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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. ZERO CLEARANCE OR METAL HEATFORM FIREPLACE: These fireplaces and chimneys
must meet the conditions above, and the factory built zero clearance fireplace must be listed. They
must be suitable for use with solid fuel. The chimney must be at least 1" (25mm) larger in diameter
to accommodate a required continuous stainless steel liner running from the flue collar to the top of
the chimney termination.
Only readily detachable parts that are easily replaced, such as damper parts, screens, doors, and side
and back refractory panels, 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 labeled 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.
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.