Hi, all, we want to install an Orley UCO-243 Clipper in our double wide mobile home. In our small town quest for the floor and wall protectors required for this stoves installation, the only thing we have found is plain "backerboard". Is it possible to make our own decorative protectors using this backerboard and ceramic tile? Would any ceramic tile do? Is there special fire-retardant grout we would have to use? Also, the air intake inlet is a six inch duct (read hole) in the floor covered with rodent screen, with the stove on top, and must be mounted on a 14 inch platform built of non-combustible material. Would concrete block 8 by 6 by 16 work, or would that be too heavy? Orley stoves in Oregon has a steel hearth, but since we live in New Mexico, that would be quite expensive to ship. We are trying to do this as economically as possible, while making sure it is installed correctly and safely. We sure would appreciate any ideas we could mull over. Thanks!!

-- Gina NM (inhock@pvtnetworks.net), November 30, 2001

Answers

Oh, I forgot, can we put a mantle where the wall protector ends on the wall? Thanks!

-- Gina NM (inhock@pvtnetworks.net), November 30, 2001.

Hi, Gina. We're in MN, where it gets pretty cold. We put a wood stove in our 1980 mobile home this fall. Took out the fireplace the place came with (just doesn't put out the heat). We kept the platform (6" off floor) and covered it with the backerboard. Instead of using ceramic tile (more money and work than we care to venture for; not to mention all those grooves for the ashes to settle in), I'm going to stain with a cement stain, and trim the platform with leftover flooring when we do the remodel. I've seen hearths made from tile, and I'm pretty sure grout is fire-resistant anyway. You use an adhesive to hold the tile on, the grout is filler. Maybe you could call your mobile home manufacturer and ask them what the floor joists could handle, weight wise. And maybe call the stove manufacturer for ideas, too. They know their product best. Good luck

-- Dawn (olsoncln@ecenet.com), December 01, 2001.

Before you start installation of your wood stove in a mobile home, have you checked with your insurance company of their recommendations?

I am not an owner of a mobile home, but I think most insurance companies would take a dim view of installing a wood burner in that type of home. I have heard that mobile homes are more of a fire risk; would your insurer cover your loss? And if they do allow it, does your rate increase to an unacceptable level?

Check with them first; you don't want any unpleasant surprises, especially when it comes to insurance. I hope this helps.

-- j.r. guerra (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), December 03, 2001.