3Installing the Fireplace

Constructing the Chase

A chase is a vertical box-like structure built to enclose the gas fireplace and/or its vent system. Vertical vents that run on the outside of a building may be, but are not required to be, installed inside a chase.

CAUTION: TREATMENT OF FIRESTOP SPACERS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHASE MAY VARY WITH THE TYPE OF BUILDING. THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT SUBSTITUTES FOR THE REQUIREMENTS OF LOCAL BUILDING CODES. THEREFORE, YOUR LOCAL BUILD- ING CODES MUST BE CHECKED TO DETERMINE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE STEPS.

Factory-built fireplace chases should be constructed in the manner of all outside walls of the home to prevent cold air drafting problems. The chase should not break the outside building envelope in any manner.

This means that the walls, ceiling, base plate and cantilever floor of the chase should be insulated. Vapor and air infiltra- tion barriers should be installed in the chase as per regional codes for the rest of the home. Additionally, in regions where cold air infiltration may be an issue, the inside surfaces may be sheetrocked and taped for maximum air tightness.

To further prevent drafts, the firestops should be caulked with high temperature caulk to seal gaps. Gas line holes and other openings should be caulked with high temp caulk or stuffed with unfaced insulation. If the appliance is being installed on a cement slab, a layer of plywood may be placed underneath to prevent conducting cold up into the room.

THE CHASE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED SO THAT ALL CLEARANCES TO THE FIREPLACE ARE MAINTAINED AS SPECIFIED WITHIN THIS INSTALLERS GUIDE.

Step 1. Locating the Fireplace

The diagram shows space and clearance requirements for locating a fireplace within a room.

Clearance Requirements

The top, back, and sides of the fireplace are defined by stand-offs. The minimum clearance to a perpendicular wall extending past the face of the fireplace is one inch (25 mm). The back of the fireplace may be recessed 21 1/2 inches (546 mm) into combustible construction.

The minimum clearance from the top face of the fireplace to combustible finishing materials such as drywall, is one inch (25mm).

A	B	C	D	E
42”	22”	36”	51”	72”

Figure 2. Fireplace Dimensions, Locations, and Space Requirements

The distance from the unit to combustible construc- tion is to be measured from the unit outer wrap sur- face to the combustible construction, NOT from the screw heads that secure the unit together.

Minimum Clearances

from the Fireplace to Combustible Materials

	Inches	mm
Glass Front	........................ 36	914
Floor	0	0
Rear	1/2	13
Sides	1/2	13
Top	3 1/2	89
Ceiling*	31	787

*The clearance to the ceiling is measured from the top of the unit, excluding the standoffs (see Figure 13).

Minimum Clearances from the B-Type Vent Pipe to Combustible Materials is 1 inch (25mm) all around the pipe.

Heat & Glo • 6000TV-OAK, 6000TV-OAK-IPI • 384-900 Rev. N • 11/05