11
bag and then place the components together applying
the mixture directly to the components where they come
together. As a rule, you can figure that you should lay down
about ½” (one-half inch) of a thread of mortar. The line of
mortar should be approximately ½” (one-half inch) away
from all the edges of each separate component.
The mortar has a considerable amount of holding power so
do not overload the components with too much mortar.
4) You will notice that some mortar will “ooze out” when you
place the next component on top of or next to the component
you previously place. This is to be expected – it means the
two pieces have properly bonded -- and you will want to
swipe the excess away with a trowel. It is never intended
that the surfaces of the MASON-LITE components are to be
completely covered with mortar.
5) Do not apply the mortar in thick bands even if the component
you are working with is larger than the rest. You will want to
apply “stripes” of mortar in these situations.
6) Making Sure Components Are Level – It is extremely
important that you pay careful attention to how you are
assembling the MASON-LITE. Since every component
builds on the next, it is critical, that from the beginning, you are
checking that the components are fitting together to be level
and flush. If you have to make any kind of an adjustment, do
not try to do it “by loading an opening” with mortar. That is
completely unacceptable, resulting in a fireplace that will not
be plumb or level. What you are advised to do is make use
of shims. You will find these supplied with the MASON-LITE
and you can nudge them in between openings to achieve
the precision you need in making component adjustments.
7) Once you have removed the shims, you will want to cover
any gaps that may have resulted with the grout.
Warning:
All surfaces where grout is applied must
have water sponged on several minutes prior to
assembly. This will minimize cracking of grout joint
and provide maximum strength.
Fireplace Assembly Procedures
Fireplace Assembly Procedures
Note
- Wipe excess water from surface prior to applying grout.
This will help grout to adhere to surface during assembly.
Place the Mason-Lite Fireplace hearth base on top of your non-
combustible floor. For concrete slabs, supporting floor needs to
be rated at ASTM 90.
1) Place the two pieces of hearth in position. Draw an outline
of the hearth area and mark rebar center locations using
holes as template (
Figure 15)
. Drill holes where the rebar
will be located. Secure the #3 rebar 4 inches into the
concrete foundation with ITW Epoxy or Simpson Epoxy.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation of rebar
into slab.
Drill Ø5/8” hole
x 4” deep
Epoxy #3 rebar
centered into hole.
Use ITW Epoxy or
Simpson Epoxy.
For concrete
foundations
less than 6”
thick, drill
slanted.
Figure 14
28”
53”
Apply mortar
between joints
12 inch rebar
Figure 15
2) Mix a batch of mortar and prepare a Hearth bottom surface
to be bonded as shown in
Figure 16
.
1/2” MORTAR
BEAD TYPICAL
1/2” AWAY
FROM EDGES
APPLY MORTAR
BEAD TO ALL
MATING SURFACES
Figure 16
