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Heat & Glo • Soho24B • 2137-900 Rev. P • 8/12
C. Installation of Non-Combustible Facing
Materials
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 mini-
mize potential cracks in the fi nished drywall around the
fi replace opening:
• When installing gypsum wallboard around the fi re-
place, install the hole for the fi replace opening in a
single wallboard sheet, if possible. This will mini-
mize the joints adjacent to the fi replace opening.
• The factory-supplied non-combustible board and the
gypsum wallboard must join on the structural fram-
ing, where applicable. Wallboard and non-combus-
tible board should be fastened to the framing with at
least 1.25" long screw fasteners, located within 1.5"
from each corner, and at no more than 12" intervals
along the joint length.
• The wall-board joints should be fi nished with a Tap-
ing 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 recom-
mended because it will provide a more crack-resis-
tant joint than one fi nished with paper tape. Let the
Taping Coat properly cure before applying subse-
quent Finish Coats.
• For the second and third fi nishing coats, it is ac-
ceptable 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 en-
vironmental 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.