13
course of block. As you complete each section, make
certain that you adhere the mortar at each and every
joint.
Figure 21
Setting Firebox Sides
5) After the last side walls are in place, add #3 rebar rods
and fill the firebox cells with mortar mix. Mix approx. 2 cu.
ft. of sanded mortar mix. Put 25% in cells and place #3
rebar vertically into holes on the hearth base. If a raised
metal platform was installed, place adjacent to all-thread
rods sticking through the cells. Make sure the bars are
into the hearth and at least 1/2” (one-half inch) below top
of firebox top surface. Finish filling cells.
Keep damp at
all times while
applying mortar.
Figure 22
IMPORTANT! Keep in mind that, when applying the
mortar, you must frequently run a damp sponge to the
parts before mortar is applied!
6) Set the Lintel, Lower Dome Front and Angle Iron in place
for both sides as shown in
Figure 22
. Lintel fronts should
be flush with front of fireplace. Lower Dome Sides fit
between Lower Dome Fronts (
Figure 23
). Check that all
is level. If you need to make adjustments, use shims.
Place one or more of these shims between the lowest
wall component and the top surface of the base plate.
Once you are satisfied with the degree of levelness, you
can address any gap that may have occurred with an
appropriate amount of mortar.
Figure 23
Note:
Although you are cautioned to use MASON-LITE
mortar sparingly because it does have such holding
power, you should look over the firebox assembly at the
end and fill in any gaps, especially joint connections, with
the mortar. Needless to say, you must make adjustments
to be sure the fireplace is level and square while the
mortar is still wet.
Figure 24
Top surfaces
to be level.
7) Make sure the Lower Side Domes are positioned so that
the beveled face lines up with the inward angles of the
lintel sides (see
Figure 24
). Top surfaces should be level.
8) Now assemble the Upper Dome Fronts and Upper Dome
Sides on top of lower dome assembly as shown in
Figure 25
. These parts require care in leveling, noting
the parts have a slight bevel. Check with level.
Figure 25
Upper Dome
Front
Upper Dome
Sides
9) As you are connecting each MASON-LITE component,
be certain you are following the instructions given
previously for using MASON-LITE mortar. Stop to look
at the smoke dome side, front and rear walls to see
that they are aligning correctly and that the surfaces be
smooth and uniform. Make sure connections are covered
with an adequate amount of mortar. Remember that
you have the option of using shims and covering them
with mortar if you need to. Make any adjustments to the
fireplace alignment before continuing to the next step.
10) Check your assembly here. If things are proceeding as
they should be, the finished top surface should be flat
and level.
11) Now you can set the Anchor/Damper Plate into position.
Be sure that it is flush in every direction as you place it
on the crest of the smoke dome wall assembly.
Lintel
Lower
Dome
Front
4x3 Angle Iron
Lower
Dome
Side
