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 allowed sufficient time to fully dry before
using the stove or cracking is likely to occur.
2.2
Combustible Materials
Please view the product sheet which accompanied your stove for specific
minimum distances to combustible measurements.
BK575 Rev03
2