wood burner

magicman62

Hi All,
             I have purchased a wood burner to help offset my heating bills. I have done a lot of research ref brands size features etc and purchased one which is a Defra approve 2022 stove. obviously have to get a hetas approved installer to do the chimney liner etc, I plan to remodel the fireplace myself. However, i have come across some confusion in installing the hearth. Regs state that when fitting the hearth, it has to be constructional if surface temps underneath the stove exceed 100c but my stove doesn't get that high as rated in the instructions, so they say a 12mm freestanding hearth is acceptable. i have been told that because my stove is going to be in a fireplace recess I will have to have a constructional hearth, can anyone clarify this for me please.

many thanks 

FreeBear

Make & model of the stove ?

If the installation instructions say a 12mm hearth is acceptable, then as long as it meets the length/width requirements, it should get signed off by the installer. But best discuss this with who ever is doing the work. And of course, shop around for quotes.

magicman62

its a bit confusing i cant find exact easy  to understand or interprate the regs it is obvious that if temps are below 100 then simples 12mm, but becaue it is going in a existing fireplace some say it has to be 125mm constructional..i think i will phone up the manufacturers tomorrow to see if they can clarify things.

FreeBear

If you are using an existing fireplace, there will be a constructional hearth in place already. It may not be big enough to meet currents regulations - Mine certainly wasn't, but I'd put down a superimposed hearth that extended out over the floor before the fitters arrived. No questions were asked, and the installation got signed off.

magicman62

This is the stove , hope this helps.

https://www.stoveworlduk.co.uk/ecosy-newburn-5-wide-idyllic-5kw-defra-approved-ecodesign-multi-fuel-stove-5-year-guarantee

FreeBear

Better link (as it includes the manual) - https://www.ecosystoves.co.uk/newburn-wood-burning-stoves.html

Assuming you are doing the grunt work yourself, fit the hearth before you pay someone to install the stove. If it looks a pucker job, I doubt very much that they would look too close.

One tip - Don't use plasterboard or gypsum plaster (e.g. Multifinish) anywhere near the stove. Plasterboard is not rated fireproof, and gypsum plaster will crack and flake off when exposed to temperatures above 50°C. The walls behind, to the sides, and above the stove can get very hot (I regularly see temperatures well in excess of 120°C with my stove). Use a heat resistant plaster such as Vitcas, or a lime plaster. Cement board is a good substitute for plasterboard if you need something flat to stick to the wall.

magicman62

Not sure on lining the recess yet  but from memory it is rendered red brick which I done 15 yrs ago for a gas fire   i have already considered cement board ...my concern is the hearth ...I have the manufactures instructions  which say 12mm for a free standing stove if the design temp at the bottom is less than 100c  , which it is , but I have been told as it is in a recess it has to be a construction hearth ..just confused ...trying to do as much as myself to save money ...

FreeBear

You are overthinking things.

A standard fireplace will already have the constructional hearth in place, so you don't need to worry about that. Just make sure the decorative hearth that you put down meets the minimum width/depth requirements and is at least 12mm thick.

Mutton_Geoff

FreeBear said:

One tip - Don't use plasterboard or gypsum plaster (e.g. Multifinish) anywhere near the stove. Plasterboard is not rated fireproof, and gypsum plaster will crack and flake off when exposed to temperatures above 50°C. The walls behind, to the sides, and above the stove can get very hot (I regularly see temperatures well in excess of 120°C with my stove). Use a heat resistant plaster such as Vitcas, or a lime plaster. Cement board is a good substitute for plasterboard if you need something flat to stick to the wall.

Top tip. Even pink (fire panel) plasterboard isn't fireproof!

I found this site very useful when installing mine. For the hearth, I found suppliers of black slate who will cut to size. Keep it clean and shiny with WD40.

https://www.stovefitterswarehouse.co.uk/pages/knowledge-tree-buying-and-installing-a-wood-burning-stove

magicman62

Thanks. I contacted manufacturer who came straight back and suggested I contact HETAS  they also said as there was a fireplace there before it should already have a concrete hearth. Which I know it has as it has been built up by at least 5In  ..I am hoping that it is still extends under the floorboards and wasn't completely ripped at with the old fire place.