Another Clearance Question

I am sure this question has been covered several times, but I cant find an answer for my specific situation... I would like to install a Glenwood #6. My wall is 1/2'' drywall, with 1/4'' cement backer board on top of it. Covering the cement backer board, I am installing 1/4'' ceramic tile. Can someone please tell me what the generally accepted clearance should be?
Thanks for some help..Mark

36" to combusinles

Here ya go - from the Nation Fire Code.

Acceptable clearances and approved methods of how to reduce them.

Paul

47champ wrote:I am sure this question has been covered several times, but I cant find an answer for my specific situation... I would like to install a Glenwood #6. My wall is 1/2'' drywall, with 1/4'' cement backer board on top of it. Covering the cement backer board, I am installing 1/4'' ceramic tile. Can someone please tell me what the generally accepted clearance should be?
Thanks for some help..Mark

I would think that the drywall needs to go ... and if what the wall covering attaches to is wood, that may require replacement of the studs with metal stubs.

And, of course, local codes may require more ...

Suggest you talk to your town's building inspector for help. Mine helped me w/o a permit being filed.

If your backer board was spaced 1" off the sheet-rock, (air gap) you could move it to 18" per NFPA.

You can use ceramic fencing insulators for that--available at Tractor Supply.

joeq wrote:If your backer board was spaced 1" off the sheet-rock, (air gap) you could move it to 18" per NFPA.

+1

You want the heat shield raised up a small amount from the floor too. That allows for cool air to pass between it and the wall.

Its one of those rare cases where not only is it code, but its right.

I agree with all the above.

I would add that Concrete board can make a good, non-flammable backer for masonry like stone, tile, etc.

Also- priority for compliance is stove manufacturer's stated/rated minimum clearances and methods first, then falls back on generic 36" code for unrated stoves.

Things to keep in mind about your nearest wall(s)

1. Non-flammable
2. Not in contact with flammable surface (including wood)
3. Air circulation on opposite side of stove (spacing off the ground for natural convection is a proper and common way)
4. Non-flammable and proper support for floor, with enough coverage in front/around to prevent problems with spilled ashes, hot coals, embers, etc.
5. Over temp shutdown protection

*Usually* if you meet those criteria and aren't trying to do super-crazy-close clearances outside of the certifications or generic NFPA regs, you can have an attractive AND safe installation

If looking closely at the codes, masonry is not flammable, but it is a conductor of heat, so the clearances to masonry-covered flammable materials are not as close as one might expect.

The closest clearances use heat shields with air gaps between them and the surfaces they are mounted, that either trap air, like fiberglass insulation, or better yet, that allow natural air convection currents to remove heated air in that gap. As the heat shield gets hotter, more air is pushed through the gap, thus helping to naturally compensate to control the level of heat that could be there.

Air is a very poor conductor of heat. In fact it's considered an insulator, not a conductor. And it's a far better insulator than any masonry product.

With a sheet metal heat shield box on the back of my range, that has two inches of ceramic wool insulation inside it, I can set my range within less than a foot of a flammable wall. I have it set out a bit further than that so that it's easier to clean behind it.

Paul

Hey 47Champ.....do you own a 47' Aeronca?

I used steel 2X3 studs on the wall covered with 0.093 brushed aluminum 'drops' from my metal supplier. Light weight simple to install and well under the price of cement board and all the other parts involved. It is a look that some might not like but sure works well and my engineering mind finds beauty in function.

Thanks for the replies. I will be going with the 36'' per the National Fire Code.
Is there anything in the National Fire Code concerning hearths?

Scalabro:
Yes, or rather I used to have a '47 Aeronca. I am currently without my favorite little ride. We will see how long it lasts this time.. I sure miss her.

I bet you do miss her! I'm in the process of buying a 46' 11AC Chief

Sorry for the thread drift!

Continental, or Franklin ?

Paul