WHAT TYPE OF FLOOR PROTECTION DO I NEED UNDER MY STOVE?
All stoves list the proper stove protection in the installation manual for the appliance. One common requirement is for a continuous non-combustible hearth on which to place the stove (minimum dimensions are listed in the manual). These surfaces have a required “R” value which is established during the manufacturer’s testing of the stove. This minimum resistance to conduction of radiant heat (or “R” value) must be met and may be the total of all the “R” values in any layers of material under the stove. “R” values for different building materials are listed by the manufacturers of the materials. Downloading the manual to determine these values and the best hearth for your installation, is a prerequisite for proper pre-planning.