Determine what the height (X) of the flue outside should be from the T upwards

Step 1: Determine the required height on the roof (M)
see " Complete information" below.
Step 2: Calculate the total height of the flue (stove to rain cap)
Total height of the flue (Z) = M + L - K
L = Height of the roof
K = Height of the stove
Step 3: Calculate how many meters (X) of straight pipes are needed outside (above the T)
X = Z - V
Z = Total height of the flue (see step 2)
V = height coming from the stove till the T (it is written top right in question 2 " ...."mm upwards")
Check: The total height (Z) from stove to end cap should be at least 3.5 meter.
You do not need to have the exact height, a bit higher higher is also okay.
Chimney Heights and Termination

Simple rules
Within 600mm from the ridge
The flue has to end minimum 600mm above the ridge.
More than 600mm from the ridge
The distance between the cowl of the flue and the adjacent roof/wall/structure should be higher than 2.3 mtr.
For the height of the flue on the roof this means:
| Pitch of the roof |
Height on the roof. |
| 25° |
1070mm |
| 30° |
1330mm |
| 35° |
1610mm |
| 40° |
1930mm |
| 45° |
2300mm |
| 50° |
2740mm |
All the rules
The minimum chimney height recommended for minimum performance of wood burning and multi fuel appliances is 4.5 m from the top of the appliance to the top of the chimney. In practice you 3.5m is often enough.
The distance between the cowl of the flue and the adjacent roof/wall/structure should be higher than 2.3 mtr.
Within 600mm from the ridge: Flue has to end minimum 600mm above the ridge.
The diagram below, taken from Document J (building regulations), shows the minimum flue discharge heights and positions for all wood burning and multi fuel applications.
In some cases, particularly when chimneys are towards the bottom of a sloping roof or at the eaves, it may be necessary to increase the chimney height above these minimum mandatory requirements. The reason for this is to clear pressure zones created by wind hitting the roof and nearby structures, like trees, which may interfere with the up draught required by the appliance or fire.
The maximum freestanding stack height above the roof for a traditional masonry chimney is 4.5 times the narrowest horizontal part of the chimney.
In the case of stainless steel system chimneys, the manufacturer’s installation instructions should be consulted; however in most cases it will be around 3 metres. This measurement is taken from the last point where the chimney stack passes the through or past the edge of the roof up to the chimney capping or termination. Tall chimneys may need bracing, always consult the manufacturer for advice.


For buildings with flammable roofs such as felted, thatched, or shingle roofs the flue or chimney the regulations are different. The flue or chimney must terminate at a minimum1800mm above the combustible surface.