Legs Off The Hearth?

Tom Cambareri · Jun 2, 2010

I have 1980's Resolute. For a number of years it was totally on the hearth with a small slate hearth protector. (stainless connector, removed flue, installed flue plate and fire protector around mantle- everything right). Problem was back of stove was in the fireplace opening and I was losing too much heat. So 2 years ago I moved the stove forward, removed the back two legs, installed a backer board in the fire place and extended the horizontal connector. Didn't want the stove to monopolize the entire room. So the heat is tremondously better. Problem: insurance inspector says it lacks clearance. Now I did not extend the hearth protector which should come out another 8 inches and it needs to be a bit more elevated. So I am about to invest in a new hearth or make one but now I am looking for confirmation from this group is it ok to take back legs off and rest stove on the fireplace hearth?

So am I OK? IS this seriously wrong? (I have seen this done in other places) or are there suggestions ?

Thanks in advance.

BrotherBart · Jun 2, 2010

I would extend the raised brick hearth out and put that bad boy back up on top with all four legs. But that begs the question of exactly what is under that hearth? A basement? If so usually there is a cantilevered concrete "wedge" under the hearth and that would not extend out as far as the extended hearth and would raise questions about the ability to support the weight of the stove and the hearth extension.

Dakotas Dad · Jun 2, 2010

Probably the only persons who could tell you if the stove might be harmed running it like that would be VC. I am sure they have had the question asked before... I will point out that if it has burned fine for the two years it's been up there.. some times imperical evidence/testing is best.

While you obviously have not burned the house down, you need at least 16" of hearth in front of the door, as I am sure you now know. If you remain comfortable with the no rear legs set up, I would say just extend/replace the floor protector.

EDIT: and welcome to the forums.

mariacw · Jun 2, 2010

I would think you will get a standard answer of the stove was not tested by the manufacturer to operate with out the rear legs. I know with the Jotul wood stoves we sell here all warranties are void if an alterations are done to the stove. i know your not looking for warranty coverage but I think the same thing will apply when getting an inspection. It makes sence what you have done to get the most out of your stove but I don't think anyone will be willing to take responsibility for it if something where to go wrong.

elmoleaf · Jun 3, 2010

My hearth once was similar to yours. I demo'd the brick down to the supporting concrete hearth extension below (which was about 1/2" or so below height of my wood floor (3/4" oak)). I then cut out the wood floor in front of existing hearth to make proper size floor protection/hearth area for the stove. Then installed concrete board over concrete hearth extension and the newly exposed wood subfloor. Finished with granite tiles on top. The new finished hearth is about 3/8" higher than the adjacent wood floor. The stove mostly sits above the original concrete extension, and is a small model, so weight not an issue. Also, the floor framing box out around the conrete extension puts a beam in this area too.
This reconfiguration allowed me to put the stove in front of the existing fireplace box on its standard size legs, without a tall hearth to trip over in a small room.
My stove only requires spark protection though...no R value. I don't know if your stove has an R value requirement to the hearth.

Tom Cambareri · Jun 13, 2010

Hi and sorry for being so rude about relpying to your excellent ideas. I have changed insuracne companies and they are scheduled for a house inspection in the next couple of weeks so being summer I am going to put the stove back up wherre it was when the town inspected and gave it an approval. The last time an insurance inspected our homw they gave me the following list. 1) finish the floor in the bedroom(I tore up the rug bought laminate put didn't get around to putting it down, 2) fix plumbing on laundry sink. IT was leaking and I removed it. 3) finish shingling around the window that I replaced and finally the clearance on the wood stove. I have done all but the shingles but have a new insurer so I live in fear of the Insurance Police. Isn't htere somethning wron with them coming into my bedroom and telling me what kind of floor I should have??

Anyway - Stove will be back-up until the Fall when I figure out the ultimate solution. Does anybody have a number for VC so I can ask them about the legs off?

Thanks Again - I enjoy the site very much

mariacw · Jun 18, 2010

You would be better off by searching for a dealer that sells VC than talking to them yourself. I just looked in the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue association member's directory and to my surpise Vermont Castings is not listed. You could try a google search for Vermont Castings, Majestic, or CFM Majestic.

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