If you're having a wood or pellet stove installed, here's what to expect on installation day — and what you should do to prepare.
The stove should be selected and on-site — see our guide on choosing the right wood stove (or confirmed for delivery) before the installation appointment. We'll need the manufacturer's installation manual to confirm clearance requirements, flue sizing, and hearth specifications. If you don't have the manual, the model number is sufficient.
Clear the installation area of furniture and valuables. Installation involves some dust and debris, particularly if liner work is required.
The first step on installation day is a thorough assessment of the installation location. We verify clearances to combustible walls, floors, and ceilings; confirm the hearth pad is adequate or plan its installation; and assess the chimney for liner requirements.
If the existing hearth isn't adequate, we install a non-combustible hearth pad before placing the stove. Hearth pads are typically ceramic tile, stone, or a manufactured product designed for this purpose.
If the chimney needs a new liner — which is common when connecting a stove to an older masonry chimney — liner installation happens before the stove is placed. This involves measuring the flue, cutting the liner to length, and lowering it down the chimney from the top. A top plate is installed at the crown and a connector at the bottom.
The stove is positioned on the hearth pad, leveled, and connected to the flue pipe. The flue pipe runs from the stove's collar up to the liner connection or directly into the chimney. All connections are checked for proper fit and sealed where required.
We light a small test fire to verify draft, check for smoke leaks at connections, and confirm the stove is drawing properly. We'll walk you through basic operation — how to start a fire, how to adjust the air supply, and how to maintain the stove.
Most jurisdictions require a permit for stove installation. We can advise on local permit requirements. In some cases, the permit inspection happens after installation — we'll let you know what to expect.
Horizon Chimney Sweep serves Vancouver, Woodland, and all of Southwest Washington. Licensed, locally owned, and honest about what you need.