What gauge metal for wood stove heat shield?

Author: Mr. Jayce Baumbach Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, June 5, 2026

To reduce the standard clearance to 12 inches, the heat shield should be of 28-gauge sheet metal, mounted off the floor to provide unrestricted circulation of air between shield and wall (see Figure 1). WHAT SIZE HEAT SHIELD DO I NEED? Any area within 36 inches of the wood stove should be covered as shown in Figure 2.

What gauge metal for heat shield?

Heat Shield Materials. The material used to build your Heat Shield must comply to CSA B365 to be in compliance. The materials listed are 29 gauge sheet metal, Ceramic Tiles or similar non-combustible material, Ceramic Tiles on 29 gauge sheet metal, brick and brick with 29 gauge sheet metal backing.

How thick should a wood stove heat shield be?

The standard heat shield is 24 gauge metal, installed on insulating spacers to create a 1'' air gap behind, below, beside and above the shield. That configuration reduces clearances by 66% but no less than 12'' for stoves that require them - but if installed correctly turn you don't require them.

What gauge of steel do I need for a wood stove?

The NFPA recommends covering the floor beneath the stove with No. 24 gage or thicker sheet metal.

What metal is best for heat shield?

Aluminum is a great thermal conductor and better as a heat radiator than a shield. Stainless is a much worse heat conductor and a better shield. However it is more expensive.

Ambiance Hipster Wood Stove

What is a good heat shield for a wood stove?

The best wood burning stove heat shields
  • Vlaze Solid Colour Vitreous Enamel Wall Mounted Heat Shield.
  • Vlaze Embossed Glaze Vitreous Enamel Wall Mounted Heat Shield.
  • Vlaze Crackle Glaze Vitreous Enamel Wall Mounted Heat Shield.

Which metal is used in heat shields?

Some high-end rigid heat shields are made out of either aluminum, gold or composite, with most examples including a ceramic coating to provide a thermal barrier, which improves heat insulation. The flexible heat shield are normally made from thin aluminum or gold sheeting, most commonly sold either flat or in a roll.

What grade of steel is used in wood stoves?

304L Inner / 430 Outer Class A Pipe

This grade of stainless steel is best used for wood burning stoves and fireplaces.

What is the clearance for a heat shield on a wood stove?

Heat Shield Construction Rules

Minimum space between shield and combustibles: 21 mm (7/8 in.). Minimum clearance along the bottom of shield: 25 mm (1 in.). Maximum clearance along the bottom of shield: 75 mm (3 in.). Minimum clearance along the top of shield at ceiling: 75 mm (3 in.).

Is it OK to burn 2x4 in wood stove?

The chemicals used can release dangerous amounts of arsenic and other very toxic compounds into your home. Note: Even if you find 2x4s that aren't treated, avoid using them as firewood – they burn incredibly hot, which can be dangerous and damaging.

How thick should a wooden shield be?

How thick should my board be? Your board should be between half an inch to an inch thick.

Can you use corrugated metal behind a wood stove?

Adding corrugated metal behind your wood stove is an excellent way to protect your walls, prevent fires, and create a stylish, rustic look in your home. It's an easy and practical winter DIY project that adds both safety and charm to your space.

How thick is a heat shield?

Made from a dense layer of 1/8" fiberglass insulation shielded by a rugged layer of . 003" thick aluminum, HP Sticky Shield may be cleaned after installation and is resistant to the elements.

How thick is a wood stove heat shield?

By far the most effective heat shields are the air-cooled type. These shields are constructed with a sheet of 24 gauge or thicker sheet metal, or 1/2" or thicker cement board, with 1" of air space behind the shield and around the perimeter to allow free airflow.

Is 26 gauge metal fire rated?

Features & Benefits of Fire Rated Metal Panels

Fire rated for up to 3 hours. Available in several different panel profiles: 26- and 24- gauge Striated and Micro Planked profiles and 26-gauge Heavy Embossed profile.

Can you paint cement board behind a wood stove?

Painting behind a log burner or fireplace requires a specialist coating, as you will need a finish that can withstand the high temperatures.

What is the code for wood stove floor protection?

Both the U.S. and Canada require at least 18 inches (45 cm) of pad in front of the stove door and 8 inches (20 cm) on the other sides [sources: Hearth, Wood Heat Organization].

How far does a wood stove have to be from a heat shield?

Minimum distance from the top of the stove or single skin flue pipe to the top edge of the heat shield should be 300mm. The overall width of the heat shield should be at least the width of the hearth which should conform to building regulations.

Can sheet metal be used as a heat shield?

We should use a large sheet of metal that does not have any holes or channels. By placing this sheet of metal around the heat source, it will reflect back the thermal radiation created by the heat source and block much of the thermal convection.

What gauge steel for wood stove?

I recommend at least 3mm (1/8th) steel and no thicker than 6mm (1/4) unless you have industrial machinery.

Is stainless steel good for a wood-burning stove?

There is nothing wrong with stainless as a material - it works great for our ever-popular stainless steel water heaters - it's just not suitable for constructing a wood stove. There's a common misconception that a stainless stove is maintenance-free.

Can mild steel be used outdoors?

It can be Mild steel corrodes so external use requires a surface coating such as powder-coating, wet-spraying or galvanising for protection.

What is the best metal for a heat shield?

Heat shields for terrestrial applications are frequently made of copper. In applications such as space flight or balloon-borne instruments, where weight is a primary concern, aluminum heat shields are favored.

What gauge aluminum for heat shield?

Most heat shields are stamped from 0.3 to 0.5-mm, 1000- or 3000-series aluminum; when double sheets are used, sheet thickness may be as low as 0.2 mm.

What is the best material to make a heat shield?

When it comes to deflecting heat and keeping things cool, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile heat shield than Sticky™ Shield, which is made from the Heatshield Products specially formulated, proprietary Kool Core™ thermal-barrier material.

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