Wall Protection

A basic rule which applies at all wall protection is that the least expensive and best insulator is air. This is the reason that most wall protection needs to be installed spaced away from the combustible wall which it protects.

Wall Protection for Unlisted Stoves

As mentioned earlier in this document, most unlisted stoves should be installed 36†from combustible walls. This clearance can be reduced to as little as 12†with the proper wall protection. There are a number of standards relating to such wall protection, so be sure to ask your building official or stove/fireplace pro which are used in your area. One very popular standard is published by the NFPA – National Fire Protection Association (http://www.nfpa.org). This standard is known as NPFA 211, and contains a wealth of information on stove clearances. A sample clearance reduction guide and diagram are presented here as examples: Clearance Reduction Table Diagram of Sample Installation

An Example of clearance reduction from this code states that a piece of 24 gauge sheet metal installed on spacers 1†from an existing wall will reduce stove clearances by 66% – or from 36†to 12â€. The clearance reduction is usually measured from the rear of the stove to the original combustible wall, not to the sheet metal.

Wall Protection for Newer Listed Stoves

Luckily for the newer stove buyer, most manufacturers have come to understand space limitations in modern homes. The result is that many – if not most – newer stoves are permitted to be placed much closer than 36†to combustible wall surfaces. Some models have additional heat shields that can be purchased which will allow even closer installation. Since each stove is different, you should consult the manual on your specific model. It would be wise to do this research BEFORE your purchase of a stove so that you can be assured your stove will fit your room and hearth design.

Ceiling Protection

Be careful when installing stoves in areas with low overhead clearance, such as basements and rooms with sloped ceilings. NFPA requires 48†from the top of a stove to a combustible ceiling. This can be reduced by use of proper protection. Some newer stoves call for less clearance – we’ve seen models which allow 3 feet and even less. As always, consult the manual for newer and listed stoves.

Alcove Protection

Older and unlisted stoves should not be installed in an alcove constructed of combustible materials. However, some newer stoves allow this installation and have tested their models specifically for this type of setup. This is another situation where it pays to do your research BEFORE selecting a stove model.

Pipe Protection

Stovepipe, also known as chimney connector, has to be a certain distance from both combustible walls and ceilings. One NFPA example calls for an 18†clearance to walls for 6†diameter stovepipe. This can be reduced by either: 1. Protecting the wall or ceiling adjacent to the pipe. 2. Installing an approve ‘Pipe Heat Shield†onto the stovepipe (reduces 18†to 9″) 3. Using special interior double wall stove piping, which can reduce the distance to as little as 6â€. This pipe is usually manufactured by the same companies which produce Class A double wall chimney (Metalbestos, Excel, Duravent, etc.).

Once again, your stove manual, label or local professional is the best source of the exact specifications for your particular stove model.

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Edited 11/12/2008 4:57 am ET by seeyou