It is highly recommended to have a heat shield installed behind a wood stove for safety reasons and to comply with building codes and regulations in many jurisdictions. A heat shield provides added protection for combustible materials surrounding the stove by acting as a barrier that reduces clearances between flammable surfaces and intense heat sources. By reducing these clearances, it minimizes the risk of fire hazards caused by radiant heat transfer or accidental contact with hot surfaces. Adding a heat shield also enhances heating efficiency by reflecting more warmth into the room instead of it being absorbed by nearby walls or other objects.