Wood stove in a spray foamed house?

[freewookie]

Anyone have a wood stove in a house that has spray foam insulation? Our builder is telling us he can’t do that. I understand if it’s because of draw but a fresh air kit solves that.


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[Catt57]

A quick Google seems to indicate that spray foam is so air tight that it not only can cause issue with ventilation for the fumes and toxic gasses from wood burning but can also case an issue with proper air flow (draft) such that a wood stove can even back-draft in some cases.

 

[freewookie]

A quick Google seems to indicate that spray foam is so air tight that it not only can cause issue with ventilation for the fumes and toxic gasses from wood burning but can also case an issue with proper air flow (draft) such that a wood stove can even back-draft in some cases.

Yeah I’ve done some searches as well and it comes down to air tightness.

Wood stoves are closed systems, for the most part. The primary issue you’d have with air tightness would be draft. It just wouldn’t burn properly.


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[dennishoddy]

I’d think a properly designed fresh air kit for the stove would allow it to draw.

 

[freewookie]

I’d think a properly designed fresh air kit for the stove would allow it to draw.

Exactly. I think I’ll need to educate the builder. He does mostly neighborhoods and very few rural builds.


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[swampratt]

Many people would crack a window open that was closest to the firebox.
You can duct in outside air for the wood stove also.

You can google outside air for wood stove.
It will also pull air from the dryer vent.
I am burning wood as I type.
Wood insert in a fireplace.
Heats the entire 2000+ sq foot 2 story.
Country Flame brand.
With blower.

 

[Catt57]

Exactly. I think I’ll need to educate the builder. He does mostly neighborhoods and very few rural builds.


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It may not be a matter of education as much as the liability to the builder (perceived or real).

 

[freewookie]

It may not be a matter of education as much as the liability to the builder (perceived or real).

I might relieve him of that liability by contracting that piece separately.

Called local fireplace/wood stove dealer and they said not a problem with the outside air kit and proper clearance.


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[freewookie]

Many people would crack a window open that was closest to the firebox.
You can duct in outside air for the wood stove also.

You can google outside air for wood stove.
It will also pull air from the dryer vent.
I am burning wood as I type.
Wood insert in a fireplace.
Heats the entire 2000+ sq foot 2 story.
Country Flame brand.
With blower.

Yup we’ve had a wood stove in our existing place for seven years. Love the warmth of wood heat. Plus being out in the sticks if we lose power in a ice storm it could be weeks before we get it back.


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[chuter]

We have a wood stove, burned it a lot the first couple of years but not so much since then, it's really a backup for the main heating system.
We had a vent and fresh air kit put in from the wall right behind the stove, into the attic, and out under the eaves.
Once I happened to get lucky and was just checking on the stove and noticed the vent pipe was really hot.

I always check the draft before lighting it up, but I think the wind conditions were just right and it started drafting in reverse; I was lucky it didn't catch the wall on fire.

Since then I disconnected the stove from the vent and just have an open vent in the wall close to the stove.