chimneys and venting

a. draft

Draft is widely misunderstood. It is important that you,

the stove operator, realize that draft is a variable effect,

not a given quantity. Stoves and chimneys do not have

draft, yet draft is the key to your stove’s performance.

Draft is a force, produced by an operating stove and

the chimney to which it is attached. It is created by

hot gases rising up the chimney, creating a pressure

difference between the inside of your home and the

outside air. It continually moves fresh combustion air

into the stove, and hot exhaust gases out of the stove;

without this constant flow, the fire will go out.

Other factors, such as barometric pressure, winds,

the airtightness of the home, the total inside chimney

volume, chimney height and the presence of venting

devices such as exhaust fans also play a role in

maintaining an adequate draft. Low barometric

pressures, super insulated homes and exhaust fans can

reduce draft; winds can play havoc with draft; and too

large or too small a chimney volume can cause reduced

draft due to the excessive cooling or not enough room

to vent exhaust gases. Introducing outside air directly

to the stove may help remedy a low draft problem.

Some signs of inadequate draft are smoking, odor,

difficulty in maintaining the fire, and low heat output.

Overdraft can be caused by a very tall chimney even if

it is the recommended size, and can cause overfiring

of your stove. Signs of an overdraft include rapid fuel

consumption, inability to slow the fire, and parts of the

stove or chimney connector glowing red. It is important

that you follow the chimney guidelines in this manual,

including size, type, and height to avoid draft problems.

When installed and operated according to this manual,

the Oakleaf will produce enough hot gases to keep the

chimney warm so that adequate draft is maintained

throughout the burn cycle.

B. Chimney Connectors

In general, following these guidelines will ensure

compliance with all national and provincial codes;

prior to beginning your installation, check with your

local building code official to check on additional

local regulations which may influence the design and

placement of your venting system.

The Harman Oakleaf may be installed with a minimum

(.6 mm) 24 gauge chimney connector pipe. The size of

the connector should correspond to the size of the flue

collar opening. Do not use makeshift compromises. No

part of the chimney connector may pass through an

attic or roof space, closet or other concealed space,

or through a floor or ceiling. Whenever possible, avoid

passing the connector through a combustible wall; if you

must, use an approved wall pass-through, described

later in this section.

The Chimney Connector shall Not pass Through an attic or

roof space, Closet or similar Concealed space, a floor or

Ceiling.

Assemble the connector beginning at the flue collar,

with the crimped ends pointing towards the stove (to

keep debris or residue inside the system). Each joint,

including the one to the stove’s flue collar and the one

to the chimney itself should be secured with at least

three sheet metal screws. Screws may be a maximum

of 3 inches apart. A 1-1/4" (30 mm) overlap is required

at each joint, including the flue collar attachment. No

more than two 90 degree elbows should be used, and

the total length of connector should not exceed 10 feet

(3 m). All horizontal runs of connector must have a

minimum upward slope of 1/4"(6 mm) per foot (20 mm

per meter).

The chimney connector diameter should correspond to

the size of the flue collar opening. Do not use makeshift

compromises. No part of the chimney connector may

pass through an attic or roof cemented in place with

refractory cement.

C. Wall pass-throughs

Depending on your local building codes, and the

pertinent provincial or national codes, there are several

choices for passing the chimney connector safely

through a wall. Before beginning your installation,

contact local officials, and also the chimney connector

and chimney manufacturer for specific requirements.

Canada. Three methods are approved by the Canadian

Standards Association. The diagram on the next page

shows one method requiring an 18"(450 mm) air space

between the connector and the wall. It allows use of

one or two covers as described in the diagram. The

two other methods are described in detail in the current

issue of CAN/CSA B365, the national standard.

United States In the U.S., the national code is NFPA

211. While many localities adopt this standard, be sure

to check with local authorities before beginning your

installation.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) permits

four methods for passing through a combustible wall. A

commonly used method to pass through a wall directly

to a masonry chimney is to clear a minimum 12"(300

mm) around the entire chimney connector, and fill it

with brick masonry which is at least 3.5"(90 mm) thick.

A fireclay liner, minimum 3/8" (9 mm) wall thickness

must run through the brick wall to the chimney liner (but

not beyond the inner surface of the liner). It must be

cemented in place with refractory cement. This method

is illustrated on the next page. For details on the other

three options, refer to the most recent edition of the

NFPA 211 code.

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