SIPS/Wood Stove

[EastMark]

I recall when asking about mechanical ventilation it was mentioned that a SIPS house would require a fresh air fed stove or fireplace with the house being so tight.
Id like to put an old early 1900's Glenwood black/nickel stove in my living room.
It will be mainly for the look/feel of the peice but would like to use it on occasion as a novelty.
I wonder if anyone knows if it is possible/practical to cut a hole thru the back of the stove and fit it to provide outside air to the firebox ? I assume there are does/donts and it would have to be dont right to be safe even in a novety use setting. I have never looked at the stoves/fireplaces with the fresh air ports to see what they are exactly.
Anyone seen it done or know who may have some knowledge on this ? The stove would look great in a TF house.
Mark

[LeeB]

I don't know about the fresh air thing but I think cutting a hole in the old stove would be criminal.

[Dale Hatfield]

I would think that a small crack in the window. would be all that you need for air feeds. Being how its only for display and a few burnings  for special events.

Dale

[beenthere]

What Dale said...and then, only if the stove doesn't draw well when firing it up on occasion.

Just watch that the bathroom vents and the dryer are not running at the same time, trying to draw air back down through the smoke stack on your stove. 

[Loghead]

Don't quoate me, but my understanding is there only needs to be a fresh air supply close to the stove, that does not mean in the fire pot. Dont hurt the old stove!

[EastMark]

Loghead,
I like your quote actually. Why wouldnt a vent of some sort near the rear of the stove going outside work ? That makes sense to me. There must be some sort of tight adjustable/closable vent that could work well. It will be on a outside wall.
Mark

[thecfarm]

When I was using the cook stove,Home Clarion and the fireplace at the same time I would usally have to crack a window a little bit to keep the fireplace from drawing from the cook stove and smoking up the whole house.This would only be once in a while,so the window worked for me.I just thinking here,but you could put a vent in the ceiling and draw air from the attic.I think the window idea is really the best way.

[maineframer]

Mark,

The issue  is really about ventilation. A home that uses SIPs, spray foam insulation or any "super insulated" home needs proper ventilation. If this is not provided for the moisture will remain trapped and could cause the frame to rot/mildew/mold. A good solution is an air to air heat exchanger that will provide you with fresh air and remove the moisture. Think of it as a quiet bathroom fan that also brings air in. We have a client that we built a home for last year that is going to install a unit soon. Send me a private E-mail if you want more info. or If can help in any way.

[Hoss]

Eastmark, I used to work for a wood and gas stove manufacturer. To pass code, wood stoves installed in mobile homes (and stick built homes in some jurisdictions) require outside air for combustion. I always assumed it was required because susposedly they are manfactured so air tight. The outside air is actually what is called "make up" air. Usually about a 2" hole is just drilled through the hearth pad under the stove and on through the floor. A tube is inserted in the hole with a screen over the top to keep rodents out. If the hole is through the side wall a barometric damper can be installed in the tube to keep out cold air when the stove is not running. The tube is not connected to the stove, but is just located close to where the stove takes in its combustion air. Cutting a hole in the stove is not a good idea for safety reasons and it may effect the entire internal functioning of the stove.
Good luck,
Hoss

[EastMark]

Lots of great info here as usual. Thanks for the replies all !!
The stove casing will be spared !
Mark