Booklet 722
Page 5
3 Installation Requirements
3.1 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 a stove, hearths should have a sufficiently flat surface to allow a firm
seating surface for the stove body to be positioned during its installation. Stonework,
uneven bricks, loose tiles etc., may need further work to ensure that this can be
achieved.
The stove should be installed on a non-combustible surface not less then 12mm 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.
If required, the dimensions of any 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 allowed
sufficient time to fully dry before using the stove or cracking is likely to occur.
3.2 Combustible Materials
Please view the product sheet or data plate which accompanied your stove for specific
minimum distances to combustible measurements.
Ideally, adjacent walls should be of suitable non-combustible construction, preferably
brickwork.
In large fireplaces take care that any supporting beam is protected by a 13mm sheet of
heat resistant fire board spaced 12mm off the surface with strips of non-combustible
material. Make sure that there is a gap between an un-insulated flue system and any
combustible material. This gap must be at least 3X the outside diameter of the flue pipe,
or 1.5X the flue diameter to non combustible surfaces. Please consult the flue
manufacturers specification for insulated flues.
WOODFORD Stove
Installation Guide
