I just found a number and called the assistant state fire marshal. He told me the clearance in vermont for single wall stovepipe is indeed 18 inches. He told me I should find the section in NFPA-211 and tell them I checked that document and under section bla bla it states 18 inches is the required minimum clearance. He said then they will know I've done my research and should do something about it. Oh how I love making phone calls like this.
BK Ashford 30 questions
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I called the stove people back again and the reply was "I want to see it in writing." So I'm heading there now, this should be fun.
BCC_Burner
Feeling the Heat
I had some single wall laying around from my landlord, and before I had the chimney sweep come out, I replaced my double wall (which passes ~12 inches from a wooden ceiling) with the single wall. He complimented the installation, noting that I had used 3 screws in each joint and gone for 2 45's instead of a 90. Never mind the egregious clearance-to-combustible violation, he didn't say a word about that. Good way to determine I won't be calling him back. And yes, he does installations as well.
I am a new guy so consider my thoughts accordingly. When I look at the Ashford manual the 16.375 measurement looks like it is to the back of the stove body which looks about in line with the center of the stove pipe. That 16.375 inch measurement puts you right at the minimum 6 inches for rear stove to wall clearance. I believe this would put single wall about 13 inches from the wall. As you mention the asterisk says check codes and stove pipe manufacturers for clearances. I just looked at Duratech and they say 18 inches for single wall. Check what stovepipe brand they used and check their requirements.
Rich
Rich
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What you said! Bad enough if they didn't know but don't even believe it when someone tells them?
Well problem solved. Looks like I was talking to the one idiot in the shop who clearly doesn't do instillation and doesn't know the codes. He was there but for some reason he stayed quiet.... Before I could speak to him as I was pretty sure he was the one I spoke to on the phone another person asked if he could help me. I told him what happened and gave him the clearances "on paper" He immediately apologized and said he doesn't need this paper he knows the clearances and is very sorry I was told that on the phone and that the install was done wrong.
He said there are three things we can do, the best is to replace with double wall. He also said about a heat shield on the pipe or on the wall. I said I wanted double pipe which he agreed was the best. He said it's more expensive but he will take the hit. I offered to pay the difference but he said we'll figure it after it gets fixed. They are fully booked up and short of time but he said they will find a spot for me and get it done as soon as possible. So problem should be sorted pretty soon. Luckily it's supposed to go up to 75 tomorrow and for the next few days.
Thanks again for pointing out the problem and for all the help/advice here.
He said there are three things we can do, the best is to replace with double wall. He also said about a heat shield on the pipe or on the wall. I said I wanted double pipe which he agreed was the best. He said it's more expensive but he will take the hit. I offered to pay the difference but he said we'll figure it after it gets fixed. They are fully booked up and short of time but he said they will find a spot for me and get it done as soon as possible. So problem should be sorted pretty soon. Luckily it's supposed to go up to 75 tomorrow and for the next few days.
Thanks again for pointing out the problem and for all the help/advice here.
Parallax
Minister of Fire
So glad they're standing behind the installation. Another example of the value of this website. Like you, but for the advice received here, would have made a bunch of mistakes.
This should have been your phone conversation. Glad they got it right in the end.
Yeah, I was pretty angry after the phone call to say the least. But it's getting sorted now so whatever. I do hope they plan on educating the person I was on the phone to though. Not sure if the installers just made a genuine mistake or thought it's only 1.5 inches from code. Doesn't really matter. You guys picked up on it and It'll be sorted soon. Should only be like a 20-30 minute job right?
Thanks again. I've learned so much from this forum and you've just saved me from an illegal install.
Thanks again. I've learned so much from this forum and you've just saved me from an illegal install.
Honestly I didn't ask. He said double walled pipe and he said it costs quite a lot more. I was so relieved that I wasn't going to end up having the fight I thought I was about to get into, that I just accepted that they would fix it properly. When they come and install it I'll be sure to find out and make sure it's good.
I wonder if maybe the installer either just mismeasured, or assumed it was an "on-center" dimension. Or they just ndidn't know/care.
Calentarse
Feeling the Heat
Wow, happy to hear everything turned out good in the end. Nice that someone fessed up and came clean about this whole thing. Loving your new stove and I also was initially wondering why you didn't caddy corner the stove; however, the install has really grown on me and I can see how it's quite conducive to the space.
Sounds like a good . . . and safe . . . ending. Hopefully they'll "eat" the cost of the installation at least . . .
Haven't heard from them yet. He said they are fully booked for weeks and he has to make time for my fix and get the pipe in. I'll give it a couple of days then call them. Luckily the weather here has gone a bit crazy and I'm almost regretting putting the A/C away. It's about 80 outside.
Should be the same brand or there's a chance it won't fit properly. The hack that did my BIL's install left a gap of at least 1/4", then "fixed" it with 500* silicone....which fell out several months later. I had to re-do it with the right pipe, in addition to reinstalling the ceiling support box.
I've found that many liberties are taken these days with the word "professional." 
Parallax
Minister of Fire
Looking back, I'm really fortunate to have had a good installer. They did a super job. I've since found out that one of the companies that made a bid is known for doing shoddy work. We're having the drafting problem but I don't hold the dealer responsible. It can be something of a guessing game knowing if there will be problems and 22 feet of chimney seemed like it would probably be adequate.
Parallax
Minister of Fire
No, the two sections are designed to slide together. So essentially there will 4 walls where it over laps. We never do an instal without a slip section. Single wall or double.
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