Skamotec 225, alternative to micore, hearth pad material

[MountainStoveGuy]

We have been using this product for fireplace enclosures, but i would guess it would be a great all in one hearth pad material. Any engineers out there could look at the specification in the photo and tell me if it would hold up to the weight?

The product is dense, has a great R, and is easy to work with. You can mud directly on top of it, tile it, etc...

 

[MountainStoveGuy]

opps, posted the other photo twice

 

[Skamol - US]

Yes, Skamotec 225 can be used for Hearth Pads, stove stands and hearths. The compression rating is 406 lbs / sq in. You would simple finish it like your enclosures (tile) and lay on a flat surface. Skamol is also exploring the tests to allow Skamotec 225 to be applied directly to the wall (no air gap) to reduce clearances on the back wall for wood stoves.

 

[begreen]

Thanks so much for that information and welcome to Hearth.com. Can you provide the R value per inch thickness of Skamotec 225? If Skamotec could be NFPA rated for clearance reduction that would be great. Can tile be adhered with thinset directly to the surface or does it need a layer of cement board cover for bonding?

 

[Skamol - US]

Thanks!

You can apply any finishing material directly to Skamotec 225, whether that be stone, tile, taping mud and etc. You simply moisten Skamotec 225 with water (sponge works best) and apply your thin-set if using tile. If you don't moisten the board first, it will dry your thin-set out to quickly and you will have issues adhering the tile to the board. If you decide to use stone, no tar paper or metal lath is required. Just scratch coat and then mortar.

 

[mellow]

R2.48 per inch, that is slightly below micore 160 if my calculations are correct. What is the advantages over Micore?

 

[begreen]

It sounds a lot denser and more rigid than Micore 160. I don't think you can tile directly on Micore either.

 

[mellow]

@Skamol - US feel free to send some samples my way, I was going to redo my insulated fireplace with Micore but would be willing to try your product

 

[begreen]

Where to get Skamol 225? This thread is bound to generate this question.

 

[Jan Pijpelink]

(broken link removed to http://www.skamol.com/Agents--distributors.197.aspx)

Lindeman Chimney Supply; various locations.

 

[Skamol - US]

If @mellow or anyone else would like samples for testing. We have a 8''x 8'' available to send out. It would be the same as @MountainStoveGuy posted a picture of.

 

[mellow]

Need more info but it is some pricey stuff: (broken link removed to http://www.lindemannchimneysupply.com/hearth-products/refractory-panels/skamolex-620103.html)

Is that a 4ft x 7ft sheet for $164 + shipping?

 

[Skamol - US]

Skamol is only using Hearth.com to discuss technicial data and application questions. I would encourage the contact of Lindemann Chimney Supply directly or call Skamol thru the toll free number for additional agents.

 

[Hogwildz]

R2.48 per inch, that is slightly below micore 160 if my calculations are correct. What is the advantages over Micore?

One major advantage is you can adhere your finish tile, stone etc directly to it. Can't do that with Micore. The added cement board you would need for micore + the additional screws may bring the cost more comparable when you add it all up. And more rigid is also a big plus over micore.

 

[mellow]

Could the skamotec 225 be used inside a stove to replace firebricks? It has the same service temp as the Moler bricks.

 

[jtb51b]

I have installed TONS of Skamol board in the past. Incredible insulation, often too good. This, of course, is a much different product.

Jason

 

[mellow]

This stuff is hard as a rock and thick, not what I was expecting. Trying to envision working with this in sheets, would need an extra helper or two to hold it up!

 

[Skamol - US]

Not really. A large sheet 48'' x 80.31 is around 50 lbs. I can handle a sheet by myself. The product can easily cut with simple wood working tools, no special blades.

 

[mellow]

I noticed that getting the bubble wrap off, it slices real easy with a knife but doesn't have a bunch of media come off like cement board will do.

 

[tarzan]

One major advantage is you can adhere your finish tile, stone etc directly to it. Can't do that with Micore. The added cement board you would need for micore + the additional screws may bring the cost more comparable when you add it all up. And more rigid is also a big plus over micore.

Have you used this product? Thoughts?

It sounds like it would be a great product to work with for high heat applications. Liking the idea of something that may someday be applied directly to the wall eliminating the need to leave an air gap.

I hope Mellow will keep us posted with his thoughts on this stuff.

 

[Skamol - US]

Just FYI, we are having the Skamotec 225 tested to pass as a wall protector without a need for an air gap. Hopefully this will be done within 60 days by the testing agency. In Europe it is approved to be used in such application, just not currently in US.

 

[Hogwildz]

I have not used or seen the product.
I wish I knew about it when I extended my heart. I used Micore & cement board, then slate tile over top.
I am not sure how they will get rid of the air gap for wall protector usage. I am not very versed on the codes for that.

 

[mellow]

It is some thick stuff, but if you take the 1" air gap and the material into factor it evens out. I got a small sample block of it, what do you guys want seen done to it? Blowtorch? 12ga? Small tile?

 

[begreen]

The only way to eliminate the air gap would be for Skamol to lab test the product and then have NFPA add the tested results in an addendum. NFPA 211 really needs to be updated for modern materials and stoves. It only directly deals with pre-UL tested stoves and materials going back 30 years ago.

 

[Bigdirtystonemason]

The hearth shop i work at recently purchased this stuff to start using. We tried putting stone on it with type S mortar and after 3 days you could easily pull the stones off. We wet the skamotec and scratch coated it, but it still dried insanely fast making it hard to even scratch coat. I would guess your first answer would be more water. But i can hardly see using buckets of water in someones living room with carpet and hard wood and all. Any other suggestions ? The idea of this stuff sounds great and even the faster drying scratch coat is a plus. It just doesnt seem to be working. Should we be using thin set to scratch coat it for stone ??