Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Fireplaces OUTSIDE
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Fireplaces OUTSIDE
04-28-01, 04:41 PM
I need to build a new outside wood fireplace. The one that is there now is just falling down and we love to use it. I have not be able to find anything on building one.
Any help?
Sandra
Any help?
Sandra
04-30-01, 08:53 PM
Try http://www.chimneys.com
You can also go to your county building authority and they should be able to provide you a copy of the chapter of the code they go by for homes. In my area they go by CABO, but if they have a copy of NFPA-211 (National Fire Protection Association) I prefer to go by that.
But if these don't help, here are some tips.
1) However large the opening of the firplace in square inches, take one tenth of it and that should be the sqaure area of the flue. Because flue tiles normally only come in certian sizes, 12 X 12 (or 13 X 13) and 12 X 18 (or 12 X 17, 13 X 17, and 13 X 18) all of which are "nominal sizes" which means the inside of a 12 X 12 may only be 10.5 X 10.5, you should go by the flue tiles inside deminsion to determine the size the opening of the fireplace.
2) Install the flue tiles as you build the chimney up. There should be a 1/2 inch to 4 inch air space between the flue tiles and the brick wall of the chimney.
3) The smoke chamber (area above the fire box) should not be taller than the height of the fire box and and have the same base deminsons as the fire box---this seems to always work best. Also, the wall tampering into the flue should be at a 45 degree angle.
4) I'd build the chimney atleast 15 feet tall, to ensure a proper draft.
5) If the chimney is to be located next to any combustibles, the standard is that the chimney should not be within 1 inch of combustibles if located on the outside wall of the structure, and 2 inches if located on the interior of the structure. I'd just stick to 2 inches no matter what.
6) Make sure you have a proper foundation and footing. Wouldn't want the thing to sink into the ground or become your local Leaning Tower of Pisa and pose a saftey hazard.
A final note, install a 12 X 12 metal inspection door on the back side of the chimney just above the fireplace in the smoke chamber area. This will allow easier access to sweep the smoke chamber. Trust me, I'm a Chimney Sweep by profession and this little door makes all the difference in the world! With this door installed I can sweep a chimney in allot less time and make less mess!
You can also go to your county building authority and they should be able to provide you a copy of the chapter of the code they go by for homes. In my area they go by CABO, but if they have a copy of NFPA-211 (National Fire Protection Association) I prefer to go by that.
But if these don't help, here are some tips.
1) However large the opening of the firplace in square inches, take one tenth of it and that should be the sqaure area of the flue. Because flue tiles normally only come in certian sizes, 12 X 12 (or 13 X 13) and 12 X 18 (or 12 X 17, 13 X 17, and 13 X 18) all of which are "nominal sizes" which means the inside of a 12 X 12 may only be 10.5 X 10.5, you should go by the flue tiles inside deminsion to determine the size the opening of the fireplace.
2) Install the flue tiles as you build the chimney up. There should be a 1/2 inch to 4 inch air space between the flue tiles and the brick wall of the chimney.
3) The smoke chamber (area above the fire box) should not be taller than the height of the fire box and and have the same base deminsons as the fire box---this seems to always work best. Also, the wall tampering into the flue should be at a 45 degree angle.
4) I'd build the chimney atleast 15 feet tall, to ensure a proper draft.
5) If the chimney is to be located next to any combustibles, the standard is that the chimney should not be within 1 inch of combustibles if located on the outside wall of the structure, and 2 inches if located on the interior of the structure. I'd just stick to 2 inches no matter what.
6) Make sure you have a proper foundation and footing. Wouldn't want the thing to sink into the ground or become your local Leaning Tower of Pisa and pose a saftey hazard.
A final note, install a 12 X 12 metal inspection door on the back side of the chimney just above the fireplace in the smoke chamber area. This will allow easier access to sweep the smoke chamber. Trust me, I'm a Chimney Sweep by profession and this little door makes all the difference in the world! With this door installed I can sweep a chimney in allot less time and make less mess!