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Starting a Fire and Basic Operation
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT BURN A FIRE WITHOUT FIREBRICK LINER.
(see Page 27 for details)
Before starting a fire in your fireplace, open the damper to its’
fully open position. Crumple some paper and place it on the log
grate. Use some soft, dry wood as kindling and put it on top of
the paper. Place some small logs or split logs atop the paper
and kindling. Top your fuel load with a couple of hardwood logs
or split logs (Oak or Hickory). Make sure you stack the logs so
they fall inside the grate as they burn.
Note:
To get the most out of your wood, it is recommended that
you let it set and completely dry out for nine months to a year.
When you are satisfied with the arrangement of your wood
load, light the paper which in turn will ignite the kindling, then
the softer wood and finally, the harder wood logs. As the fire
burns, you can carefully lay additional logs on the flame, but
make sure you place them gently without forcing them into the
opening.
Annual Fireplace Maintenance
Your fireplace and chimney require seasonal and monthly
maintenance. It is recommended that inspection of the fireplace
and chimney take place on a monthly basis during the heating
season. Start at the top, looking for birds’ nests, leaves or any
other obstructions. Also check the spark arrestor, for creosote
or soot build-up.
A Professional Chimney Sweep may be hired to clean the
firebox and chimney at least twice a year. If doing it yourself,
use a plastic, wood or steel brush for the inside of the chimney.
For the spark arrestor, scrub with a wire brush. To dismantle the
chimney cap for cleaning of the flue, unscrew the four screws
that hold it in place. For cleaning access from below, open the
damper in the firebox. It is best to use a flexible handle chimney
cleaning brush made especially for the job.
If your fireplace system has any offset chimney sections, start
cleaning with the flexible brush from the top of the section
downward to the elbow. Then clean from the firebox up to
the offset/return section. Make sure to cover the floor of the
fireplace and out to the hearth with a damp sheet that has been
taped securely in place. When all the soot has settled, remove
the sheet and vacuum up. Don’t sweep the excess soot!
Never use any chemical cleaners when cleaning the chimney
system since their residue may cause a fire hazard.
During heating season as you conduct your monthly inspection
of the firebox and chimney, be sure to also check the outside of
the chimney, metal flashing and weather seals that surround it.
If you find any cracks or openings around screws or nails, seal
them to avoid any roof or chimney chase leaks.
SURFACE CRACKS
Mason-Lite fireplaces are manufactured using high quality
materials. During the drying process though, surface cracking
may occur. These small cracks (under 1/16” will not affect the
fireplace safety or performance). During the assembly process,
fill surface cracks with thin-set mortar and brush when drying
for a smooth surface finish.
REMOVAL OF CREOSOTE AND SOOT FORMATION
Creosote vapors are known to form in the relatively cool
chimney flues of slow burning fires, hence, creosote residue
collects on the flue lining.
Because of soot and creosote build-up, it is recommended
that the fireplace and chimney cleaning be done twice a year.
In colder climates, cleaning should be done more often.
Before performing maintenace on your fireplace make sure you
shut off gas and electrical connections and allow the fireplace
to cool completely.
Use only solid fuel in your fireplace. You may use a natural or
LP gas log lighter as a method to start your wood fire.
The Chimney Damper must be in the OPEN position whenever
there is heat in the fireplace.
Customer Service & Parts Replacement
Parts and accessories may be purchased from your local
dealer. Additional information is available from Masonry
Fireplace Industries,.LLC.
Accessory orders will be accepted by mail, or you may
call your order in Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at: (800)-345-7078.
