How High Chimney Above Roof

Diagram 2 shows the area on a traditionally constructed non flammable material roof where the flue must not terminate.

How high chimney above roof.

The top of a chimney pipe must extend at least 2 feet above the peak of the roof if the pipe is within 10 feet of the peak. There are strict codes that govern chimney placement for fire safety reasons. If the pipe is farther than 10 feet from the roof. The height of the chimney above the roof surface measured at the up slope side of the chimney from the roof surface to the chimney top should be at least three feet the green line in our photo.

If there is a steep roof or nearby obstruction the chimney will need more length above the roof to meet code. And at least 2 higher than any portion of a building within 10. Specifications aren t there to merely cause you problems. Other factors can influence the necessary height of the chimney such as house stack effect and high altitude.

Flues that are more than 3 metres away from the highest part of the roof need to be 1000mm above the flue penetration. The flue or chimney outlet must be above and outside of the shaded area. You can leave solid pack chimneys exposed and braced. If the chimney or flue exits the roof within 600mm horizontally of the ridge then the flue or chimney should be a minimum of 600mm above the ridge.

For most small structures like small cabins and tiny homes the tallest part of the structure is within 10 of the chimney. Flues need to be 600mm higher than the highest part of the roof within 3 metres. It means any pipe penetrating a roof must be three feet above the roof line on the up slope side of the penetration. The chimney opening above the roof of a sticks and bricks house should be 3 feet above the roof line or 2 feet above any part of the building within 10 whichever is higher.

A chimney should be at least two feet above the highest roof point. Chimney height may need to be increased by 2 3 per 1000 feet of elevation although added height generally equates to stronger draft there is a point where the system can become too long and over drafting might occur. Homes built on varying terrain have their own set of chimney and flue regulations.