51
Heatilator • RAVE3012I • 2269-901 Rev. E • 4/12
Note:
The lower cover panel must be pushed all the way
down. The outer fi nishing fl anges should line up. The fi re-
place opening must be between 15-7/8 in. and 16-1/8 in.
for the decorative fronts to fi t correctly. See Figure 13.4.
Figure 13.4. Required Fireplace Opening Height
FIREPLACE OPENING
15-7/8 IN. TO 16-1/8 IN.
Finish and Sealing Joints
All joints between the fi nished wall sheathing and the
appliance must be sealed with non-combustible materials.
Sealants, such as caulk or mastic used to seal the gap
between the wall and the fi replace, should be rated at
a minimum continuous exposure to 300°F. Wall board
joints can be taped and sealed with combustible drywall
tape.
Finishing Around Opening with Gypsum Wallboard
Gypsum wallboard (drywall) joints adjacent to the fi replace
opening require special attention to minimize potential
development of cracking. Hearth and Home Technologies
recommends the following steps to minimize potential
cracks in the fi nished drywall around the fi replace opening:
• When installing gypsum wallboard around the fi replace,
install the hole for the fi replace opening in a single
wallboard sheet, if possible. This will minimize the joints
adjacent to the fi replace opening.
• The factory-supplied non-combustible board and the
gypsum wallboard must join on the structural framing,
where applicable. Wallboard and non-combustible board
should be fastened to the framing with at least 1-1/4 in.
long screw fasteners, located within 1-1/2 in. from each
corner, and at no more than 12 inch intervals along the
joint length.
• The wall-board joints should be fi nished with a Taping
Coat, followed by at least two subsequent Finish Coats
of joint compound.
• For the initial Taping Coat, it is critical that a general-
purpose chemically hardening joint compound, such
as SHEETROCK™ Brand Durabond™ Setting-Type
Joint Compound, be used to fi ll the joint and embed
the mesh tape. Fiberglass-mesh tape is recommended
because it will provide a more crack-resistant joint
than one fi nished with paper tape. Let the Taping
Coat properly cure before applying subsequent Finish
Coats.
•
For the second and third fi nishing coats, it is acceptable
to use a light-weight joint compound and standard
application, curing and sanding methods.
•
Do not operate the fi replace during the drywall fi nishing
process. Allow the fi nish coat to cure for at least 24
hours prior to using the appliance.
Painting
If desired fi
nishing includes a painted wall, 100%
acrylic latex with compatible primer is recommend
around the appliance. Oil-based or standard
acrylic paints may discolor due to heat exposure.
Wallboard Joint-Crack Prevention and Repair
Wallboard joints around the fi replace will be affected
by exposure to elevated temperatures, along with
other environmental and structural factors. The specifi c
methods presented in the previous section will help
prevent or minimize development of cracks.
If a crack does emerge adjacent the fi replace, it can be
permanently repaired by fi lling it with spackling paste or
paintable latex caulk, followed by repainting.
