Hearth Protection R Value
Here's a chart showning the R-values of several common hearth materials: As the chart shows, you can achieve the required R-value of 0.800 with 1/2" of Fibrefrax or Micore, 8-1/2" of poured concrete, or one layer of 4" brick. For todays highly efficient stoves, a Hearth Classics non-combustible hearth pad will block the heat from passing through to your subfloor. Fully non-combustible, with an R-value of 2.24 or 1.592 (R-value information), it provides protection well above the minimum requirements for Type 2 hearth pads (minimum requirement of R-value=1.0).
By following these three critical R-value insulation tips, you can ensure that your hearth is safe, efficient, and provides years of warmth and enjoyment. Dont cut corners on safety. R values up to R = 10 are available.
Check with your hearth retailer to ensure you choose a floor protector that meets or exceeds the thermal protection specified in the appliance installation guide. The way I'm reading Woodstock's manual, one inch of slate should be more than adequate with a total R-value of 0.1. And I can put it on top of the plywood without the need for cement board.
ThermaShield or a 6" pedestal is recommended for hearth pads requiring an extremely high R-value. All our pads are tested to meet or exceed UL1618. Select from a large variety of tile colors that will look best with your stove and home.
Looking for a more complex color combination? The higher the R-value, the better insulation your hearth will provide, making it one of the most important steps in protecting your home from fire hazards. To calculate this resistance value, youll need to find the R-value of each material used in your hearth construction.
A Type 2 hearth pad will prevent that heat from reaching the subfloor. Type 2 hearth pads need a minimum protection of an R-value of 1.0 or more. Pads built with a material such as a micore mineral fiber board can provide a specific R-value to the hearth.
ThermaShield or a 6" pedestal is recommended for hearth pads requiring an extremely high R-value. All our pads are tested to meet or exceed UL1618. Select from a large variety of tile colors that will look best with your stove and home.
Looking for a more complex color combination? Its R-value, or thermal resistance, tells you how well it insulates the subfloor. To find the R-value, you need to know what materials the hearth pad is made of and their relative R-values, K-values or C-values.
