Do I Need A Heat Shield?

When installing a stove in a campervan, one question that often comes up is whether a heat shield is required.

Heat shields are very common in campervan installations because they help protect nearby surfaces from heat and allow the stove to be installed safely in smaller spaces.

While they are not always essential, they are often a very helpful addition when space is limited.

What a heat shield does

A heat shield acts as a protective barrier between the stove and nearby materials such as wood panels, cupboards or insulation.

Rather than heat travelling directly from the stove to the wall, the shield reflects and disperses much of that heat away from the surface behind it.

This helps prevent the wall from becoming too hot while the stove is running.

The importance of the air gap

For a heat shield to work properly it should normally be spaced slightly away from the wall.

This creates a small air gap behind the shield which allows air to circulate. As the shield warms up, the airflow behind it helps carry heat away and prevents it from building up on the wall surface.

This simple design can make a big difference to how much heat reaches the wall.

Reducing clearance distances

One of the biggest advantages of a heat shield is that it can allow the stove to be installed closer to surrounding materials.

Without a heat shield, the recommended distance to combustible materials is often around 300mm.

With a heat shield installed, this distance can often be reduced to around 100mm depending on the setup.

This can be extremely helpful when installing a stove in a compact space like a campervan.

Common heat shield materials

Heat shields can be made from a variety of heat-resistant materials.

Metal panels are commonly used because they are durable and reflect heat effectively. Some installations also include additional insulation boards designed for high temperature environments.

Planning your installation

When planning your stove installation, it’s worth thinking about whether a heat shield might help improve the layout.

In many campervan builds, a heat shield allows the stove to sit comfortably against a wall without taking up too much valuable space.

Safe installation matters

Whether you use a heat shield or not, it’s important to follow safe clearances and install the stove correctly.

Careful planning helps ensure the stove runs efficiently and keeps the surrounding materials protected from heat.

Need advice about heat shields?

If you’re unsure whether you need a heat shield for your setup, feel free to get in touch.

We’re always happy to help and offer advice when planning campervan stove installations.