Finally taking the plunge. Thanks to all for helping me in my decision process. Now I have to decide on what brand class A stovepipe to buy. Also need an answer on hearth R value. My heart is 1.25" brick. It's on a wood floor. All the dealers I've talked to said it is fine as long as I use the bottom heat shield, however reading the manual on line it looks like VC says more is required. roben.