Chimney installation

Regulations for distances from the uninsulated stove pipes to flammable materials

You should be aware when positioning your new stove in your room that chimney safety distances can be larger than stove safety distances. If your walls are not flammable, you can normally position your stove right up against the wall. We recommend, however, that you always leave 5-10 cm between the stove and the wall. Chimney safety distances often mean, however, that the stove must be positioned further away from the wall.

If you install an uninsulated VARDE Ø15 cm chimney, the chimney pipe will have a safety distance of 45 cm from flammable walls. Here, we would recommend that you install our semi-insulated chimney pipes instead of uninsulated stove pipes. VARDE semi-insulated chimney pipes still have an internal diameter of 15 cm, but the external diameter is 20 cm. The chimney pipe is approved for a safety distance from flammable materials of just 14 cm.

If installing a chimney from another manufacturer, you will need to check the designation code. The designation code will typically tell what safety distances to which you are required to adhere. If the designation is “NM” (Not Measured), the safety distance will be 3 X pipe diameter, but never less than 37.5 cm.

Replacing your wood-burning stove

When replacing your old wood-burning stove, please be aware that statutory installation requirements have changed since 1 January 2018.

If your new stove has the same height or is taller than your old one and the chimney needs to be shortened, your chimney authorisation will still be valid.  You could send a picture of your old stove to your chimney sweep, showing with a long ruler that your stove is the same height or is taller than your old one.

If your new stove is lower than the old one, your installation will be subject to the new regulations on safety distances from flammable materials. 

It is always a good idea to consult your chimney sweeper before replacing your wood-burning stove.