Flu supporting system and method of manufacture and application

Abstract

A flue securing apparatus providing a planar metal plate having a flue hole therein and a tab of the metal plate extensive within the flue hole. The tab having a locating hole positioned at a juncture of the tab and one edge of the flue hole. A sheet metal strap is coplanar with the plate and joined thereto by mutual sheet metal attachments. Grooves positioned at the edged of the plate define comers of a roof hole so that a flue is positionable according to code. A step-by-step method is taught of using the plate as a template for cutting the roof hole and for securing a venting flue in place within the plate.

1 . A flue securing apparatus comprising: a planar metal plate having a flue hole therein; a tab of the metal plate extensive within the flue hole, the tab having a locating hole positioned at a juncture of the tab and one edge of the flue hole. 
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a sheet metal strap coplanar with the plate and joined thereto by mutual sheet metal attachments. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising four guide slots arranged at edges of the plate in positions forming comers of a square, the square spaced apart from the flue hole in accordance with at least minimum fire code requirements for distancing flammable structural materials from a flue carrying hot gases. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of mounting holes in the plate. 
   
   
       5 . A flue securing apparatus comprising in combination:
 a) a planar metal plate having a flue hole therein; a tab of the metal plate extensive within the flue hole, the tab having a locating hole positioned at a juncture of the tab and one edge of the flue hole; and   b) a sheet metal strap coplanar with the plate and joined thereto by mutual sheet metal attachments.   
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising four guide slots arranged at edges of the plate in positions forming comers of a square, the square spaced apart from the flue hole in accordance with at least minimum fire code requirements for distancing flammable structural materials from a flue carrying hot gases. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising a plurality of mounting holes in the plate. 
   
   
       8 . A method of securing a flue using a planar metal plate having a flue hole therein; a tab of the metal plate extensive within the flue hole, the tab having a locating hole positioned at a juncture of the tab and one edge of the flue hole; four guide slots arranged in opposing edges of the plate in positions forming comers of a rectangle; a plurality of mounting holes; and a sheet metal strap; the method comprising the steps of:
 a) marking an inside surface of a roof sheeting directly above one edge of a venting flue in a position between opposing rafters;   b) penetrating the sheeting with a screw;   c) placing the plate on an exterior surface of the roof sheeting with the screw protruding through the locating hole and with the opposing edges of the plate aligned with the rafters;   d) marking the locations of the guide slots on the roof sheeting;   e) cutting a roof hole in the roof sheeting with the centers of the guide slots establishing comers of said roof hole;   f) anchoring the plate to the roof sheeting with the flue hole of the plate centered in the roof hole and bending the tab downwardly;   g) extending the venting flue upwardly through the flue hole in the plate;   h) securing the strap around the venting flue and the tab thereby holding the venting flue in place relative to the plate and relative to the roof hole.