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Town Government & |
Departments: Building Department
Wood Buring Stove Tips Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are attractive home additions for their looks and ability to reduce heating bills. When not installed properly, these solid-fuel burning appliances can be a life-threatening hazard. If you're in the market for a fireplace or wood-burning stove do some homework before purchase and installation. First, contact your local building department. Most will require a permit before installation and inspection by a trained professional. "We recommend you purchase a fireplace or wood-burning stove that is labeled by an approved testing and inspection agency," said the Building Commissioner. "Work with your builder to find the best interior location. That decision will be based on the chimney's path." Most units come with spacers, a two-inch metal strip, that goes under the hearth to keep embers from burning wood floors. Whether a professional does the job or it's a do-it-yourself project, the Building Commissioner recommends following all safety precautions exactly. "Once installed, inspected and approved, the homeowner needs to read the instruction manual carefully to understand how the fireplace or wood-burning stove works. "You've got to properly adjust dampers that effect air flow. And you've got to have it cleaned regularly. If not creosote builds up in the chimney wall creating a fire danger." Prior to the heating season the Building Commissioner recommends a professional chimney cleaning for safety and efficient burning. Inside the home, clean out the firebox regularly. Don't place materials that could ignite on top of a fireplace or wood-burning stove. The Building Commissioner also suggests contacting your insurance agent. Most insurance companies require a rider to the homeowner's policy and a final inspection report from the Building Department.
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