Wood Stove Installation Checklist

Wood Stove Installation Checklist

Proper installation of a wood stove is important for the safe operation of the appliance and chimney system. This Wood Stove Installation Checklist provides homeowners with information about appliance certification, clearances to combustible materials, floor protection, flue pipes and other important installation considerations that may be examined during a WETT inspection.

A certified wood stove has been tested and approved to recognized safety standards and will normally have a certification label attached to the appliance. The label identifies important installation information, including required clearances to combustible materials. The manufacturer’s installation instructions should also be followed when installing a certified appliance.

A listing label from a Certified Testing Laboratory is typically found on the back of any Certified Wood Stove.  If your appliance has no label then it is deemed un-certified and has to meet CSA B365 Standards for install.

Before installing a wood stove, choose a suitable location that provides adequate space for the appliance, floor protection and required clearances to combustible materials. Consider how the flue pipe will connect to the chimney system and make sure the chimney is appropriate for the appliance. The manufacturer’s installation instructions should be available and reviewed before installation begins.

During installation, make sure the appliance, flue pipe and chimney components are being installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable installation requirements. Pay particular attention to clearances from combustible materials, the routing and support of the flue pipe, chimney connections and the required floor protection. Components should be properly matched and installed as a complete, compatible system.

After the installation is completed, keep the manufacturer’s installation instructions and any documentation supplied with the appliance and chimney system. Check that the appliance, flue pipe, chimney and floor protection are complete and that required clearances have been maintained.  Make a note of warranty period on all components and make a note to re-check prior to expiration of warranty

A WETT inspection can then provide a documented assessment of the visible and accessible components of the installation.

Proper floor protection helps protect combustible flooring from heat, sparks and embers produced by a wood stove. For a certified appliance, floor protection should meet the requirements specified by the appliance manufacturer. For an uncertified wood stove, floor protection requirements are determined using the applicable CSA B365 requirements and can vary depending on the installation.