Heatiator Rave4013i-c Finish and Sealing Joints, Finishing Around Opening with Gypsum Wallboard

FIREPLACE OPENING

15-7/8 IN. TO 16-1/8 IN.

Figure 13.3. Required Fireplace Opening Height

Verify that the lower cover panel is installed correctly, and that the fireplace opening height is between 15-7/8 in. and 16-1/8 in. See Figure 13.3.

Note: The lower cover panel must be pushed all the way down. The outer finishing flanges should line up. The fireplace opening must be between 15-7/8 in. and 16-1/8 in. for the decorative fronts to fit correctly. See Figure 13.3.

Finish and Sealing Joints

All joints between the finished wall sheating and the appliance must be sealed with non-combustible materials. Sealants, such as caulk or mastic used to seal the gap between the wall and the fireplace, should be rated at a minimum continuous exposure to 300°F. Wall board joints can be taped and sealed with combustible drywall tape.

Finishing Around Opening with Gypsum Wallboard

Gypsum wallboard (drywall) joints adjacent to the fireplace opening require special attention to minimize potential development of cracking. Hearth and Home Technologies recommends the following steps to minimize potential cracks in the finished drywall around the fireplace opening:

•When installing gypsum wallboard around the fireplace, install the hole for the fireplace opening in a single wallboard sheet, if possible. This will minimize the joints adjacent to the fireplace opening.

•The factory-supplied non-combustible board and the gypsum wallboard must join on the structural framing, where applicable. Wallboard and non-combustible board should be fastened to the framing with at least 1-1/4 in. long screw fasteners, located within 1-1/2 in. from each corner, and at no more than 12 inch intervals along the joint length.

•The wall-board joints should be finished with a Taping Coat, followed by at least two subsequent Finish Coats of joint compound.

•For the initial Taping Coat, it is critical that a general- purpose chemically hardening joint compound, such as SHEETROCK™ Brand Durabond™ Setting-Type Joint Compound, be used to fill the joint and embed the mesh tape. Fiberglass-mesh tape is recommended because it will provide a more crack-resistant joint than one finished with paper tape. Let the Taping Coat properly cure before applying subsequent Finish Coats.

•For the second and third finishing coats, it is acceptable to use a light-weight joint compound and standard application, curing and sanding methods.

•Do not operate the fireplace during the drywall finishing process. Allow the finish coat to cure for at least 24 hours prior to using the appliance.

Painting

If desired finishing includes a painted wall, 100% acrylic latex with compatible primer is recommend around the appliance. Oil-based or standard acrylic paints may discolor due to heat exposure.

Wallboard Joint-Crack Prevention and Repair

Wallboard joints around the fireplace will be affected by exposure to elevated temperatures, along with other environmental and structural factors. The specific methods presented in the previous section will help prevent or minimize development of cracks.

If a crack does emerge adjacent the fireplace, it can be permanently repaired by filling it with spackling paste or paintable latex caulk, followed by repainting.

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