My wife and I want to convert a gas fireplace to a real wood stove. I've removed the fireplace and opened up the "chimney" (aka alcove) that is made of 2x6 construction - this meets the width and depth requirements for the stoves we are considering. Our goal is to have the appearance of a wood stove "peaking out" of an arched rock fireplace. Besides the aesthetics, this has two advantages for us - first the room is small enough that we don't want the full depth of the wood stove sticking out into the room, and second, I'd like to have the flue a straight shot.
My concern however, is the height clearance issue. According to PE's manual for the T6, our preferred choice, any alcove must be ~7' tall to combustible materials. Nothing is noted for non-combustible materials. For other makes, there are lower clearances required for "protected" surfaces.
Now, we are looking to lower the fireplace arch height down as low as possible so that this doesn't become overwhelming in the room.
If this height is reduced through the use of non-combustible materials such as fire brick, stone and steel studs/beams - with the full clearance to the combustible materials required fully maintained, are we safe?
This to me would seem no different than putting a stove in a fireplace. However, I've seen postings by BeGreen that would indicate that clearances must be maintained regardless if the material to which they are specified is more fire resistant.
If this is true, how can wood stoves be placed in existing fireplaces?
My concern however, is the height clearance issue. According to PE's manual for the T6, our preferred choice, any alcove must be ~7' tall to combustible materials. Nothing is noted for non-combustible materials. For other makes, there are lower clearances required for "protected" surfaces.
Now, we are looking to lower the fireplace arch height down as low as possible so that this doesn't become overwhelming in the room.
If this height is reduced through the use of non-combustible materials such as fire brick, stone and steel studs/beams - with the full clearance to the combustible materials required fully maintained, are we safe?
This to me would seem no different than putting a stove in a fireplace. However, I've seen postings by BeGreen that would indicate that clearances must be maintained regardless if the material to which they are specified is more fire resistant.
If this is true, how can wood stoves be placed in existing fireplaces?