Well.. the progress hybrid went in last Friday, replacing the old Jotul combi-fire that has been with me since about 1985
First step was to widen the hearth. I went with a tile pad ~ 69x69 inches flush to the floor. To get the space I needed for the proper insulation, I took off the sub floor, sistered the joists with 2x4s, ¾ in down, and laid ¾ in plywood into the gap. On top of this I laid a sheet of aluminum flashing to even out any heat that made it through the insulating layers ( ½ in of micron 300, R~1, and ½ in of Duroc Next gen, R~0.4) . Next was ¼ in tile for a non combustible surface ( the mortar took up the other ¼ in) . The tile guy laid in ¼ in mesh hardware cloth in the mortar to give it additional tensile strength (not sure if it is necessary, but he was the craftsman, and he wanted it) . The manual calls for R ~0.8, so the R~1.4 is overkill
Next step was to get the stove delivered. Woodstock shipped the PH overnight by ABF freight. I had a mover come pick it up and deliver the next day (6 guys with a 4 wheel dolly and truck) They moved it in flawlessly, manhandling when needed (one guy on each corner). I wanted it placed 18 in off the non-combustible brick wall and centered, and they did that for me nicely.
That said, there is a lot of stress in the installation. I used vendors for both the tile and the move, and they proved to be good people, honest and true to their word, showing up on time and doing the job properly. Still these were people I did not know either by reference or reputation, relying only on their word (and my judgment of their ability from discussion). From past experience I know my judgment is fallible
Friday night was first burn, and I took it in slowly. It’s a lot different from the old Jotul (which was no longer air tight). Stove pipe temps reached ~300 when I cut in the cat, and the first long burn, at half load with 3 seasoned 16 in splits, was about 8 hours. The heat was nice and even, bringing the room temp up to about 70 degrees (it’s a big room ~30x 15 feet). The thing I like about radiant heat is that it seems to soak into everything, including me. The next morning the room was much more comfortable that it ever was with the Jotul, due mostly to the fact that there was a very warm 700 pound stone sitting in the middle of it
It is nice to be warm again. I heat with wood, with propane wall heaters as backup. I prefer the wood heat.
First step was to widen the hearth. I went with a tile pad ~ 69x69 inches flush to the floor. To get the space I needed for the proper insulation, I took off the sub floor, sistered the joists with 2x4s, ¾ in down, and laid ¾ in plywood into the gap. On top of this I laid a sheet of aluminum flashing to even out any heat that made it through the insulating layers ( ½ in of micron 300, R~1, and ½ in of Duroc Next gen, R~0.4) . Next was ¼ in tile for a non combustible surface ( the mortar took up the other ¼ in) . The tile guy laid in ¼ in mesh hardware cloth in the mortar to give it additional tensile strength (not sure if it is necessary, but he was the craftsman, and he wanted it) . The manual calls for R ~0.8, so the R~1.4 is overkill
Next step was to get the stove delivered. Woodstock shipped the PH overnight by ABF freight. I had a mover come pick it up and deliver the next day (6 guys with a 4 wheel dolly and truck) They moved it in flawlessly, manhandling when needed (one guy on each corner). I wanted it placed 18 in off the non-combustible brick wall and centered, and they did that for me nicely.
That said, there is a lot of stress in the installation. I used vendors for both the tile and the move, and they proved to be good people, honest and true to their word, showing up on time and doing the job properly. Still these were people I did not know either by reference or reputation, relying only on their word (and my judgment of their ability from discussion). From past experience I know my judgment is fallible
Friday night was first burn, and I took it in slowly. It’s a lot different from the old Jotul (which was no longer air tight). Stove pipe temps reached ~300 when I cut in the cat, and the first long burn, at half load with 3 seasoned 16 in splits, was about 8 hours. The heat was nice and even, bringing the room temp up to about 70 degrees (it’s a big room ~30x 15 feet). The thing I like about radiant heat is that it seems to soak into everything, including me. The next morning the room was much more comfortable that it ever was with the Jotul, due mostly to the fact that there was a very warm 700 pound stone sitting in the middle of it
It is nice to be warm again. I heat with wood, with propane wall heaters as backup. I prefer the wood heat.
