DEFRA Stove Installation and User Guide
2
Installation
2.1
Hearths and Recesses
The stove should be installed on a surface with adequate load bearing
capacity. If the existing construction does not meet this prerequisite,
suitable measures (e.g. load distributing plate) should be taken to achieve
it. Please pay particular attention when examining existing building work
for suitability to meet the following requirements.
When installing an inset stove, hearths should have a sufficiently flat
surface to allow a good seal to the stove body to be created during its
installation. Stonework, uneven bricks etc., may need further work to
ensure that this can be achieved. Any voids behind an inset stove should
be filled with vermiculite or similar.
The stove should be installed on a non-combustible surface not less
then 125mm thick (conforming to Building Regulations unless otherwise
specified) of suitable load bearing capacity and heat resistance. Allowances
should be made for the expansion and contraction of any materials which
are fitted up to and near the appliance.
Dimensions of the constructional hearth for all stoves should project at
least 500mm forward of the front of the appliance and 150mm at the sides.
The surface of the hearth should be free of combustible materials. The
superimposed hearth for all installations should project at least 225mm
forward from the front of the appliance and 150mm either side of the
edge of the appliance.
In most buildings with solid concrete or stone floors, the requirement will
be met by the floor itself, but mark the hearth to ensure floor coverings
are kept well away or use different levels to mark the hearth perimeter.
Please be aware that hot air can cause staining above the fire in a similar
fashion to walls above radiators. To help prevent this and cracking we
recommend that any plaster above the fire should be fitted with reinforcing
expanding mesh for at least 220mm above, and the full width of the fire.
You should also use a suitably heat resistant plaster which should be
BK575 Rev02
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