Vermont Casting WinterWarm Fireplace Insert or System Section III Preparing a Masonry Chimney

WinterWarm Fireplace Insert or System

Section III: Preparing a Masonry Chimney

Installing the WinterWarm into a masonry fireplace is an effective way to add an efficient heater to your home.

Requirements for the

Existing Masonry Fireplace

The WinterWarm Fireplace Insert is listed only for installation within a properly built masonry or heat circulating, masonry-type fireplace that is constructed in accordance with the requirements of recognized build- ing codes. A heat-circulating masonry-type fireplace must conform to building code standards for masonry fireplaces, and must consist of a factory-built metal firebox with air circulation pathways that are surrounded by masonry materials.

NOTE: The WinterWarm is not listed for use in “zero-clearance” prefabricated fireplaces, except when used as part of the Vermont Castings’ Winter- Warm Fireplace system, including the WinterWarm Fireplace Energy Cabinet, item #2110 (referred to on the WinterWarm safety label as Fireplace Cabinet Model 1283).

The fireplace and chimney must be clean and structur- ally sound. Have it inspected by a qualified professional chimney sweep, a mason, or your Vermont Castings’ Authorized Dealer before the WinterWarm is installed. Any deterioration (cracks, loose mortar or loose bricks) must be repaired.

The fireplace should not be modified to install the Win- terWarm without first checking with your local building inspector or fire marshal. Do not remove bricks or mor- tar that may jeopardize the compliance of the fireplace with local building codes.

Requirements of your

Existing Masonry Chimney

Your fireplace chimney must be well-constructed and must meet minimum code requirements. The chimney flue should have a code-approved liner made of mason- ry or pre-cast refractory tiles, straight or flexible stain- less steel pipe, or a poured-in-place liner. An unlined chimney must be relined professionally. Chimney height should be no less than 15’ (4.6m) above the hearth and no more than 35’ (10.7m).

The chimney must have a nominal flue size of 8” x 8” (203 x 203mm) or larger, with a maximum size of 12” x 12” (305 x 305mm). Some chimneys originally de- signed for fireplace use may perform differently when used to vent an air-controlled appliance such as your WinterWarm. A chimney on an outside wall with a large

flue, for example, may not heat up enough to sustain an adequate draft. Such a flue can often be improved if it is relined to reduce its size and/or insulated to keep it warmer.

The chimney should extend at least 3’ (914mm) above the highest point where it passes through a roof, and at least 2’ (610mm) higher than any portion of a building within 10’ (3m). (Fig. 18)

	0 To 10'
	2' Min. 3'	0 To 10'
	Min.
		2' Min. 3'
		Min.
	Reference
	Point	AC617
Fig. 18	The 2’3’10’ rule for chimneys.

Existing masonry fireplace chimneys, especially older ones, may have one or more openings used at an earlier time to connect stoves in different rooms to the fireplace chimney. These openings must be sealed with masonry to the thickness of the chimney wall. Unused openings sealed with pie plates or wallpaper are a haz- ard. In the event of a chimney fire, flames and smoke may be forced out of these unused openings.

Do not connect your WinterWarm fireplace insert to a chimney flue serving another appliance.

Minimum Fireplace Dimensions

The WinterWarm Fireplace Insert will fit most masonry fireplaces. To confirm that it will fit yours, measure the lintel depth, plus the height, width, and depth of your fireplace and your hearth. Compare them to the mea- surements in the accompanying chart. If you choose to install a new hearth over an existing fireplace hearth, be sure to take its thickness into consideration when measuring both front and back height of the fireplace.

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