Section 1.0 Pre-Installation Requirements
1.1 Masonry & Zero Clearance Requirements
The masonry fireplace must meet the minimum code requirements, or NFPA 211 or the equivalent for a safe installation. Contact your local Building Inspector for requirements in your area. An inspection of the fireplace should include the following:
1.CONDITION OF THE FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY: Examine the masonry fireplace and chimney prior to installation to determine that they are free from cracks, loose mortar, creosote deposits, blockage, or other signs of deterioration. If evidence of deterioration is noted, the fireplace or chimney should be upgraded prior to installation.
2.ZERO CLEARANCE OR METAL HEATFORM FIREPLACE: These fireplaces and chimneys must meet the conditions above, and the factory built zero clearance fireplace must be listed. They must be suitable for use with solid fuel. The chimney must be at least 1" (25mm) larger in diameter to accommodate a required continuous stainless steel liner running from the flue collar to the top of the chimney termination.
Only readily detachable parts that are easily replaced, such as damper parts, screens, doors, and side and back refractory panels, are to be removed from the fireplace. These parts must be stored nearby and available for retrofit if the insert is ever removed. Removal of any parts which render the fireplace unfit for use with solid fuel requires the fireplace to be permanently labeled by the installer as being no longer suitable for solid fuel until the removed parts are replaced and the fireplace is restored to its original certified condition.
3.CHIMNEY CAPS: Mesh type chimney caps must have provision for regular cleaning, or the mesh should be removed to eliminate the potential of plugging.
4.LINER: The chimney must have an acceptable masonry liner suitable for solid fuel, otherwise a continuous stainless steel liner must be installed.
5.ADJACENT COMBUSTIBLES: The fireplace should be inspected to make sure that there is adequate clearance to combustibles, both exposed combustibles to the top, side, and front as well as concealed combustibles, in the chimney and mantel area. Your local inspector should have information on whether older fireplaces are of adequate construction.
6.OPENING SIZE: Refer to “Suitable Fireplace Dimensions” (Sec. 2.2) for suitable size fireplace openings.
NOTE: A METAL TAG IS PROVIDED AND IS TO BE FASTENED TO THE BACK WALL OF THE FIREPLACE IF THE FIREPLACE HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO ACCOMMODATE THE INSERT.
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