Do I need a chimney for a log burner or wood stove?
What does not count
Single wall stovepipe is only a connector between the stove and the chimney inside the room. It cannot pass through walls, ceilings or the roof on its own. Gas B-vent pipe is not rated for wood smoke either.
The two legitimate options
- An existing masonry chimney. Have a certified sweep inspect it first. Old clay liners are often cracked or sized for an open fireplace, and a stove or insert usually drafts better with a properly sized stainless liner.
- A factory-built Class A chimney. Insulated multi wall pipe listed for solid fuel, installed with the manufacturer's ceiling support, attic shield, roof flashing, storm collar and cap.
Height and clearance rules
The residential code's termination rule is often called 3-2-10: the chimney must extend at least 3 feet above the highest point where it passes through the roof and at least 2 feet higher than any part of the building within 10 feet. Factory-built chimneys also have required clearances to combustibles and bracing rules for tall runs above the roof, all spelled out in the manufacturer's instructions.
The roof penetration
A new chimney through the roof needs flashing woven into the shingles, with the upper flange under the courses above and the lower flange over the shingles below, plus a storm collar sealed tight to the pipe. A wide framed chase also needs a cricket on its uphill side. A new wood stove and chimney usually requires a permit from your city or county, and your insurer may want to know about it. See roofing permits in Georgia and chimney leaks and crickets.