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Vermont Castings Vigilant
2000898
Weak draft situations are characterized by smoking
and odor problems in the house, low heat output, and
difficulty maintaining a fire, especially at low thermostat
settings. The reverse situation, overdraft, is rare, but
can be recognized by short burn time, poor response
when trying to slow down the fire, or by any part of the
stove glowing red.
A more common cause of overdraft is inadequate
maintenance, such as worn gasket allowing uncon-
trolled air to enter the stove. Following recommended
maintenance procedures will ensure consistent stove
performance.
Following the stove manufacturer’s recommendation on
both chimney size and height will also help ensure ad-
equate chimney flow capacity. Flow capacity measures
the ability of the chimney to evacuate combustion gas-
es quickly. Even the strongest draft cannot overcome
an insufficient flow capacity; the result is a back up of
combustion gases in the chimney which forces smoke
out of chimney connector joints or the stove itself. Re-
member, the Vigilant and the chimney must function as
a unit. For optimum performance, they must be sized
properly for each other. Your Vermont Castings Autho-
rized Dealer can help you assess your existing chimney
or plan a new one for best stove operation.
Chimney Guidelines
DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBU-
TION DUCT OR SYSTEM.
New Chimneys
Both masonry and prefabricated metal chimneys work
well.
A new prefabricated metal chimney should be one test-
ed and listed for use with solid-fuel burning appliances
to the High-Temperature (H.T.) Chimney Standard UL-
103-1985 (2100° F.) and have interior walls especially
designed for use with coal-burning stoves. Be sure to
follow the chimney manufacturer’s instructions exactly
when passing the chimney through a combustible wall
or ceiling. Special accessories may be necessary for
this type of installation.
The chimney should extend at least 3 feet above the
highest point where it passes through a roof, and at
least 2 feet higher than any portion of a building within
10 feet.
ST241
chimney types
12/13/99 djt
Prefabricated Double-
wall Insulated Chimney
Tile-lined
Masonry
Chimney
ST241
Fig. 2 Chimney types.
A new masonry chimney should be constructed to con-
form to the standards of your local building code or a
recognized national code. Masonry chimneys must be
lined with code-approved masonry or pre-cast refrac-
tory tiles, stainless steel pipe suitable for use with coal,
or a code-approved poured-in-place liner. The chimney
must have a tight sealing clean-out door.
For proper draft and good performance, any chimney
used with a Vermont Castings wood or coal burning
stove should extend at least 16 feet above the flue col-
lar of the stove.
Existing Chimneys
An existing masonry chimney may work well, but be
sure to have it carefully inspected before using it. De-
fects may have gone unnoticed if the chimney previ-
ously was used only occasionally. Defects must be
repaired before the chimney is used with your stove.
If you are not sure that you can make the inspection
yourself, your local professional chimney sweep, build-
ing inspector, or fire inspector will be able to make the
inspection or direct you to someone who can.
The chimney should be thoroughly cleaned before be-
ing used with your stove.
First, check to see that the chimney has a lining. Do
not use an unlined chimney. Your local Vermont Cast-
ings Authorized Dealer or chimney sweep can help
you with information about approved chimney lining
systems. In addition, look for and repair (if necessary)
these defects: (Fig. 4)
A. Improper chimney height and roof clearance; check
local building codes for proper construction.
B. Chimney cap deterioration; rebuild.
C. Creosote stains indicate flue damage; inspect and
repair.
2' Min.
2' Min.
3'
Min.
0 To 10'
3'
Min.
0 To 10'
AC617
RLTSKC8
2/11/98
Reference
Point
AC617
Fig. 3 The 2’-3’-10’ chimney rule.