Wood Burning Fireplaces are a beautiful natural addition to a home. They provide a fire experience for guests/families and create a level of comfort that other fireplaces aren't able to 100% simulate. The problem with wood burning fireplaces is that they aren't easy to understand when it comes to installation.
In this article we hope to provide a simple guide to understanding what is involved. So even a regular person with no experience will be able to get a basic grasp on the type of installation possible and how they can hope to achieve it. We recommend working with a professional in order to install wood burning fireplaces, this guide is simple and gives general knowledge so you have an understanding.
It's important to note when it comes to chimney piping and parts to understand that chimney pipe sections and other parts from one manufacturer are not to be mixed with chimney parts from a different manufacturer. Also make sure to check local building codes and regulations that pertain to installing a wood-burning fireplace.
So let's get to it, shall we.
In this guide we'll be talking about the 3 most common installations, which are standard flat ceiling installation, cathedral ceiling installation and through the wall installation.
1) Standard Flat Ceiling - This is where the chimney pipe passes vertically through a flat ceiling and then through the roof. From the fireplace a chimney connector is a pipe that connects straight to the roof without any elbows which is best for maintaining good draft efficiency. At the point of the ceiling and through the attic and roof a chimney support package is installed, this consists of mainly an attic insulation shield, roof radiation shield, roof flashing, sealed storm collar, roof bracing system and chimney cap. Most of these components are installed at the roof level and prevent water from entering around the chimney pipe as well as maintaining sufficient clearance in the chimney for adequate air space.
When it comes to the cost and complexity this is generally less expensive and simpler to install compared to other methods because of the direct and vertical chimney path.
2) Cathedral Ceiling - A cathedral ceiling is sloped, creating a different challenge for installing a chimney pipe. The chimney still goes through the roof but must accommodate the angle of the ceiling.
For rooms that have a cathedral ceiling, the roof and ceiling are combined. There are two methods preferred by the manufacturer for this type of install which are the roof support kit or using a support box. The roof support kit typically includes a metal band that is attached to the section of chimney and adjustable plates that are secured to the roof and rafters. The band and plates support both the chimney below and above the roof. The support box option is different than of a standard ceiling support box, a specialized cathedral ceiling support box is designed to accommodate the angle of the ceiling while supporting the chimney pipe. The chimney ends at the bottom of a support box which is put in place according to the manufacturers directions so that the chimney connectors have enough room to move. For a chimney piece or support box to go farther into the room, the roof slope must be bigger.
Because of the unique height of the slope for these roofs, a longer chimney pipe and custom fitted flashings may be required, which increase the complexity and price of the installation.
3) Through the Wall Installation - In this method the chimney enters the house through a wall instead of a ceiling and rises vertically along the outside of the house. A key difference with this installation is that the chimney pipe runs horizontally from the rear or top of the fireplace through the wall, where it then connects to a vertical chimney pipe. For this install the most common parts needed are an insulated tee with clean-out plug, a wall support, wall thimble, cover plate, wall bands, roof flashing, storm collar, roof brace and chimney cap.
Some planning is needed for this installation as it's more complex and expensive due to the horizontal venting and exterior bracing.
Q&A
Q: What is a quick summary of the three options?
A: Flat Ceiling is straight up through ceiling and roof. Cathedral Ceiling is angled through a sloped ceiling, then vertical through the roof. Through-the-wall is horizontal piping through an exterior wall, then vertical along the outside wall.
Q: What is the most complicated to install?
A: Flat Ceiling is the easiest and cheapest. Cathedral Ceiling is more complex due to the slope of the roof and higher ceiling. Through-the-wall is most complex due to the amount of venting.
