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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. INSTALLATION INTO AN EXISTING FACTORY-BUILT ZERO-CLEARANCE
FIREPLACE: It is possible to install a wood insert into an existing factory-built zero-clearance
fireplace. However, there currently exists no UL or ULC standard specific to that type of installation.
The first thing that must be verified is that the factory-built zero clearance fireplace is listed (it must
be certified by a competent certification body such as Omni or Warnock Hersey). It must be suitable
for use with solid fuel and nothing in the owner’s manual must specifically prohibit the installation of
a fireplace insert. When in doubt, check with the fireplace manufacturer. The installation of the zero-
clearance fireplace MUST be thoroughly inspected by a professional in order to ensure that it still
meets the manufacturer’s specs and code conformity. The chimney must be of at least 1" (25 mm)
larger in diameter to accommodate a required continuous stainless steel liner running from the flue
collar to the top of the chimney termination.
Never remove parts that serve to insulate the zero-clearance fireplace from combustible material.
Only readily detachable parts that are easily replaced, such as damper parts, screens, and doors, 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 labelled 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. Furthermore, any air vents, grilles, or louvers that serve to create an air circulation pattern
around and outside the zero-clearance fireplace shall never be removed.
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. 2.1) 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.
