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Starting a Fire and Basic Operation
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.
Finish off the fuel load with a couple of hardwood logs or
split logs – oak or hickory. Check to see that you’re stacking the
logs so that they will fall inside the grate as they burn.
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 tune-ups”. Like any piece of well-built equipment, the
Mason-Lite Fireplace and chimney needs routine maintenance.
The manufacturer recommends 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. Twice a year, you will want to clean the firebox
and chimney yourself or hire a professional chimney sweep to
do the job for you. If you elect to do 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.
Be sure that you have covered 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 to clean the insude
of your flue as their residue could introduce a fire hazard after
the task is completed.
Outside Inspection – During your once a month
inspection of the firebox and chimney, make it a point to also
check the outside of the chimney, the 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
The MASON-LITE FIREPLACES are manufactured
using high quality materials. During the drying process, surface
cracking may occur. These small cracks (under 1/16” will not
effect 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.
Always allow the fireplace to completely cool before
you work on it, which means, of course, shutting off all gas and
electrical connections, also.
Be certain that you 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 flue 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, Inc.
Accessory orders will be accepted by mail, or you may
call your order in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at: (800)-345-7078.
