A.Negative pressure in the house

As the fire burns, air goes up the chimney. This air must be replaced through leakage into the house or through the outside air duct (optional). When operating the Ladera™ fireplace, open a nearby window temporarily to check if there is adequate replacement air supply.

B.Fans operating (e.g.: range hood)

These fans draw air out of the house and may actually cause a negative pressure in the house. Turn off all fans and open a nearby window to determine if this is the cause of the problem.

C.Wet wood

Wet or tarred wood will smoulder and smoke instead of burn properly.

D.Dirty or blocked chimney

Check to make sure the chimney is clear and clean.

E.Chimney not long enough

The minimum chimney height is twelve

(12)feet (3.7 m) not including the fireplace height. The chimney must extend at least three (3) feet (915 mm) above its point of contact with the roof and at least two

(2)feet (610 mm) higher than any roof or wall within ten (10) feet (3 m) of it. When installed with offsets, the minimum chimney height is fifteen (15) feet (4.6 m). Additional height will increase draft and will decrease the tendency to smoke.

F.Poor chimney draft

With no fire, there should be sufficient draft to exhaust cigarette smoke introduced under the baffle. Chimneys installed against an outside wall without protection or a basement installa- tion may generate back draft problems which will cause start-up problems. To prevent this, open a nearby window, roll up a piece of paper and light it. Then, hold it in the upper part of the firebox to warm up the chimney. Wait until the draft is sufficient, then start the fire.

IMPORTANT CAUTIONS

A. Do not block the hot air vents to the fireplace as this will cause the fireplace to overheat.

B.Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or ‘freshen up’ a fire in this fireplace. Keep all such liquids well away from the fireplace while it is in use.

C.Do not burn coal. The sulphur in coal will corrode the firebox.

D.Do not burn driftwood which has been in the ocean or salt water. The salt will corrode the firebox and chimney.

E.Do not burn wood in the area in front of the grate.

F.Do not abuse the unit by burning paper, or cardboard or construction material such as pressed wood, plywood or lumber.

G.Do not allow the wood to smoulder or burn without flame, since this will produce excessive creosote in the unit.

MAINTAINING YOUR LADERA

FIREPLACE

Creosote - Formation and Need for Removal When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited this creosote makes and extremely hot fire.

The chimney shall be inspected at least twice a year during the heating season to determine when a creosote buildup has occurred.

When creosote has accumulated it shall be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.

When the creosote accumulation is large, a creosote fire in the chimney can damage the chimney and overheat the surrounding wood framing. Creosote formation in a chimney can be minimized by making sure there is always visible flame burning, avoid smouldering fires and by proper refuelling techniques.

Chimney Maintenance

Regular chimney inspection and maintenance combined with proper operation will prevent chimney fires. Keep your chimney clean. Do not allow more than 1/16” (1.6 mm) creosote build up in your chimney. The amount of creosote will depend on variables such as frequency of use and type of fire. We recommend that you:

A.Initially inspect the chimney system weekly. From this, you will learn how often it will be necessary to clean your chimney.

B.Have your chimney cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep. If you wish to clean it yourself, we recommend using a stiff plastic or non-metallic brush. If a metal brush is used, its size should be slightly smaller than the flue to avoid damaging the chimney. Do not use a brush that will scratch the stainless steel interior of the chimney.

C.Do not expect chemical cleaners to keep your chimney clean. The rain cap can be removed for inspection and/or cleaning of the chimney.

Dealing With a Chimney Fire

Regular chimney maintenance and inspection can prevent chimney fires. If you have a chimney fire, follow these steps:

1.Close the fireplace door and the combustion air controls.

2.Alert your family of the possible danger.

3.If you require assistance, alert your fire department.

4.If possible, use a dry chemical fire extin- guisher, baking soda or sand to control the fire. Do not use water as it may cause a dangerous steam explosion.

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE.

5.Check outside to ensure that sparks and hot embers coming out of the chimney are not igniting the roof.

6.Do not use the fireplace again until your chimney and fireplace have been inspected by a qualified chimney sweep or a Fire Department Inspector.

Top Baffle Removal Prior to Cleaning The Chimney

Before starting to clean your chimney, we recommend that you remove the top baffle to avoid creosote dust collection at the top of the baffle. Follow these steps to set the top baffle out of the way:

1.Slide the front baffle to the front of the unit.

2.Lift the back baffle and slide it over the front baffle

You now have access to the chimney

Figure 2A - Top Baffle Removal

Figure 2B - Top Baffle Removal

Finish Door Casing Care

Use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth to polish the casing. Do not use abrasives such as steel wool, steel pads or an abrasive polish for they may scratch the casing’s finish.