Installing conumdrum

[Maidenhead]

I want to install a wood burning stove in my garage/wood shop. The problem is that I want to do it the right way, according to code with permits & inspection (so my homeowners insurance covers me).

I see many stoves on Craigslist, eBay, Letgo, etc. that would work for me. But my town requires I turn-in a copy of the install instructions and follow those instructions. Is there some repository on the web, which I have not found!, where old manuals can be found? OR, is there some workaround (maybe standard clearances or something) that will allow me to get a small used (old) stove?

Fortunately a chimney sweep told me about the manual requirement before I bought a stove.

 

[begreen]

The sweep is right. Having a manual or at least a UL testing label on the back of the stove that shows clearances really helps. Otherwise the rule is 36" clearances in all directions. This can be reduced by following NFPA211 rules to as low as 12" with a proper ventilated wall shield. That said, many insurance underwriters don't want to go there and insist on the UL testing label and/or the manual's guidance.

For all the trouble, have you considered getting a newer or new stove instead? Some very good stoves are available for under $1000. These will have the benefit of much cleaner burning, more heat for less fuel and a clean chimney as long as installed as directed and burning dry wood.

 

[Maidenhead]

Thanks. I'm looking at smaller new stoves too, now.
My shop is small (<800 sqf) and I'm evaluating based on the clearances needed.

 

[begreen]

I wouldn't go too small. Shops often need a lot more btus because they have a slab floor and one is trying to bring up the temp from very cold to workable. This requires a lot more heat than just maintaining a steady 60º for instance because all of the mass of the shop has to come up to temperature, not just the air. Take a look at the Englander 13NC. This stove is sold at HD and Lowes (Summer's Heat brand there).
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Englander-1-800-sq-ft-Wood-Burning-Stove-13-NCH/100157775

 

[bholler]

Thanks. I'm looking at smaller new stoves too, now.
My shop is small (<800 sqf) and I'm evaluating based on the clearances needed.

Also check to see if you can even put a stove in there in many places you cannot install a stove in a garage. And many insurance companies wont cover it