Stratford
Fireplace Installation and Operation Manual
38 __________________________________________________________________________
6.2.5
FRAMING, FACING, MANTEL, AND COMBUSTIBLE SHELF
6.2.5.1
Framing
The construction of the framing, facing, and mantel must be in accordance with the standards and the
following illustrations:
A.
Frame the sides and back of the fireplace using 2" × 3" (5 cm x 8 cm) or heavier lumber. However, the
front studs as well as headers on top of the fireplace must be of a depth no more than the depth of the
top standoffs.
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE FRAMING MATERIAL CANNOT BE USED IN THE SPACE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE
FIREPLACE, EXCEPT FOR THE STUDS ABOVE THE FACING THAT SUPPORT THE FACING
MATERIAL AND MANTEL. THIS AREA MUST REMAIN EMPTY FOR A HEIGHT OF 80” (2.03 M)
MEASURED FROM THE BASE OF THE APPLIANCE.
B.
Frame the fireplace with vertical studs at the sides of the fireplace running from floor to ceiling. Position
the studs back from the front edge of the fireplace, a space the thickness of the facing material so that
the facing can be installed flush with the fireplace facing. Frame headers between the vertical studs
only as follows:
−
Place the front facing headers in 2" × 3" or of a depth no more than the depth of the top standoffs.
Do not put wood or any material within the area above the fireplace except what’s necessary to
support the front facing.
−
Place headers only as required to support the facing and mantel.
WARNING: DO NOT PACK REQUIRED AIR SPACES INSIDE THE CHASE WITH INSULATION OR OTHER
MATERIALS.
WARNING: THE FIREPLACE MUST NOT BE IN CONTACT WITH ANY INSULATION OR LOOSE FILLING
MATERIAL. FOR THIS PURPOSE, COVER THE INSULATION WITH DRYWALL PANELS OR ANY
OTHER FINISHING MATERIAL INSIDE THE CHASE AROUND THE FIREPLACE.
