Wood stoves provide cozy, natural warmth you just can’t get from central heating. But to ensure your wood stove is installed properly and safely, there are some key steps DIYers should take. Read on for professional tips on wood stove installation.

Follow the Stove’s Clearance Requirements

One of the most critical parts of installing a wood stove is adhering to the manufacturer’s clearance requirements. These indicate the minimum safe distance that must be maintained between the stove and surrounding combustible materials, like walls, furniture, and flooring.

Be sure to carefully follow the specified clearances outlined in the owner’s manual for your specific wood stove make and model. Keep all furnishings, curtains, rugs and other combustibles outside the safe zone. Leave ample space around the stove to allow heat to dissipate properly.

If the layout of your room makes it difficult to meet the recommended clearances, metal shielding can help reduce certain clearances safely. But you must follow the stove manufacturer’s guidelines on allowable shields precisely.

Also, consider leaving enough space around the stove for safe loading of wood and ash removal without risk of burns. Planning the layout ahead of time allows proper wood stove installation, meeting all necessary clearances.

Use a Proper Hearth Pad

A non-combustible hearth pad must be installed underneath the wood stove to protect the flooring and combustible surfaces. Purchase a hearth pad designed for solid fuel appliances and sized to the specifications in the stove’s manual.

It should extend adequately beyond the footprint of the stove in front, to the sides, and underneath the rear. Having an oversized pad allows you to reposition the stove if needed.

Choose insulative, thermal hearth pads made of mineral board, ceramic tile, or similar non-combustible materials. This prevents downward heat transfer that could ignite the floor below. The smooth top surface of quality hearth pads also allows easy cleanup of fallen ashes and embers. Some feature raised edges to further contain spills and radiant heat.

Install a Suitable Chimney Liner

Proper drafting will optimize your wood stove’s performance and safety. Connect only to an approved chimney system designed for solid fuel use, either factory-built or masonry. Make sure a stainless steel chimney liner is installed that is the correct diameter for your stove model.

The liner should run from the stove pipe connection up through the chimney terminating above the roof. This resists corrosion from the flue gases produced by burning wood. Make sure joints are tightly secured.

Follow the stove manufacturer’s specifications for approved chimney liners. Improper liner installation can prevent adequate drafts for optimal burning. Consider a liner insulation wrap to maintain flue gas heat for better drafting.

Use Outside Air for Combustion

For optimal efficiency and safer indoor air quality, install an outside air intake to supply combustion air directly to the wood stove. This prevents the stove from using already-heated indoor air for burning, which could deplete oxygen levels in the home.

Many wood stove models can be equipped with an externally ducted air intake. The duct draws fresh air from outdoors to the stove to support the fire rather than competing for household air.

Consider Hiring Professional Installers

To ensure your new wood stove is properly installed and up to code, consider hiring professional installers. Experienced chimney service technicians can assess your site’s conditions and requirements. They will handle the entire installation process while adhering to manufacturers’ specifications and local building codes.

Knowledgeable installers perform any needed framing modifications, drilling holes, masonry work, or adjustments during the stove and liner installation. They can also obtain any required permits and arrange necessary inspections after the work is complete. Professionals will provide guidance on the proper operation and maintenance of your new wood heating system as well.

In Conclusion

Following essential tips like maintaining proper clearances, installing a solid hearth pad, connecting the liner, and hiring professional installers will result in a compliant and safely operating wood stove. Paying attention to details like an outside air intake during wood stove installation prevents problems down the road.

Contact MGG Chimney Sweep for Wood Stove Installation in Mississauga, Brampton, and Oakville

If you’re looking to install a new wood stove in your Mississauga, Brampton or Oakville area home, partner with the experts at MGG Chimney Sweep. Our WETT-certified professionals have over 20 years of experience designing, installing and servicing wood stove systems.

We handle the entire wood stove installation process for you:

• • Initial site evaluation and recommendations for your space

• • Review of clearance requirements for your stove model

• • Sourcing quality stoves along with chimney liners and hearth pads

• • Performing any needed framing, masonry work or modifications

• • Securing required permits and arranging inspections

• • Ensuring your system is properly installed to all codes

• • Providing guidance on safe operation and maintenance

With MGG Chimney Sweep, you can relax knowing your new wood stove is compliant, efficient and will provide cozy radiant warmth for years to come. We take pride in offering affordable wood stove installations and related chimney services done right the first time.

To request a free estimate for upgrading your existing wood stove or installing a new one, call us today at 905-783-7029. 

We provide professional, reliable services to homeowners throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville and surrounding areas.