Question: Non-Combustable material and flue

[nhboy603]

All,

I'm getting a new ZC wood burning insert installed soon (Fireplace Xtrodinair 44). I have the opportunity to completely frame it in (actually the requirement) from scratch.

The manual states 4.5" clearance on the front from combustable materials. Due to some complex factors not worth describing here, I'd like to cut that in half -- say 2".

My question is this: Could I frame it with steel studs and cement board (aka Durock) and make the distance 2"?

Thoughts?

 

[begreen]

Yes, that sounds possible. The objective is to keep any combustible the prescribed distance (or more) away from the hot face of the stove. Draw up a sketch and send it to FPX for verification and document the installation well for the inspection.