Stove to wall distance with heat shield?

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BugGuy

Member
Jan 31, 2023
3
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My wood stove is less than 7" from the combustible wall. Looks it's supposed to be at least 36". Are there any heat shields that can protect the wall with it being so close?
 

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Check your manual. If it does not provide one as an option, I believe you are out of luck.

If you can add an non combustable wall with probably an air gap, then you use the nameplate info on the stove
 
My wood stove is less than 7" from the combustible wall. Looks it's supposed to be at least 36". Are there any heat shields that can protect the wall with it being so close?
What stove make and model is this? Unlisted stoves have the 36" requirement but most modern stoves have closer, tested, clearances.
 
What stove make and model is this? Unlisted stoves have the 36" requirement but most modern stoves have closer, tested, clearances.
Oh, I'm glad you replied. It seems like it's pretty close but I think with a heat shield I'll be ok.
 

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Oh, I'm glad you replied. It seems like it's pretty close but I think with a heat shield I'll be ok.
You cannot reduce beyond those stated clearances. You need to move the stove away from the wall
 
^this^ The manual is the final word.
 
I think the main thing is that ,unless the manual for your stove specifies that clearances can be reduced with a heat shield, you are left with a set up that is not up to code and a potential danger. Perhaps things could get a bit shaky should an insurance claim ever be needed. Not sure how much a heat shield would help. The stove manufacturer didn’t include that info in manual. The good news is is that having the stove moved forward to honor clearances shouldn’t be incredibly expensive.
 
So heat shields don't help?
Yes, they do help. Proper shielding will make it safer, but there is no tested data for their reduction in this case. if the manual doesn't indicate they can be used and how much reduction is achieved, then a shield is generally not accepted for permitting or by insurance companies. In some cases, thorough documtenated plans for the shield, submitted to the local inspecting authority, may get the shielding approved, but that doesn't mean the insurance underwriter will be happy.
 
And then in the event of a fire, they will see this as an opportunity to deny the claim.