Sizing Fireplace Chimneys
The chimney-sizing chart on this page determines the
correct chimney size for an open fireplace. For factory-built fireplaces
and wood-buming stoves, use the size specified by the appliance
manufacturer. In most cases, this is the diameter of the flue collar.
If you need help with a more complicated shape such as a
multisided fireplace or an open fire pit please feel free to contact us
by phone, fax or e-mail. Our engineering department will be pleased to
assist you with sizing, material specifications, and any other technical
information you require.
Example: A fireplace with a 24 inch wide by 18 inch high opening requires a 8 inch diameter chimney for 15’ of chimney height.
Chimney Height Design Considerations
Recommended Flue Height
Once the correct chimney size has been determined, there
are two factors which can be compensated for when calculating the
optimum height of the system-elevation and chimney layout. The higher
the elevation, the greater the chimney height required to provide the
same draft as an installation at sea level. The more complex the chimney
layout is (the more tees, elbows, etc. in the system), the greater the
chimney height required to provide the same draft as a straight up
system.
The minimum overall height of any chimney system is 12
feet for a vertical chimney with no offsets at sea level. You must
increase the vertical height of the system to compensate for horizontal
runs, tees, and elbows. To compensate for:
One Tee Add 3 feet. to the minimum height.
One 45° Elbow Add I feet. to the minimum height.
One 90° Elbow Add 2 feet. to the minimum height.
Each foot of horizontal run Add 2 feet. to the minimum height.
Each 1000 feet. above sea level Add 4% to the minimum height.
Example 1: House Built at Sea Level
A wood burning stove is installed on the main floor of a
single story house at sea level. The chimney is installed with a 90°
elbow through the wall into a tee, then straight up through the roof. To
determine the minimum overall height add:
The minimum overall height = 12 feet
1 1/2 feet of horizontal run = 3 feet
One “Tee” = 3 feet
One 90’ Elbow = 2 feet
Additional Height = 8 feet
The minimum overall chimney height required is 12 ft. + 8 ft. = 20 ft.
Example 2: Identical House Built at 8,000 feet
To determine the minimum overall height, add 32% (4% per 1000 feet) to the height calculated in the above example:
20 feet + 32% = 26.4 feet
If the house were built at an altitude of 5000 feet, the overall height would be:
20 feet + 20% (4% per 1000 feet.) = 24 feet
Minimum Recommend
