Manufactured Home Wood Stove Installation Requirements
Installing a wood stove in a manufactured home requires strict adherence to guidelines to ensure safety and efficiency. Unlike traditional homes, manufactured homes present unique challenges due to their construction techniques and materials. Here’s a concise breakdown of key requirements for wood stove installations in manufactured homes.
1. Use Manufactured Home Approved Stoves
: Only wood stoves explicitly labeled for use in manufactured homes should be installed. These stoves meet specific safety standards and often include features, such as tethering straps, to secure the stove to the home’s structure.
2. Correct Placement
Location: Ideally, place the stove in a central area for efficient heat distribution.
Clearance: Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended distance from walls and combustibles. This is typically greater for manufactured homes than for site-built homes.
3. Floor Protection
Non-combustible Pad: The stove should sit on a non-combustible pad that extends beyond the stove’s base, as per manufacturer’s recommendations. This prevents potential fire hazards from stray sparks or embers.
4. Proper Venting
Double-wall Flue: Use a double-walled flue, suitable for manufactured homes, ensuring reduced heat transfer to combustibles.
Flue Route: Route the flue vertically through the roof rather than out a side wall for optimal draft and reduced creosote accumulation.
5. Roof Penetration and Sealing
Roof Jack: This component, made for manufactured home installations, allows the chimney to penetrate the roof safely. It’s designed to maintain its seal despite the potential for home movement.
Roof Flashing and Storm Collar: To prevent water leakage, use roof flashing where the chimney exits the roof and a storm collar above the flashing.
6. Chimney Requirements
Chimney Cap: This prevents rain, debris, and animals from entering the chimney.
Spark Arrestor: Essential to prevent large embers from exiting the chimney, which could pose a fire hazard.
7. Air Intake and Draft
Outside Air Intake: Many jurisdictions require stoves in manufactured homes to draw combustion air from the outside to prevent negative pressure within the home, which can lead to dangerous backdrafts.
8. Tethering the Stove
Anchoring: To prevent tipping during transit or in high winds, wood stoves in manufactured homes should be anchored to the floor using tethering straps or other manufacturer-recommended methods.
9. Adherence to Local and Federal Standards
Installation Codes: Always refer to both local and federal installation codes, which will provide guidelines specific to manufactured homes.
Professional Installation: Given the unique requirements, consider hiring a professional familiar with manufactured home stove installations.
10. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Annual Checkups: Due to the compact nature and particular construction of manufactured homes, regular inspections are critical. Check for creosote buildup, structural integrity, and other potential issues annually.
In Conclusion
Wood stove installation in manufactured homes demands a meticulous understanding of specific requirements to ensure safety. Always prioritize using equipment explicitly designed for these homes and consider seeking professional guidance. With proper care and attention, a wood stove can be a safe and efficient heating solution for a manufactured home.