Installing the Gas Fireplace
Mason-Lite™ Component for combustible floors
Hearth Ember Shield:
Metal safety stripping is required between the front of the
Fireplace Hearth and Hearth Extension (not supplied). A 26
gauge galvanized 4
” wide metal strip can be used. The length
needs to extend 2 inches beyond each side of the fireplace
opening. If two strips are used, make sure they overlap at
least two inches in the middle. The strip is placed about 2
” into
the underside of the MASON-Lite Fireplace at the front.
Note: When using an on-site-constructed hearth extension,
you may use a sand-cement grout between the hearth and
extension.
The Firebox and Smoke Dome
Overview
You will find that the MASON-LITE Fireplace is designed for
complete assembly at your construction site with all necessary
items delivered, consisting of interlocking precast parts. You
will need a thin-set type mortar for bonding. The parts of the
fireplace are made of Mason-Lite
’s incredibly strong blend of
specialty cement and a light weight aggregate.
IMPORTANT! When applying mortar, it is imperative that the
concrete blocks be maintained moist (not soaking) so they
don
’t absorb the water out of the mortar and cause adhesion to
fail. Frequently run a damp sponge to the parts before
mortar is applied!
The design of the fireplace calls for the installation of an anchor
plate/damper system which can be purchased from any
chimney manufacturer or MFI. Also, an optional combustion air
inlet MFP4-AK can be obtained from MFI. A Refractory
Firebrick Liner also needs to be installed. This should be a
minimum of 1-1/8
” (one and one-eight inches) thick. The liner
will be applied within the walls of the firebox.
Materials and tools you will need to have on hand before you
start the install:
Materials needed for concrete slab (non combustible)
installation:
1. Eight (8) pieces 3/8
” rebar x 36” long (included with unit)
2. Eight (8) pieces of rebar x 12
” long (included with unit)
3. Epoxy for securing rebar in footing / foundation
4. Three (3) - 90 lb. bags of ready mix concrete with 1/4
” or
smaller aggregate
5. Mason-Lite Mortar (at least one 50 lb. bucket, two for
MFP63)
Materials needed for combustible wood floor installation:
1. Eight 12
” long, ½” all thread with (24) nuts and washers
2. Eight pieces 3/8
” rebar x 36” long (included with unit)
3. Four or more fasteners to attach metal base to floor joists
4. Mason-Lite Mortar (at least one 50 lb. bucket, two for
MFP63)
Tools needed for both above installations:
1. One 4
’ level
2. Roto-hammer with ½
” drill bit
(needed for concrete slab
install only)
3. Drill motor with mixer blade (to mix Mason-Lite Mortar)
4. Two empty 5 gallon buckets (to mix Mason-Lite Mortar)
5. One wheelbarrow
and shovel to mix concrete.
6. Grout bag
7. Triangular masonry trowel
8. Rubber hammer
Sponge and water bucket to wipe down and moisten parts
prior to applying mortar
Field Assembly Procedures
1) Mixing the MASON-LITE mortar - You will require a 45
pound bucket of MASON-LITE mortar which should be
more than enough to adequately affix all the fireplace
components. The mortar is premixed and dry and is to be
used to adhere all the fireplace components. Be sure to
use clean water and work it up into a mixture that is pasty
but not lumpy. If it is too thin, and if the concrete pre-cast
components are not maintained moist, the components
will not adhere. Some trial and error may be necessary
for the proper consistency of the mortar mix. You will want
to apply the mixture with a standard grout bag.
2) Assembly of the Components - Once you have found the
proper consistency of the mixture, load it into the grout
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.
Keep the components moist at all times!
3) 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 placed. 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.
4) 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.
5) Making Sure Components Are Level - It is extremely
important that you pay careful attention to how you
are assembling the Mason-Lite Fireplace since every
REV 1 - 0907231405
11
L-A2-27509
