Clearance issues for first stove

[BruceNorEast]

Hi, I've been an off and on lurker for about a year now (you people do a great job educating and informing), finally pulled the trigger on our first stove purchase.

Background: My wife and I have been leaning towards a soapstone stove, and last weekend an authorized Hearthstone dealer in my area had a tent sale (offering factory seconds and other discounts).

We chose a Hearthstone Phoenix that was marked about $900 off due to it having been fired a few times by the manufacturer, but still quite clean. (I wanted the Mansfield for it's BTUs, but this will be installed in front of an existing fireplace, and because the Mansfields vent is top-exiting only, there was no way it could be routed into the existing fireplace flue without punching a hole in the wall... The only soapstone stoves we saw that would fit were the Homestead, the Heritage and the Phoenix. My wife liked the looks of the Phoenix, and I liked its slightly higher BTU rating; given the discounted price we jumped on it).

We were helped by both a salesman from the store as well as a rep from the manufacturer. I had to take my wife home and return, but left them with a detailed form containing all the dimensions for my fireplace, etc. When I returned the rep had left, but the salesman said the Phoenix would work in my setup and they had made up a sales order with all I'd need for the complete installation.

The issue: Later, when I reviewed the specs for the Phoenix (dimensions and the manufacturers clearance requirements when installed in a masonry fireplace) was surprised to see that it looks like it's going to be about an inch or two too close to the trim on the sides, and two inches too close to the trim below the mantel.

The exact value for the sides of the stove to the trim are difficult to know at the moment, because the dimensions provided in the manual are for the widest part (the overhanging top), yet the clearance drawing shows the distance to the stove sides.

I can't get back to the store until the weekend, and my salesman has been out of the office. Another told me on the phone that the top overhangs the sides by "about two inches." If that's 2" on each side, then we're talking just a fraction of an inch too close on the sides (maybe a little repositioning will work). If they measure the clearance from the closest points found (like the stove legs to the trim base), then I'm probably screwed.

If I have to modify the trim, would prefer to disturb it as little as possible (the piece below the mantel shouldn't be too bad to trim up, but spreading the side trim wider would affect the works). Perhaps I could just pull the stove out a few inches (onto the planned R1 42" x 18" hearth extension), or make a sheet metal deflector / shield?

I've included sketches showing all of this. Would appreciate your thoughts.

Bruce.

 

[begreen]

The side trim doesn't sound like a major issue. If needed, a discrete mantel shield could protect the wood above the stove.

 

[BruceNorEast]

Thanks for your reply begreen.

The side trim could be an issue; it all depends on how whoever is checking the distance makes the measurement.

In reality, I think it can be made perfectly safe just by positioning the stove properly. But I can't be sure because I don't have the dimensions of the stoves width from the sides, just the top (which overhangs the sides significantly). Also, I can only pull the stove out a few inches before I reach the 16" clearance requirement from the front door to the end of the hearth extension (not shown in the previous drawings).

The frustrating part is that I gave the guy from the store and the manufacturers rep a form that detailed all of my measurements, yet they said nothing about any of this - I spotted it after the fact. It's shaping up to be a surprise when they come out to do the install next month, if it'll meet the clearance specs or not.

 

[begreen]

Sorry, you are correct. I redid my math and see my error. This is easier to see when not on the cell phone. One measures from the widest point on the stove. The stove top will be the hottest. Even with the stove perfectly centered there will be 12 7/8' from the top to the side trim. That is 2 1/8" too close according to the manual. To be "perfectly safe" the side legs of the mantel should be shielded or removed. A bigger concern is about the top clearing the arch. The stove is 27.5" tall and that is the peak height of the arch. Based on those measurements it doesn't look like the stove width will clear the arch.

 

[fire_man]

I agree with Begreen - sounds like the height is a no-go. Especially if you plan to install a hearth extension, this will add height to the stove if you rest the stove on it.

But I'm not following the "measure from the widest part of the stove" part. The Hearthstone diagram shows clearance dimension "B" is measured from the side of the stove BELOW the overhang to the trim.

 

[BruceNorEast]

Hi Begreen and Fire_Man, thanks for your comments.

Sorry, I've done a poor job explaining the intended setup.

Picture the stove sitting on the hearth bricks - in front of the arch (not inside of the fireplace), the pipe will be just touching the top of the the arch (and is flexible / can be shaped a bit if needed).

The only height issue is just the 22" clearance requirement from the stove top to the trim board below the mantle (currently at 20" above the arch). I'm least worried about this one; either pulling that board out and cutting off 2", or adding a piece of sheet metal as a shield below it should suffice (I would think).

The stove will sit on the hearth bricks, and the hearth extension pad will be placed on the floor in front of that (removing some carpet). If the stove needs to be pulled out, then the front feet might be on the extension, which should be about the same height as the bricks - so there isn't a problem elevating the stove to the point where the pipe wouldn't fit under the arch.

I don't think the side clearance requires the measurement to be made from the edge of the overhanging top, but if it does then (...censored...) :-(

The sides are the only part that's really got me ticked. If I can't achieve the clearances by pulling it out a tad, then I'll have to make up some sheet metal shields - but that'd be U-G-L-Y.

PS: I stopped by my town hall, they don't need a permit or any check for a wood stove installation. Called my homeowners insurance company, as long as it's installed professionally, all they need is to be notified that it is in. So it's all up to the installers I guess. Still don't have an answer from the store but they have told me they are looking into it.

 

[fire_man]

Sound like the best thing to do is wait for the installers and see what they have to say. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask about any of your concerns. At the end of the day, it's your house and you have to sleep at night, even if it was installed "professionally".

Personally I would still want to be sure it meets all local code and stove manufacturer clearance requirements, regardless of the installer and seems like you agree.

 

[BruceNorEast]

Agreed Fire_Man, it's got to be as safe. I just don't know what to expect. If it turns out that the legs are 1/4" too close, I wouldn't be too concerned, but if the guy who shows up says "nope, that doesn't meet spec..."

Oh well, better focus on things I can control, like trying to get wood!