Ember protection -can it be movable?

[CenterTree]

If a particular stove dictates ember protection only for the hearth, and the current hearth is about 11 inches too shallow in the front (for the 16 inch rule), can a MOVABLE hearth extension pad be added and still be legit?

By "movable" I mean something that will only be in place during the heating season and then tucked away the rest of the year. Something such as a piece of tempered glass or even a flexible pad or flame proof rug??

In the literature for the Alderea T5 I see nothing specific stating the required ember protection be PERMENANT or fastened to the floor. Advice?? Thanks.

 

[Simonkenton]

I am pretty sure that moveable is OK but someone who knows the scoop will chime in soon.

 

[Chimney Smoke]

Realistically you should be fine but the inspector or insurance agent will likely have the final say.

 

[Wood Heat Stoves]

I looked at the manual and it doesn't specify that it be permanent but the drawing shows it as one piece with the stove on top of it. Typically the requirements for a hearth "extension" is that it be permanently attached. The reason for this is so it can't move out of position from people standing on it or other reasons leaving a gap. Screwing it to the floor solves this problem while still making it removable in the summer. Any non-combustible material should work but it does leave a lot of interpretation up to your local building officials.

 

[CenterTree]

Thanks guy.

I am really looking for a definitive answer to this. The ember protection issue I have will help me determine which stove choice to make between 2 models.

I have searched and can't find a black and white answer to this. Thanks.

 

[mol1jb]

Realistically you should be fine but the inspector or insurance agent will likely have the final say.

Like Chimney Smoke said, inspector or insurance agent get the final say so talk to them first and that should be your definitive answer.

 

[begreen]

There have been reports here of inspectors approving this setup as long as the requirement is ember protection only and that the pad is secured by a couple screws. Ask.

 

[rsw49]

I have seen a few stoves that require the ember protection to be continuous with no gaps. The Jotul Oslo says that separate sections of ember protection must be mortared together so embers can not fall through the gap. I can't remember any others that state that.


"Individual sections of floor protection must be mortared together to prevent sparks from falling through to combustible materials. Any carpeting must be removed from under the floor protection. "

 

[CenterTree]

I have seen a few stoves that require the ember protection to be continuous with no gaps. The Jotul Oslo says that separate sections of ember protection must be mortared together so embers can not fall through the gap. I can't remember any others that state that.
"Individual sections of floor protection must be mortared together to prevent sparks from falling through to combustible materials. Any carpeting must be removed from under the floor protection. "

Well, that does make good sense too. The "gap" would be a possible problem area where the pad would meet the hearth.
I am thinking about a piece of tempered glass butted up against the stone hearth and held tight with some silicon. ( I guess I could even use mortar if must). Some silicon under the front edge of the glass too maybe.

It would not be a temporary ember pad but it may be better in the long run.

Just getting ideas. I will talk to the inspector B4 any final plans are implemented.

 

[Beer Belly]

I threw down a sheet of Cement Board in front of the Hearth, and our Inspector looked at it and said "I know what is gonna happen when I leave, but what I'm looking at passes".....he knew that I was going to remove and return the Cement Board when he walked out the door....only needed to make up a few inches. My buddy made his own Hearth Pad with Plywood and Ceramic Tile that he puts in place just for the burning season.

 

[jeffesonm]

I used a piece of tempered glass that is held in place only by the stove.