13
Save These Instructions
Vermont Castings • Aspen 1920 Owner's Manual_R32 • 08/17
Figure 4.12
- Supporting timbers under fireplace hearths are
considered to be combustible.
ST247
Rear exit floor dgrm
12/14/99 djt
Wood framing requires
protection from radiant heat
Fireplace Hearth Protection
:
Do not assume that your fireplace hearth is completely
noncombustible. Many fireplace hearths do not satisfy the
“completely noncombustible” requirement because the brick
or concrete in front of the fireplace opening is supported by
heavy wood framing. Because heat is readily conducted by
brick or concrete, it can easily pass through to the wood. As
a result, such fireplace hearths can be a fire hazard and are
considered a combustible floor.
For all fireplace installations, follow the floor protection
guidelines described above.
Keep in mind that many raised hearths will extend less than
the required clearance from the front of the heater when
it is installed. In such cases, sufficient floor protection as
described above must be added in front of the hearth to
satisfy the minimum floor protector requirement from the
front of the stove: 16” (406 mm) from the front in the United
States and 18” (457 mm) from the front in Canada.
Hearth rugs do not satisfy the requirements for floor protection
as they are only fire-retardant, not fire proof.
Fireplace installations also have special clearance
requirements to the side walls, side decorative trim and
fireplace mantel. Refer to the information on fireplace and
mantel trim shields in this section.
C. Floor Protection Requirements
A tremendous amount of heat radiates from the bottom plate
of your Aspen. The floor area directly under and around the
stove will require protection from radiant heat as well as from
stray sparks or embers that may escape the firebox.
Heat protection is provided through the use of a Bottom Heat
Shield #1895. Spark and ember protection must be provided
by a floor protector constructed with noncombustible material
as specified.
Most installations will require that the bottom heat shield be
attached. Only when the stove is placed on a completely
noncombustible surface such as unpainted concrete over
earth may it be used without the heat shield.
Even when the bottom heat shield is installed, you must provide
special protection to the floor beneath. For installations with
the heat shield attached, use a noncombustible floor protector
such as 1/4” nonasbestos mineral board or equivalent, or
24 gauge sheet metal. The floor protector may be covered
with a noncombustible decorative material if desired. Do not
obstruct the space under the heater.
Protection requirements vary somewhat between the United
States and Canada as follows:
U.S. Installations:
The floor protector is required under the
stove and must extend at least 16” from the front of the stove
(B, Figure 4.11), and at least 6” from the sides and rear (A,
Figure 4.11). It must also extend under the chimney connector
and 2” to either side. (C, Figure 4.11)
In Canada:
A noncombustible floor protector is required
under the heater. The floor protector must extend 18” (457
mm) to the front (B, Figure 4.11) and 8” (203 mm) from the
sides and rear. (A, Figure 4.11)
Floor Protection Requirements
U.S.
Canada
A
6"
8" (203 mm)
B
16"
18" (457 mm)
C
10"
10" (254 mm)
D
44"
48" (1219 mm)
E
27"
31" (787 mm)
C
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
A
E
E
D
ST246
floor protection
12/99
Figure 4.11
- These dimensions are minimum requirements only.
Use greater dimensions whenever possible.
