The National Fire Protection Asso- ciation (NFPA) has developed standards for clearances from walls and ceilings that are the basis for many local building codes (Table 1). All combustible materials, wood- work, unprotected walls, furniture, firewood, etc., should be no closer than 36 inches to a wood stove.
If no wall protection is used, the common radiant-type stove or heater must be spaced out at least 36 inches from the wall. This distance may be reduced considerably if asbestos millboard and/or 28 gage sheet metal is used for wall protection.
If you are using a heat shield to reduce clearances in a project subject to building codes, the shield cannot reduce clearances from the appliance to the wall less than 12" with an air-cooled shield or less than 18" with an insulated shield unless the shield and stove are specifically tested and listed for that purpose ...
Local building codes dictate the legal minimums for clearances to combustible materials like wood framing or panels. These mandated wood-burning stove air gaps are much more significant, usually 12 to 18 inches on the sides. Building codes don't regulate gaps for non-combustibles.
Yes, If there are no combustibles like window frames, trim, doors or other wood pieces within the combustible clearance range for the stove then the wall shouldn't be an issue. The most important tool in the wood burning process and the largest variable is the one that is running the stove.
Stove manufacturer's usually request a certain air gap around wood burning stoves, to non-combustible materials (not to be confused with combustible materials), left and right: usually between 2″ (50mm) and 6″ (150mm).
If your walls are combustible, you can install a shield on a wall to reduce the stove's clearance area. Like the floor pad, the shield should be made of a noncombustible material, such as sheet metal.
Without a backguard, a stove or range should typically be installed at least 6 inches away from a combustible back wall surface, like drywall. With a backguard, the range can usually be installed with zero wall clearance.
Clearance to Combustible Materials: A minimum clearance of 36 inches from the sides and rear of the wood stove to any combustible materials. A minimum clearance of 36 inches from the top of the stove to the ceiling or any combustible materials above it.
How much space to leave around a wood burner? For non-combustible materials, the typical minimum distance or clearance required from the front and rear of the stove's external surface to surrounding walls is 150mm. This clearance requirement is for both freestanding stoves and wood burners installed within a recess.
Replacing the back wall with heat-resistant materials, like heat-resistant stones or a specialized wood stove heat shield, can be cumbersome and aesthetically displeasing. A simpler, more elegant solution is to use a cast iron fireback as a heat shield for the wood stove.
All-fuel metal chimneys (insulated double-wall or triple wall) usually require a 2- inch clearance from combustibles. Double-wall stove-pipe vent connectors require a 9-inch clearance from combustibles or a clearance listed on the product. Single wall vent connectors must be at least 18 inches from combustibles.
Ranges. Electric Ranges require 0" side wall clearance above the counter height but up to 6" is recommended to avoid possible heat damage to surrounding surfaces.
Clearance Requirements for Uncertified Wood Stoves
Clearance to combustible requirements for non certified radiant wood stove is 1200 mm (48"). A stove with a metal jacket casing requires 900 mm (36").
Wood stoves require heat shields both under and behind them to protect your home from heat damage. While many wood stoves include heat shields in their design, some do not.
The good news is that most modern models of Wood Stoves are able to be put closer to walls than earlier models. While older stoves needed as much as 36”, newer stoves can be put as close as 6” to combustible walls with no additional protection needed.
All combustible materials, wood- work, unprotected walls, furniture, firewood, etc., should be no closer than 36 inches to a wood stove. A stove pipe should not be closer than 18 inches to an unprotected ceiling.
Using PermaBASE Cement Board as a wall protector in between the stove and the combustible wall materials allows you to shrink that distance by 40% or down to 14".
The following are general minimum clearances for ranges: 1 ½ inches to nearest adjacent sidewall above the cooktop on both sides. 30 inches between the cooktop and a cabinet. 0 inches for sides below the cooktop.
If you have an electric cooktop, range hoods should typically be 20–24 inches above the heat source. For gas cooktops, your range hood should be around 24–30 inches above the stove.
Many installers may recommend a distance of 3-6 inches of space being the minimum. However, we always recommend increasing that to around nine inches of open space. The key here is to make this decision with the safety of the occupants in mind.
Freestanding ranges are designed to be placed against walls, while slide-in ranges are not.
The industry's solution for heat shields
PermaBASE cement boards are the industry-preferred choice. Installation-ready and easy-to-use, PermaBASE® cement boards eliminate the need for field fabrication, saving time while allowing for enhanced performance and wood-burning stove placement closer to the wall.
Heat Shield Made of Sheet Metal
Stainless steel is the most often used material in this area, and it, like stainless steel in the kitchen, is simple to clean. Ensure, however, that you use ceramic spacers to safeguard your walls. A classic example of metal wall protection for a wood-burning stove is the fireback.
Adequate Air Supply: Adjust the stove's air vents and consider slightly opening a window in the same room when starting the fire to introduce fresh air and help balance the pressure. Regular Chimney Maintenance: Ensure your chimney is clean and free from obstructions.