3 Things to Know about the 3-2-10 Rule for Masonry Chimneys
As a homeowner, you are probably familiar with the 3-2-10 rule. This height standard for masonry chimneys has been around for ages so you might have encountered it at some point during the construction of your house or during a new roof installation.
However, many still have questions about what it is and why it’s an essential part of building requirements. If this chimney height requirement is still unclear to you or you’re curious about what it means for your property, Timberland Exteriors prepared a simple guide to help you understand the 3-2-10 rule.
What the 3-2-10 Rule Means
The 3-2-10 rule requires the chimney to go up to at least two feet above any structure that is within 10 feet and to extend at least 3 feet above the highest point of its roof penetration.
It’s important to note that these are just the minimum requirements for chimney height. Different factors can affect the actual chimney height. For instance, if you’re planning to enlist a contractor for an upper floor window installation service, you should consider the distance between the window and the chimney. If they’re too close to each other, you might deal with smoke blowing through your upper floor window every time someone opens it.
Why It’s Important to Meet Chimney Height Requirements
Safety is one of the main reasons behind the 3-2-10 rule. This simple rule helps prevent accidents wherein the adjacent roof or other structures on the roof catch fire when something hot comes out of the top of the chimney like flame or flaming creosote.
Another reason for the strict height requirement for masonry chimneys is to ensure optimum performance. A chimney should be tall enough to provide draft and to keep other parts of the building from hindering draft. Make sure to consult with experts especially if you’ll be remodeling your house, updating your roof, or installing fiber cement siding.
How to Check Chimney Height
When it comes to chimney height, taller is often better. However, if your chimney is too long, overdrafting might occur and cause higher fuel consumption and damage to your appliance.
To check if your house has the right chimney height, you need to calculate the pitch of your roof first. Then, get the horizontal distance between the peak and the edge of the high side of the pipe where you plan to do roof penetration.
Timberland Exteriors is a trusted provider of remodeling services including roofing, window replacement and siding installation. Call us today at (952) 373-5145 or fill out our contact form for a no-obligation quote. We serve communities in Maplewood, MN and nearby areas.
