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Section 1.0 Pre-Installation Requirements
1.1 Masonry & Zero Clearance Requirements
The masonry fireplace must meet the minimum code requirements, or NFPA 211 or the equivalent for a
safe installation. Contact your local Building Inspector for requirements in your area. An inspection of
the fireplace should include the following:
1. CONDITION OF THE FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY: Examine the masonry fireplace and
chimney prior to installation to determine that they are free from cracks, loose mortar, creosote deposits,
blockage, or other signs of deterioration. If evidence of deterioration is noted, the fireplace or chimney
should be upgraded prior to installation.
2. INSTALLATION INTO AN EXISTING FACTORY-BUILT ZERO-CLEARANCE
FIREPLACE: It is possible to install a wood insert into an existing factory-built zero-clearance
fireplace. However, there currently exists no UL or ULC standard specific to that type of installation.
The first thing that must be verified is that the factory-built zero clearance fireplace is listed (it must be
certified by a competent certification body such as Omni or Warnock Hersey). It must be suitable for use
with solid fuel and nothing in the owner’s manual must specifically prohibit the installation of a fireplace
insert. When in doubt, check with the fireplace manufacturer. The installation of the zero-clearance
fireplace MUST be thoroughly inspected by a professional in order to ensure that it still meets the
manufacturer’s specs and code conformity. The chimney must be of at least 1" (25 mm) larger in diameter
to accommodate a required continuous stainless steel liner running from the flue collar to the top of the
chimney termination.
Never remove parts that serve to insulate the zero-clearance fireplace from combustible material. Only
readily detachable parts that are easily replaced, such as damper parts, screens, and doors, are to be
removed from the fireplace. These parts must be stored nearby and available for retrofit if the insert is
ever removed. Removal of any parts which render the fireplace unfit for use with solid fuel requires the
fireplace to be permanently labelled by the installer as being no longer suitable for solid fuel until the
removed parts are replaced and the fireplace is restored to its original certified condition. Furthermore,
any air vents, grilles, or louvers that serve to create an air circulation pattern around and outside the zero-
clearance fireplace shall never be removed.
3. CHIMNEY CAPS: Mesh type chimney caps must have provision for regular cleaning, or the mesh
should be removed to eliminate the potential of plugging.
4. LINER: The chimney must have an acceptable masonry liner suitable for solid fuel, otherwise a
continuous stainless steel liner must be installed.
5. ADJACENT COMBUSTIBLES: The fireplace should be inspected to make sure that there is
adequate clearance to combustibles, both exposed combustibles to the top, side, and front as well as
concealed combustibles, in the chimney and mantel area. Your local inspector should have
information on whether older fireplaces are of adequate construction.
6. OPENING SIZE: Refer to “Suitable Fireplace Dimensions” (Sec. 2.2) for suitable size fireplace
openings.
NOTE: A METAL TAG IS PROVIDED AND IS TO BE FASTENED TO THE BACK WALL OF
THE FIREPLACE IF THE FIREPLACE HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO ACCOMMODATE THE
INSERT.