4-03 19 480-1091
Constitution
EPA Certified Fireplace
19. Finishing Material
Do not install combustible materials over the front
of the fireplace! This poses a safety hazard and
may start a fire. You may only use noncombustible
material over the front of the fireplace. Remove the
front and replace with template (see 19d) during
installation. After installation is complete, remove
template and replace with front.
a. Combustible Material
Material which is made of or surfaced with wood,
compressed paper, plant fibers, plastics, or any
material capable of igniting and burning, whether
flame proofed or not, plastered or unplastered.
b. Noncombustible Material
Material which will not ignite and burn. Such
materials are those consisting entirely of steel, iron,
brick, tile, concrete, slate, glass or plasters, or any
combination thereof.
c. Noncombustible Sealant Material
Sealants which will not ignite and burn; General
Electric RTV103 Black (or equivalent), Rutland, Inc.
Fireplace Mortar #63 (or equivalent).
After completing the framing and applying the facing
material (dry wall) over the framing, a 1/2” wide
(maximum) bead of noncombustible sealant must
be used to close off any gaps at the top and sides
between the fireplace and facing to prevent cold
air leaks.
Only noncombustible materials may be used to
cover the metal fireplace front.
d. Cardboard Template
A cardboard template of the front is printed on the
outside of the shipping box. It measures 1/8” bigger
all the way around than the actual front. Cut out the
template for use in your installation.
A metal template is also available for more durable
continued use remaining accurate over time.
The part number for this metal template is HHT-
Template.
21. Mantel
A combustible mantel may be positioned no lower than
60” from base of the fireplace. The combustible mantel
may have a maximum depth of 12”. Combustible trim
pieces that project no more than 1-1/2” from the face of
the fireplace can be placed no closer than 6” from the
side of the fireplace decorative front. Combustible trim
must not cover the metal surfaces of the fireplace. This
mantel clearance is in accordance with
Section 7-3.3.3
of ANSI/NFPA211.
H. CONSTRUCTING A CHASE
1
2
3
Figure 19A - Chase Constructions
1. Materials
a.
The chase is constructed using framing materials
much the same as the walls in your home. A variety
of siding materials may be used including brick,
stone, veneer brick, or standard siding materials.
b.
In constructing the chase, several factors must
be considered:
1)
Maintain a 2” air space around the chimney.
2)
The chase top must be constructed of noncom-
bustible material.
3)
In cold climates, a firestop spacer should be
installed in an insulated false ceiling at the 8’
level above the fireplace assembly. This reduces
heat loss through the chase.
4)
In cold climates, the walls of the chase should
be insulated to the level of the false ceiling
as shown in Figure 20A on page 20. This will
help reduce heat loss from the home around
the fireplace.
A chase is a vertical boxlike enclosure built around the
chimney and fireplace. A chase may be constructed for the
fireplace and chimney or for the chimney only. It is most
commonly constructed on an outside wall.
In cold climates, it is recommended that the chase floor
be insulated using batt type insulation between the floor
joists.
Three examples of chase applications are shown in Figure
19A.
1.
Fireplace and chimney enclosed in an exterior
chase.
2.
Chimney offset through exterior wall and enclosed
in chase.
3.
Chase constructed on roof.
