While all stove installations have to meet National Fire Safety codes, mobile homes are given special consideration when it comes to installing a wood burning stove. These additional regulations were established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and result in six additional requirements:

1. "Close Clearance" Connector Pipe
2. Outside Air for Combustion
3. Tie Downs for the Stove
4. Spark Arrestor on the Chimney Cap
5. Stove Grounded to Chassis
6. Stoves Not Installed in Bedroom

“Close Clearance” pipe must be used to
	connect the stove to the chimney. This is stove pipe that is constructed with two walls, usually with the inner wall made of stainless steel. It reduces the required clearance to combustible building materials and furnishings from eighteen inches to as
little as six inches, depending on the brand. (See “Pre-fabricated Chimneys” on our web site for more information about stove pipe).

Outside Air must be used for combustion. Because of the tight construction of mobile homes, wood stoves need a way to get adequate air for complete combustion from outside the home in order to avoid the risk of depleting oxygen in the living space. Having outside air for combustion is a requirement for all woodburning stoves in the state of Washington and is recommended for woodstoves in “super tight” new construction. Woodstock Soapstone Company manufactures an

Outside Air Adapter that fastens directly over the air damper inlet on the back of our Fireview, Keystone, and Palladian stoves. It has a four-inch collar which allows

you to attach a four inch pipe, usual-flexible dryer duct, from the stove to the outside. For long runs, the flexible pipe can transition to PVC or aluminum pipe, if you wish.

If possible, it’s a good idea to route the fresh air duct through a heated space so it is warmed a bit before the combustion air is drawn into the stove. Warmer air results in more efficient combustion.

The stove must be attached to the floor. This is to prevent tipping in the event the home is moved. We can provide tie downs for our stoves at no extra charge. The chimney cap must have a spark arrestor screen. These are available with most pre-fabricated chimney systems. The stove should be grounded to the home chassis. Finally, wood stoves are not permitted for installation in bedrooms in mobile homes.

Because mobile homes are also referred to by HUD as 'Manufactured' homes, regulations present a grey area. Many 'mobile' homes are set on a permanent foundation and connected to public utilities. If you are installing a stove in a mobile or manufactured home, check out the requirements above and check with your local code officials. More questions? Give us a call Monday through Saturday from 9 to 5 Eastern time at 1-800-866-4344.

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