Heatiator Rave4013i-c owner manual B. Constructing the Appliance Chase

B. Constructing the Appliance Chase

A chase is a vertical box-like structure built to enclose the gas appliance and/or its vent system. In cooler climates the vent should enclosed inside the chase.

NOTICE: Treatment of ceiling firestops and wall shield firestops 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, you MUST check local building codes to determine the requirements to these steps.

Chases should be constructed in the manner of all out- side walls of the home to prevent cold air drafting prob- lems. The chase should not break the outside building envelope in any manner.

Walls, ceiling, base plate and cantilever floor of the chase should be insulated. Vapor and air infiltration 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 wall shield and ceiling fire- stops should be caulked with caulk with a minimum of 300ºF continuous exposure rating to seal gaps. Gas line holes and other openings should be caulked with caulk with a minimum of 300ºF continuous exposure rating or stuffed with unfaced insulation. If the appliance is being installed on a cement surface, a layer of plywood may be placed underneath to prevent conducting cold up into the room.

The factory-supplied non-combustible board must be used in all installations. It must be directly attached to structural framing adjacent to the appliance. Screw fas- teners should be installed in the pilot holes provided in the outer perimeter of the non-combustible board. See Figure 13.2.

The factory-supplied board is designed such that its edg- es will be at the approximate center of the adjacent fram- ing, assuming it is 1-1/2 in. nominal thickness. This will allow the wallboard joints to occur on the center of the framing where the panels can be fastened properly. If the framing thickness is less than 1-1/2 in. nominal, such as with formed steel systems, then it may be necessary to adjust the adjacent framing dimensions so that the non- combustible board and wallboard joints are centered on the framing.

18 Heatilator • RAVE4013I-C • 2293-900 Rev. C • 8/12