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  1. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    Hi all, I'm new here I came over from John Bridge Forums after I saw reference to this site.

    My question is, will this meet NFPA regs here in the U.S.?

    The hearth I'm constructing will be bigger than required but the material layers I want on the wood floor are 1/2" hardibacker screwed down over thinset topped with 1/4" glazed tile set in thinset.

    The inspector said it would be enough, but he also said something about the height of the chimney didn't have to be 2' above the roof peak even though it is within 10' it's at 8'. I'm guessing state regs are what he is going by but fed regs supersede state regs right? So this is why I figured I better get more input on this to keep the insurance company happy. Maybe I should ask the insurance company?

    Thanks for your help it will be much appreciated! ;)
    Randall
    #1

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  2. fox9988 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Jan 15, 2012
    457 posts
    NW Arkansas
    Welcome to the forum. I depends on the stove you are using. Some only need a non-combustible surface (ember protection). Others need a hearth with a specific R rating to protect the combustible floor underneath the hearth. Hearth requirements should be in the owners manual.
    Edit: I just read the title, PE vista.
  3. fox9988 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Jan 15, 2012
    457 posts
    NW Arkansas
    Randall likes this.
  4. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    Hi and thanks Fox, I guess what I'm after is, is it required to have a layer of sheet metal between the hardibacker and the floor. I should've asked that right from the get go sorry about that :).
  5. fox9988 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Jan 15, 2012
    457 posts
    NW Arkansas
    No, just a non-combustible surface.
    Randall likes this.
  6. raybonz Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 5, 2008
    5,972 posts
    Carver, MA.
    Your only requirement is a non-combustible hearth.. Porcelain or ceramic tile on cement board will be fine as long as your clearance to combustibles meets PE's specs stated in the manual.. Good luck and welcome to the forum..

    Ray
    Randall likes this.
  7. legrandice Burning Hunk

    joined: Oct 5, 2006
    95 posts
    I have the Pacific Energy pacific insert. I have 1/2 hardi backer with tile on top...passes the requirements listed in the manual. Mine is still temporary...after 4 years. Still need to put thinset and grout on it along with some oak edging. One of those projects that never got done!
    Randall likes this.
  8. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    Thanks all! That is what I was after, confirmation :) ;)
  9. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    Good Morning All. I've a question about taping and mudding the seams on the backer board after it's been put down. Does one do this and let it sit over night? or should one do this as you're laying tile down to maintain a wet joint for better adhesion? :) or does it matter?

    Thank you,
    Randall
  10. begreen Super Moderator

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    36,118 posts
    South Puget Sound, WA
    I'd probably skip taping unless you have many seams. I don't think it's that big a deal on a small area like a hearth pad. Screwing it down to a solid base every 8" is probably more important for stability. If you want to do it by the book tape the seam with a fiberglass mesh tape. Smooth on thinset over the taped seam and let dry overnight before proceeding.
    Randall likes this.
  11. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    Thanks, It answers my question.:cool:
  12. raybonz Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 5, 2008
    5,972 posts
    Carver, MA.
    Although probably not needed I did it anyways and it was easy to do.. Thought it would add strength to the hearth joints and so far it has held up fine..

    Ray
    Randall likes this.
  13. eclecticcottage Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 7, 2011
    1,204 posts
    WNY
    We didn't tape our joints. Only been a year, but no problems. Ours is 2x4, plywood, hardiboard then natural stone.
    Randall likes this.
  14. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    Good morning all :) , I've another question about when you all set your pedestal mounted stoves on an ember proof tile hearth; Did any of you use some kind of ember or fire proof material to go around under the metal edge of the pedestal to seal it and or just to prevent sharp edge of steel to tile contact?

    Thank you,
    Randall
  15. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    Bump:cool:
  16. KodiakII Feeling the Heat

    joined: Jan 17, 2011
    341 posts
    Eastern Ontario
    It is kind of an unclear thing, but one code supersed's another if your local building code, insurance company, or even stove manual requires more protection than the other then that is the one you must comply with. ie If code in your area only requires (or your manual) the use of cement board with no r value and your insurance company dictates more protection...then you must comply with their guide...or find another agent. Whatever it comes down to you are always better off going code plus. The WETT chimney guideline requires that your stack be 2 feet higher than 10 feet over. A little extra won't hurt here either.
  17. Randall New Member

    joined: Jan 14, 2013
    8 posts
    NW wet side
    I appreciate your input KodiakII, Thanks!

    Good morning all :) , I've another question about when you all set your pedestal mounted stoves on an ember proof tile hearth; Did any of you use some kind of ember or fire proof material to go around under the metal edge of the pedestal to seal it and or just to prevent sharp edge of steel to tile contact?

    Thank you,
    Randall
  18. eclecticcottage Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 7, 2011
    1,204 posts
    WNY
    I've got legs on my stove, so I can't help with the pedestal question, although I wouldn't think it would really be a problem to have the two in contact.

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