Where to Get Sheet Metal to Make Wall Non-Combustible

I am getting a VF3000 and need to put it close to a combustible wall.
The specs say 18" away but I read that if I mount sheet medal on the combustible wall with 1"spacing off the floor and 1"spacing off the wall I can cut down the space requirement by 66% which would be 6".
from other info it can be cut down to 9".
I checked home depot and they have 2ftx3ft sheets for $7 each.
I could cover the wall with those sheets using 1"long 1/2" copper pipe for spacers.

Does any one know where I can get larger pieces of sheet medal?
any better ideas on spacers?

Thanks for your input

Any sheet metal shops in your area? They stock galvanized steel in large sheets. If you want aluminum, try a window out fit, or for painted aluminum, a sign shop. 4' by 8' .04" white aluminum from a sign shop should retail around $100. Much less for galvanized from a sheet metal place.

Would cement board work as a fireproofing?

The Olympics can provide Medals, meTal is what you want. Visit any junk yard and they will probably give you a piece for free. You can even use an old cookie sheet.

Sheet metal shops typically have 4' x 10' sheets of galvanized sheet in various guages and will cut it to size for you. Cement board spaced out 1' on metal spacers will provide comparable protection. Check with your local code authority/insurance agent to confirm whatever approach you decide on is acceptable in your location.

billw wrote:Would cement board work as a fireproofing?

It would work, but being spaced away from the wall and little support, the risk is always there that it can be broken fairly easily unless supported by a framework of some kind.