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Glenn Herbert wrote:I suppose the first thing for you to do is find out what building code applies to your house. New York uses the International Building Code, which has a section for "masonry heaters", and a sympathetic and savvy local building inspector can use that as a guide to say that your plan will be safe. Masonry heaters according to the code have a couple of features that cannot be present in a standard RMH, most notably a door on the firebox, which complicates the applicability. The code also only recognizes the "flue path" type of masonry heater and not the "bell" type.
There has been one instance I know of where a building permit was issued for a barn with the notation "rocket mass heater" specifically included. If you can get the building department to approve it, that may carry enough weight with your insurance company to cover it. All this requires thorough communication with the actual authorities involved. I don't know how much discretion local officials have in PA.
Good luck!
Christopher Harrison wrote: I'm licensed in New York State (with the plan to expand to NJ and PA, possibly CT as well) and will be constructing a rocket mass heater for my basement in the next year or two...
