Safety questions about a wood-burning stove in a garage.

Question

http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/88/88-6/W_Wayne_Robertson.html We want to put a wood-burning stove like the one in the link in our garage. The walls are unfinished (exposed studs). What can we use on the walls for fireproofing? Would cement blocks work? Looking for cheap here, but it must be safe.

How do I find out how far from the wall the stove has to be placed? Do we need to have it inspected before using it? Would it be the fire department that does that? Thanks very much for your help.

Answer 1

Woodstoves are not usually allowed in garages. If you ever do have a fire, your insurance company may not pay the claim because of an illeagal installation. Check local building codes and your homeowners insurance company first.

Answer 2

Hi bloom,

NO fire should be left unattended.  Here's a vid to check out of one in use...http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd...

Tractor Supply Company has kits for sale with instructions, but I've only seen them "in season".  Since it isn't a permanent fixture, I don't think codes would have anything to do with it, but a phone call wouldn't hurt.  Your insurance company might like to know what you are doing, though.  :)

Answer 3

First, You will get more heat for less wood if the barrel is horizontal, assuming you have the room for it.

Second, be sure the stack goes down inside the barrel about 1/4 of the firebox depth as this will 'trap' more heat near the top and therefore use less wood.

See the "harbor freight" site for legs, door unit, etc. (including a double barrel stacking unit) for horizontal use.

You can buy a special type of material to put behind it if needed from most lumber yards. (Some places call it a 'cement backing sheet') but just tell them what you need it for and they can tell you if they handle it.

I use a minimum spacing of 6" from ANY flamable surface AND use the 'backing' sheet, and NEVER build up too hot a fire.  Remember that it takes a little while for the stove to heat up and start radiating heat out into the room

Suggest trying a gasoline DISTRIBUTOR for a used oil drum. They usually only cost $10 to $25, and should last for 4 - 10 years.

Answer 4

That barrel idea doesn't look very safe to me. The instructions given aren't that good either.

Better to play it safe and buy a pre-made one. Not only will it work better, but it will come with specs for clearance, materials, venting requirements and so forth.

Answer 5

easy answer, not knowing your building codes : CONSULT YOUR LOCAL BUILDING INSPECTOR. building out of code could void your insurance. detatched garage maybe a minimal loss, attached garage could lose you everything.

Answer 6

your stove needs to be 36 inches away from the closest wall.

contrary to most peoples beliefs concrete block aka cinder blocks will burn. it happened to my grandmothers house and they went up along with her house. NO you do not require an inspection here IN NC however check with your local building permit issuer and find out about your area.  they make fire retardant materials to go behind wood burning or gas stoves but I am uncertain if it is inexpensive. Perhaps  a sheet of stainless steele would do the trick.   that is what my grandmother put  behind hers after they rebuilt It worked great.  

Answer 7

I have no idea where you live so I can't coment on whether you need a permit or not.

Before you put a fire in your garage please, please remove all solvents or spirits from the garage. Open flames and storage of this kind of chemical are a recipe for disaster.