Cast iron and steel have almost identical conductivity ratings and both are suitable for stoves; however, the Insurance Information Institute recommends cast iron. In either case, the thicker the metal, the longer the stove will last.
About 70 percent of a stove’s usable heat comes from radiation; therefore, it is important that it be made of a metal with a high conductivity rating, be a color that aids heat radiation, and have enough surface from which the heat can radiate. It should be airtight to aid combustion and lined to retain heat for prolonged radiation.
An appliance with less than 75 mm (3 in) of clearance between the floor protection pad shall be supported off the floor protection pad by two courses of 90 mm (3.5 in) thick hollow masonry, clay or concrete units, arranged so that the hollow cores in the two courses are at right angles to each other to permit air circulation through them.
The clearance between a solid-fuel-burning appliance and a fuel oil storage tank shall be at least 1.5 m (5 ft). except that the authority having jurisdiction may permit a lesser clearance in accordance with CSA Standard B139.
The ceiling protection shall have a least 75 mm (3 in) edge clearance on all sides, as shown in Figure 6. If an adhesive is used to support noncombustible material, it shall not ignite or lose its adhesive qualities at temperatures likely to be encountered. The heat shield mounting hardware shall be installed to allow full vertical ventilation. Such hardware shall be placed not closer than 200 mm (8 in) from the vertical center-line of the appliance, except for diagonal corner installations.
A combustible is anything that will burn, including wallpaper, wood studs, certain types of insulation (e.g., polystyrene), and paneling. Even so-called "fire-resistant" gypsum board (drywall) panels are considered combustible.
Even if a wall has a non-combustible surface of tile or brick, it is still considered combustible if this surface is mounted on combustible material such as gypsum board and wood studs. Only a wall of concrete or brick without wood behind it, or one made of metal studs with a totally non-combustible covering, can be considered non-combustible.
The WETT Certified Inspector provides a detailed inspection of your wood burning appliance and your flue pipe or chimney system. Most insurance companies will require a WETT Certified Inspector to inspect your new home or newly installed wood burning appliance prior to issuing insurance on your home. The best WETT Inspection site is www.wett-inspecition.com which provides superior WETT Certified Inspections in Bariie, Alliston and Orilla.
