Rules for Installing Wood Stoves

Basics

• All aspects of wood stove installation should be built upon a foundation of "safety first." This means buying a United Laboratories-approved stove and stove pipe. It also involves installing the stove so that it meets all local safety codes, and following all regulations governing procedures that are subject to approval by a fire marshal or other authority. Important rules to remember include meeting minimum clearance distances between the stove and surrounding surfaces, venting it into an approved chimney system, operating it knowledgeably and safely, and performing regular maintenance that includes yearly chimney cleaning.

Chimney Systems and Hearths

• Wood stoves should only be connected to solid masonry chimneys that have been thoroughly inspected for cracks in the masonry and in the flue lining. Other approved venting options include chimney kits based on a triple-wall system composed of layers of stainless steel separated by air channels that allow for air circulation to keep the chimney cool. These systems are available under brand names such as Excel and Dura Tech and offer substantial warranties that extend for as long as the original purchaser owns them.

Clearances

• Another important rule to follow when installing a wood stove is to locate the stove a safe distance from combustible materials such as walls, floors, furnishings and other materials. The absolute minimum safe clearance from unprotected walls is 3 feet from the front, sides and back of the stove. This clearance also applies to any length of stove pipe that runs vertically and parallel to the wall behind it. In cases where this clearance rule cannot be followed, approved protective shields must be applied to surrounding walls. This can be in the form of stove board or 24- to 26-gauge sheet metal attached to walls using fire-resistant 1-inch spacers that provide air circulation between the wall and the metal.

Considerations

• Even masonry walls require clearances of at least 18 inches, because bricks can get hot enough to damage flammable materials behind them. The only instance in which no clearance is required is if the stove is being installed in an existing fireplace hearth built entirely of stone or brick. The floor under a stove must also be protected, unless it's built entirely of brick or stone on top of a concrete foundation. Most newer wood stoves are equipped with heat shields below the firebox, which means that very little heat is generated from the bottom. Again, approved stove board can be used, but never place a stove without its legs flat on the board.

Cautionary Note

• If you're at all uncertain about how to properly install your wood stove, don't hesitate to call your local fire department or state fire marshal's office. If their advice sounds daunting, it may be best to err on the side of caution and hire a professional to install the stove. "Better safe than sorry" is another slogan that applies here.