23
14.3 - FIREPLACE ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SURROUNDS
a.
The fire can be installed in a suitably sized Masonry Fireplace Enclosure or suitable studwork construction, see
diagram.
b.
It is recommended that a qualified builder or joiner constructs the Fireplace Enclosure.
c.
For Masonry Constructions it is recommended that a lintel is fitted above the Fireplace opening. A structural survey
may be required.
d.
For Combustible Installations (e.g. Wood-Studwork) the Fireplace should be lined with a suitable non combustible material,
(e. g. Superlux Board or Equivalent).
If the rear wall is also Combustible the Fire back must also be insulated.
e.
No
combustible materials (e.g. Wood-Studwork) must be closer than 50mm to the fire and therefore the size of the Fireplace
should cater for this, see diagram for minimum sizes. The Front Opening sizes should be as shown in the diagram.
f.
The base of the Fireplace Enclosure must be flat, level and square to the wall and it
MUST
be strong enough to support
the fire.
g.
Where the Cavity forms part of the Fireplace Enclosure this MUST be sealed off with either a Non Combustible Material
or with a
Combustible Material set back 50mm away from the Fire. Note: A drip/weather shield or equivalent should be provided above
the Fireplace Opening to prevent rain/damp bridging the cavity.
h.
A Hole for the flue should be centrally cut at a height of 570mm from the base of the Enclosure. See Cutting the Hole.
i.
The fireplace opening should have provision for a gas supply through the rear, see Section 10 Gas Supply.
j.
The fire is fitted with Electronic Equipment, which is sensitive to dampness and high humidity so it is very
important
that any rendering/building work is allowed to thoroughly dry out before installation
! IMPORTANT !
Dry lined walls – ensure that any air gaps between the back of the plasterboard and wall are sealed
around the fireplace enclosure or fireplace as this can affect the fires efficiency and cause wall staining.
14.4 CLEARANCES TO SHELVES & COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS (Refer to diagram FIREPLACE
CONSTRUCTION on previous page)
a.
A
non combustible
shelf can be fitted above the fire and should be positioned at least 95mm above the fireplace enclosure. We
recommend the depth of the shelf should be a maximum of 75mm as anything deeper will reduce convection air and the
efficiency of the fire. For deeper non-combustible shelves they must be raised a further 25mm for every extra 25mm of depth.
b.
A 150mm
combustible
shelf can be fitted above the fire but must be positioned at least 350mm above the Fireplace opening. For
deeper combustible shelves they must be raised a further 25mm for every extra 25mm of depth.
c.
Any combustible sidewall must be at least 500mm from the inside of the Fireplace opening, however with a combustible fire
surround it can be 350mm from the inside of the Fireplace opening provided it does not protrude more than 150mm and must be
increased by 25mm for every extra 25mm of depth.
d.
With all heating appliances, soft furnishings, decorations and wall coverings may discolour or scorch if placed too close.
e.
No combustible material, e.g. curtains must be closer than 500mm to the Fireplace opening.
f.
Any combustible wall claddings (wall paper) must be cut back to the perimeter of the shelf and slips or to a height of 1,025mm
and 140mm either side of the Fireplace Opening.
14.5 - CUTTING THE HOLE FOR THE FLUE
The flue is 150mm in diameter, and a hole is required providing sufficient clearance. The following Notes will assist:
a.
If cutting the hole with a core drill ensure the pilot hole is cutting into solid material as it may wander.
b.
Partially drill or cut out the hole and then check the fit of the flue before finishing.
c.
Ensure the hole is horizontal, round and straight.
d.
Make good the hole on both the inside and outside (a Wall Plate is provided for the outside).
e.
Any Cavity Wall insulation must be trimmed and sealed back from the hole by at least 50mm to prevent contact with the
flue.