Dry Seasoned Wood Only!
Oakleaf Woodburning Stove
Harman® • Oakleaf Owner's Manual_R23 • 2010 -___ • 09/15
15
3-90-798
Existing Masonry Chimneys
If you plan on using a pre-existing masonry chimney, have
it thoroughly inspected and cleaned. Any faults which make
the chimney unsafe and unusable must be repaired prior to
use. These can include improper height, structural defects,
blockages, inadequate clearance to combustibles, unsealed
openings into other rooms of the house, signs of creosote or
smoke leakage, a loose or absent clean-out door, or absence
of a liner.
Venting to a Masonry Chimney
When connecting to a masonry chimney, several provisions
are standard. First, whether the chimney connector is vented
to the chimney through a thimble or a breech pipe, neither
must pass beyond the inner surface of the chimney liner,
and both must be firmly cemented in place with refractory
cement. (A thimble is a masonry pipe which is inserted
through the chimney wall, and is frequently the preferred
method; a breech pipe is a piece of steel pipe used the same
way.) In Canada, a breech pipe has ridges or protrusions to
lock it firmly into the refractory cement. In either case, the
chimney connector vents to the chimney through the thimble
or breech pipe.
Using a thimble, the connector slides completely inside the
masonry to the inner edge of the flue liner, and may be easily
removed for chimney and connector inspection. A breech
pipe must extend at least 2" (50mm) into the room, so the
connector can be attached with sheet metal screws.
Venting to a Masonry Fireplace Chimney
In some situations, a code compliant chimney originally
used for a masonry fireplace may be used. In addition to the
requirements found in the previous paragraphs, it is important
to be aware that all clearances must be met, including those
from the chimney connector to combustibles. Do not forget to
include floor protection in your plans. (See Clearances and
Floor Protection in this section.) Since many fireplaces have
exposed wooden mantels and trim, pay special attention to
the clearances necessary to these materials.
If your fireplace chimney is behind a combustible wall, you
must use an approved wall pass-through system to gain
access to the masonry chimney. The chimney connector
must enter the chimney at a place where it is lined, and
the fireplace must be made inoperable. For example, you
might remove the damper, replacing it with a secure, airtight,
noncombustible seal (removable for inspection); this also
satisfies the requirement that no room air must be allowed
to enter the chimney.
Installing to a Prefabricated Chimney
When venting using a prefabricated chimney, be sure
to contact local building code authorities, and to follow
the manufacturer’s instructions
exactly
. Use only the
manufacturer’s parts; do not use makeshift installation
techniques. All prefabricated chimneys must be tested to
either the U.S. or Canadian high-temperature standards, UL
103 or ULC S629.
Other Considerations
Do not burn any fuel other than dry cordwood. Never use
highly volatile substances in your stove, such as gasoline,
which could cause an explosion.
When solid fuels are burned completely, they produce
water and carbon dioxide. However, in long slow burns, a
substantial amount of carbon monoxide may be produced.
If allowed to build up, carbon monoxide (which is odorless)
can prove fatally poisonous. Proper ventilation and draft will
prevent this from happening. If you smell smoke, thoroughly
ventilate your dwelling, and contact your dealer for service.
Other causes of poor ventilation or draft are icing, exhaust
fans, a blocked outside air inlet, and room air starvation. If
your stove is sluggish and you get occasional odor, check
these possibilities and increase the air flow in your home.
Chimney
Connector
Clay thimble, reaching
just to the inside of the
chimney liner
Mechanical fasteners
(minimum 3) but not at the
bottom of the connector
Chimney liner
inner edges
High-temperature
sealant used to cement
the clay thimble
