Installing your own wood burner is a popular choice made by many DIY enthusiasts here in rural France. In fact, over half of the installations I come across during my day-to-day work as a chimney sweep are not professionally installed. As expected, there are recurring faults made by DIY installers that can easily be avoided with a little know-how. While we highly recommend using a qualified and insured professional to install your stove, we understand that many people still choose to install their own appliances. The purpose of this short blog series is to address the simple and avoidable mistakes made by DIY installers that we encounter daily. However, please note that this is not a step-by-step guide on how to install an appliance.

French regulations

Installing an appliance is more than just sending a liner down a chimney and connecting it at both ends. Professional installers have undergone exams and assessments to acquire the necessary competence as artisans, and they are covered by decennial insurance. If you are embarking on this project yourself, please be aware that you will be held liable for your installation and are responsible for ensuring that it conforms to French regulations. The regulations governing the installation of chimney systems fall under NF DTU 24.1 and 24.2. You can purchase a copy of these regulations directly from Afnor: https://www.boutique.afnor.org/

Here to help

Please feel free to get in touch, even if you are not local to us. Chimney systems are more complex than they may seem, involving a lot of chemistry and physics behind the scenes. We are passionate about ensuring that your installation is done correctly and safely, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have or guide you in the right direction to find a qualified, professional, and insured installer.