My husband also does similar but in his line of work (roofing, not chimney sweep), and has been called as an expert witness in court case. Insurance is really loose here but the realtors keep his guys hopping on inspections.
It really depends on the company here some pretty much just write the check. Others fight it the whole way. I have been on both sides advocating for the homeowner and for the insurance company.
I threw together a quick temporary hearth a few years ago. Durock and tile over my pine floor. I glued a piece of pink fleece to the bottom of the durock to protect the floor.
Not entirely sure what that means. They call chimney pros when it comes to questions about chimneys because we are the guys who know about them. It is pretty simple.
For both the cheapest price, and shock value for the wife when she first sees it before realizing it will be underneath, never to be seen? It absolutely should be pink!
Me personally? I'd extend that hearth. Yes it a going to be a little bit of work, yes it sucks, but you gotta keep in mind your families safety as well as your insurance covering any damages if something does happen. Because most insurance companies, in the event of a fire (even if it's not your appliance that caused it) won't cover a thing if that appliance wasn't properly installed. I overbuild literally EVERYTHING I ever take on. That's how I got this stupid nickname "Scotty Overkill" from my one buddy.....lol. when i built my hearths on both my stove and my ZC fireplace (which there is a full build thread on somewhere here on the forums), I added additional clearances several inches above and beyond both local and manufacturers codes......just to be safe and to guarantee I didn't have any issues with inspectors OR insurance. Which all parties, upon inspections, were completely satisfied with the work. In fact, the one insurance guy was very impressed with the install so much so, the he conversed with me quite a bit and even said I should get into the business of installing these appliances....lol He also told me some local horror stories (one in particular really blew me away) tha made me glad I did it beyond the right way.
Scotty has a point. But only a couple of inches more hearth when most U.S. codes and Jotul spec 16" ? Did you get any break or rebate on insurance ? Worth the PITA ? To get that 2" I'd have to saw ( or rout ) out the surrounding wood. Then insert and adhere cut stone or tile into the opening. If I was bright enough, there could be a pic.
I have been considering moving my hearth pad out. I haven't rolled any coals out lately but I would like a bit more protection in front and it is at the min. for the stove.
https://www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/sites...nline-files/standardsfor_solidfuel_stoves.pdf 11. Clearances in front of the loading door, ash removal door, or both of the appliance shall not be less than 18 inches.
Last sentence of the second paragraph page 2 says all listed appliances shall be installed according to manufacturers recommendations. So this whole thread is pointless 16 speced by the manufacturer is fine but personally I would still want more.
Yes and bullet point number one in the floors section page 10 says the same thing again. It should be installed according to the listing.
