In the the second diagram (fig.2) the long orange arrow (distance from flue to wood) must be a minimum 15″ (5″ diameter flue) or 18″ (6″ diameter flue). The short red arrows show an area where the gap should be half of this (7.5″ or 9″). The gap between shield and combustible material must be 12mm minimum (BEST PRACTICE 25MM). Using a heat shield is recommended for all types of wood-burning stoves. It prevents the stove from damaging the home’s surroundings. It also enhances the stove’s performance by reflecting its heat to the room. If you have a wood-burning stove without a heat shield, it is recommended that you install one right away. Otherwise, you will risk damaging parts of your home and wasting your money. Note that joints in twin wall are, according to regs, supposed to be able to be inspected and a suitable inspection hatch fitted (30cm x 30cm minimum). One way of achieving this is to make your closure register plate removable in some form (even if removing it is a pain at least you have complied).

When installing a heat shield, make sure that it is mounted in a proper location. Otherwise, it will not be able to do its job. You will also risk your home’s surroundings being damaged. Conclusion Stud walls might have wooden battens behind the plasterboard and in this instance normal Building Regulations for combustible rules should be followed (just because the battens cannot be seen does not mean they are safe). Open and close the door on a cheap Chinese stove. Then open and close the door on a DG stove, Arada stoves, Woodford stoves, Hamlet stoves or Saltfire stoves. You’ll understand the difference. A company called Vlaze launched “aesthetically lovely” heat shields (see pic). VLAZE wall mounted heat shields are designed to be hung behind a wood burning stove creating a focal point that not only enhances the fireplace but allows the stove to be placed close to the wall behind. When installed the shield reduces the stoves distance to a combustible material by half and in the case of Charnwood appliances down to just 100mm.

Why not make your own heat shields?

Steel flue pipe (often called vitreous pipe) is the pipe that comes out of the top of the top or rear of the majority of stoves. Flue pipes GET EXTREMELY HOT and should be located as to avoid igniting combustible materials. See clause 2.15 and diagram 19 of ADJ ( Document J of the Building Regulations). If you plan on installing a wood-burning stove in your home, you might have heard others encouraging you to install a heat shield as well. Is that a mandatory move? Why is it necessary? Let this article tell you more about the role of heat shields on wood-burning stoves. What Is a Wood Burning Stove Heat Shield? It’s worth following the rules and regulations when it comes to wood burning and multifuel stoves. If you have not used or owned a stove before you might not be aware quite how hot the stove and the flue pipe can get. In normal operation a flue pipe will be at 150 to 250 degrees centigrade but can go a lot higher. If deposits attached to the inside of a flue catch fire then a flue pipe can even glow red (worst case scenario and extremely rare). Building regulations must sensibly cover all eventualities (including a pipe glowing red hot) to protect property and life. The floor underneath a stove or in front of the glass can get much too hot to touch and a suitable hearth is imperative.

TOP ADVICE: To make your job very easy just ensure there are no combustible materials anywhere near your stove. What is the maximum output in kW of your "5kW" wood burning stove? The majority of manufacturers just specify the “nominal output” and this figure means very little in real life. The nominal is a figure the manufacturer chooses to sell the stove at - the stove is capable of reaching at least this output with one fuel load. Nominal means "capable of". But it is not the maximum. Heat shields for wood burning stoves and distance to combustibles Should I be worried about setting something on fire? As already mentioned it is possible to shield a combustible material e.g.a wooden beam from the heat from a heat source.

A heat shield enhances the stove’s performance by reflecting more heat into the room. The stove becomes more efficient if it has a heat shield installed. Your new wood-burning stove will be able to heat the space more effectively, so your wood fuel supply will last longer. What Will Happen If You Do Not Use Heat Shields? 1. Damage to the Wall The ideal height for a heat shield is two inches above the top of the stove. If the heat shield is not mounted correctly, it will affect the stove’s performance. The heat shield will reflect less heat to the room, thus reducing its efficiency. Simple answer - not if you use basic common sense. Fire has been used as a heat source since man entered her first cave. It’s worth following the rules and regulations when it comes to wood burning and multifuel stoves. If you have not used or owned a stove before you might not be aware quite how hot the stove and the flue pipe can get. In normal operation a flue pipe will be at 150 to 250 degrees centigrade but can go a lot higher. If deposits attached to the inside of a flue catch fire then a flue pipe can even glow red (worst case scenario and extremely rare). Building regulations must sensibly cover all eventualities (including a pipe glowing red hot) to protect property and life. The floor underneath a stove or in front of the glass can get much too hot to touch and a suitable hearth is imperative.