If a roof ridge is closer than 10 feet to a chimney, how much higher should the stack be in feet?

When the roof ridge is closer than 10 feet to a chimney, building codes and best practices dictate that the chimney must extend above the roof line to prevent downdrafts and ensure proper ventilation. In this scenario, the standard requirement is for the chimney to be at least 2 feet higher than the ridge of the roof when it is within a horizontal distance of 10 feet from the closest point of the chimney.

This height differential helps to create an effective natural draft, allowing smoke and gases to escape properly while minimizing the risk of backdrafts or smoke entering the home. The requirement for a 2-foot height ensures that the chimney provides sufficient clearance above the influence of the roof, promoting safer and more efficient operation.

Therefore, a chimney that is positioned too low relative to the roof ridge can lead to performance issues and potential safety hazards, making the 2-foot elevation the correct requirement in cases where proximity is an issue.