Woodstoves and Mobile Home Safety

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It's equally critical to consider the structural members within the home's ceiling and floor. Since the chimney and the combustion air duct must pass through those surfaces, make every effort to avoid cutting any rafters or floor joists. If this isn't possible, plan on providing additional structural framing in these areas. You'll probably want to use a plumb bob to double-check the hole locations, and before you cut, you'll definitely want to make certain there are no electrical wires, plumbing pipes, fuel lines, or foundation members in the path of your saw.

CHIMNEYS, DUCTS, AND OTHER SAFEGUARDS

At this moment, there is some degree of controversy surrounding the three metal chimney standards currently in effect. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a two-year study to investigate potential metallurgical degradation in prefabricated stacks; though deterioration proved to be less of a concern than originally suspected, the testing brought to light some problems with buckling and excessive heat conduction that the CPSC feels should be addressed by Underwriters' Laboratories . . . and by the National Fire Protection Association, if necessary.

How does this affect mobile home owners? Since prefabricated chimneys are a requirement, you should strongly consider using a stack that's met the stringent UL 103HT standard (one of its criteria requires that the chimney withstand temperatures of 2,100°F). Though this can't guarantee absolute protection against worst-case chimney fires, it's probably the closest you'll get to an ideal installation.

Of course, a complete chimney system includes the chimney itself (which should extend through the roof and at least 3" below the ceiling of the home), a HUD-approved spark-arresting cap, a mobile home joist shield, a tested and listed stovepipe, and an approved chimney connector, such as Security Chimneys Ltd.'s Model DL42A.

Some other points to consider: Your chimney should serve only one appliance, and should extend a minimum of 3 feet above the highest point where it passes through the roof and at least 2 feet higher than any part of a building within 10 feet. Several chimney manufacturers market installation kits and accessories specifically designed for mobile homes, so ask before you purchase . . . and be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions to the letter, since the hardware varies from firm to firm. It's also a good idea to seek recommendations from your distributor regarding stovepipe; the companies that make chimneys usually make matching extensions or flue pipe as well.

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