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FV44i Décor Gen 3
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33
3.2.17
Suitable Mantel, Facing & Hearth Pad Materials
Use of ceramic glazed tiles as facing materials around a Mendota Insert is approved. Use caution when selecting tile adhesives.
Avoid premixed tile adhesives which contain products that can off gas for long periods when exposed to heat. Use portland
cement based unmixed tile adhesives or RTV Silicone to attach ceramic glazed tiles as facing in hot areas around this Insert. If
using RTV silicone, allow a minimum 48 hours cure time for the silicone to cure before firing this Insert after tile application.
3.2.17.1
Marble, Granite and Natural Stones
Marble, granite and other natural stone products are approved for use as mantel, facing and hearth pad materials with the
following limitations and understanding of these cautionary statements:
Never use a one-piece marble, granite or natural stone that is water jet or mechanically cut in a U -shape as
facing material to cover the sides and t op areas around this product. Doing so can lead to crack formation
at the inner corners of the U shape due to t hermal expansion.
Figure 3-33 Three Piece Stone
Most marble slabs and marble tiles contain a polyester resin coating while most granite slabs and granite tiles contain epoxy
resin coatings. The polyester resin coatings and the epoxy resin coatings provide structural strength to the stone slabs and
prevent cracking, chipping and breakage during shipping and handling. These coatings also provide a glossy or satin surface finish
and help seal the stone surface.
The polyester resin used on marble slabs can discolor when exposed to temperatures greater than 150
o
F and
will structurally fail at temperatures above 230
o
F. The epoxy resin coating used on granite slabs are resistant
to discoloring and structural failur es up to 350
o
F.Mendota does not assu me any liability for discoloring,
flaking or cracking of marble or granite.
Temperatures on facings around Mendota Gas Inserts can reach 350
o
F directly
outside the top convection air gap and as high as 210
o
F at the maximum
allowed mantel protrusion level above the top convection air gap. These
temperatures will discolor polyester resin coated marble facings and can
cause the polyester resin coating to fail near the top convection air gap.
Mendota Fireplace cannot guarantee suitability of u se of any
marble slabs or tiles that have a polyester resin coating applied to
it and cannot guarantee against discoloration or structural failure
of marble or po lished stone facings that have a polyester resin
coating. Consult with your local stone suppli er.
Prior to use of any marble, granite or polished stone facing material, especially
white colored ones, run heat exposure tests on a sample piece. Expose sample
Figure 3-34 Top Air Gap
TOP AIR
GAP
