Replies

1. 
   DanH | Mar 07, 2007 09:38pm | #1

   My first assumption would be that with these things you should maintain the required distance between flue and flammable surfaces. Not sure what that distance might be for your flue, though.

   In any event, it's not good for plastic to be "baked" for long periods of time. Both CPVC and modern romex are rated to about boiling, but will last longer if held below, say, 150F.

   If possible, a piece of drywall or cement board is better than metal as a shield, though metal is better than nothing. And in any event it's important to restrain the pipe and wire so that future activity does not cause it to move closer to the flue.

   This is also possibly a good time to place draft stops in the flue chase. These should generally be sheet metal (for most flue types), cut (using two overlapping pieces with U notches in them) to fit tightly around the flue such that they seal off drafts in the chase. Cuts heat loss to the attic and slows any fire that may get started down below.

   FWIW, when I was working on rehabbing a HfH house some years back, the BI required that the flue chase be rocked on the inside, as a fire barrier. He didn't require taping the joints, though I recall reading here of some others who did.

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

   
   

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   Edited 3/7/2007 1:40 pm by DanH

1. 
   BillB82 | Mar 08, 2007 08:12am | #2

   Thanks for the advice. I will either put a piece of sheetrock or a piece of cement rocker board (we are tiling as we speak) between the flue and the cpvc and wire. Do you have a preference between the two? I think I can reroute the flue out to a different wall but it would involve a 90 deg bend. I'm not sure that would be up to code.  BillB82

2. 
   IdahoDon | Mar 08, 2007 08:37am | #3

   The safe distances are spelled out in the building code.  An inspector would have gladly helped determine proper routing for those items, but it sounds like you don't have a permit.

   Judging by the clearances an inspector probably has things to say that you wouldn't like.  Just covering it up just screws the guy who buys the house after you.

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 08, 2007 01:35pm | #4

   IIRC there is a 2" minimum clearance required between framing and double wall flue pipe. Could be wrong, but that is the number that comes to mind from an install we did several years ago.

   I'll pull out the 02 IRC and check this evening.

    

   Dave

1. 
   IdahoDon | Mar 09, 2007 05:21am | #5

   I have a hard time keeping all that straight.  Our HVAC inspector applys rather restrictive requirements on an installation unless the manufacturer's specs are followed, which are usually less restrictive.

   It's a full time job keeping up with all the trades. :-)

     

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.