The 10 fundamental rules for perfect fireplace operation
Palazzetti offers the most generous warranties, in terms of duration over time and optimal operation, on its products. It is however important to remember that this last aspect is strictly bound to the flue, the chimney pot and the connections between the fireplace and the flue, and the air intake.
1 - For optimal fireplace operation it is determinant that the combustion agent air intake is connected to the outside or with a well ventilated environment, in order to guarantee an improved air return.
This is done in order to constantly replace the oxygen inside of the room, for a perfect combustion of the wood and as consequence an increased heat development.
2 - Connecting a fireplace to the flue (that is not vertical to the fireplace) the pipe fittings used must not have a slant above 45°; even better if 30°, without constrictions and internal edges, as shown in current regulations regarding the installation of solid fuel heat generators.
3 - The connection between the hood and the main conduit must have a constant inclination (max 45°) and it must not have edges or constrictions so that it assists smoke going out through the fireplace. If the connection is not made this way, there is a risk that fireplace draught may not be good, this may result in smoke puffs entering the room.
4 - The connections must be in aluminated steel preferably, insulated with fibre glass, or similar materials, that guarantee the absence of condensation inside of the fumes tube (an inconvenience that would cause a bad draught). Aluminated steel, because of its technical characteristics, offers simple installation and the best resistance and corrosion warranties. Tubes that are internally corrugated must be avoided at all costs, because they would cause the formation of tar deposits. This substance is flammable and reduces fireplace draught, making maintenance of the smoke evacuation system necessary more than normal.
5 - A perfect draught it is given especially by a flue that is free of obstacles such as constrictions, deviations and obstructions. If possible any movements must be made in the near vicinity of the chimney pot.
6 - For a perfect draught the use of insulated flues made of refractory material, with a circular cross section (compared to those with a square or rectangular cross section and a smooth side) is recommended in order to assist the smoke in going out. The cross section, based on fireplace needs, must be maintained constant for its entire height: higher the flue is and better the draught. Materials that should be avoided hen building flues are: galvanized steel, fibre cement and all tubes that are internally corrugated.
7 - In order to avoid draught related inconveniences every fireplace or stove must have its own independent flue, as shown in current regulations. If there are multiple flues on a roof, these must be placed at least 2 m from each other and with a minimum height difference of 40 cm. These steps will guarantee that smoke flows correctly, avoiding interference determined by different air flows meeting on the roof slope.
8 - In order to facilitate fumes dispersion (even with strong horizontal winds) H-style chimney caps are preferred, with the section for fumes output that is double compared to the cross section of the flue. This set-up improves the output of the fumes channel.
9 - In order to prevent smoke back draft flue output must not have any obstacles (trees or buildings) for a radius of at least 8 m. Besides, the chimney pot must be at least 1 metre above the roof ridge.
10 - Reasons for the defective operation of a fireplace can be also be determined by the presence of two different flues in the same room or in a stairway; these conditions may cause air depression phenomenon. In these cases closing the above mentioned openings is recommended, along with an enlarged air intake for the fireplace, in order to guarantee that air flows to the device properly.
N.B. flues must be cleaned at least yearly.
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