A register plate is the metal plate that sits at the very bottom of the chimney in a wood-burning stove installation that is being performed with an existing chimney. It effectively closes off the opening to the chimney, with only your flue pipe passing through the plate.
What is the purpose of a register plate?
A register plate has several purposes:
To prevent heat being sucked out of the room.
One of the advantages of a wood-burning stove over an open fire is that you only need a relatively small, self-contained flue rather than a draughty chimney opening. Of course, some of that advantage is lost if the chimney opening isn’t closed off. That’s where a register plate comes in to help keep the heat that is generated in the room.
To stop smoke and gases seeping into the room.
If you’re not lining your chimney are planning to run your stove through an existing chimney, you will need to use a register plate in order to stop flue gases that have exited your stove immediately drifting back into the room.
To ensure the stove works properly
Similarly to above, if you’re not using a flue liner, you will need a register plate to ensure the stove system functions correctly. Without the chimney opening being closed off, you chimney simply won’t be able to create enough draw of air through the stove for it to work properly.
To contain your insulation
Many people opt to improve the efficiency of their stove by insulating the void of the chimney around their flue liner. Click here to read more about vermiculite being used for this purpose. In this case, the register plate will give the insulation, which is poured in, something to sit on.
To prevent debris falling into the room
Chunks of masonry and brickwork, sticks from your neighbouring birds and lumps of soot are just some of the things that might be falling down your chimney from time to time. Without the aid of a register plate, they are liable to land in your living room or even damage the stove.
Buying a register plate
Register plates are either supplied blank or pre-punched with a hole in the centre to match the appropriate flue pipe diameter.
For example:
Blank Galvanised Register Plate Kit
5 inch Galvanised Register Plate Kit
6 inch Galvanised Register Plate Kit
