
16
Fireplace Finishes & Combustible Trim
Clearances
Hearth Material & Dimensions – Codes are strict regarding the
use of proper materials for hearth extensions and the proper
dimensional characteristics.
All hearth extensions must be made of code-rated,
noncombustible materials such as tile, brick, concrete or
stone. BURNTECH Fireplaces usually have an opening of
approximately 8 sq. ft. (eight square feet) that translates to a
hearth extension of about 20” (twenty inches) at the
fireplace’s opening and about 12” (twelve inches) extension
at each side. These relative dimensions are also covered by
code. Note that it is required that metal safety strips must be
laid on the floor of the non-combustible raised platform.
These should be 26 gauge and measure 4” (four inches)
wide. They need to extend half way under the platform and
half way under the hearth extension material (see Figure 18).
Attention: You will note that there will be a gap between the
replace front and the extension of the non-combustible hearth
material. Be certain that you seal this with non-combustible
material.
Mantle and Mantle Shelf Clearances
As with any radiant heat fireplace, all BURNTECH Fireplaces
must comply with building code safety clearances, for units
that have openings of 6 sq. ft. (six square feet) or greater.
For Mantel clearances see Figure 9.
Walls that Adjoin – your replace cannot be installed closer
than 2 ft. (two feet) to any adjoining walls in the room where
the replace is.
Caution in Regards to Combustibles – If any part of the
replace or objects in the room (curtains, rugs, paint, cushions,
etc.) start to show warping or discoloration due to heat from
the replace, it is time to take immediate action. Do not use
the fireplace until you have figured out how to address the
problem. You are facing a potential fire hazard. BURNTECH
cannot be responsible for the make-up of material on the
exterior of the fireplace you have chosen, nor can
BURNTECH be held responsible for the materials in a room
that may be responding negatively to heat. However, in
almost all cases, there is a solution to the problem, either by
making adjustments to airflow or the modifications to the
room itself.
Installing Outside Combustion (make-up) Air
1) The BURNTECH Fireplace needs enough make-up air to
function properly and some local building codes may require
outside combustion air to be provided. If no make-up air is
provided, improper ue drafting may occur, creating negative
pressure whereby smoke may enter the home, especially in
homes that are very well insulated and tightly sealed. Check
local building codes for specic requirements.
2) Install Combustion Air Kit BFP4-AK into the BURNTECH
Firebox through the side wall opening provided. The tubing
that goes out of the rebox wall must feed into a exible
metal conduit as the source for outside combustible air. It can
go straight out through an outside wall or into a ventilated
crawl space. If crawl space is used, check codes for proper
termination.
3) Be sure that you carefully check the source of the outside air
before you choose the site for your air intake. You don’t want
a place where snow will collect, where bushes or trees will be
growing or a location that is too close to any other structure.
4) Install a screened termination cap to keep out animals.
Adding a Gas Pipe
You may elect to add a vented decorative gas appliance (gas
log) to your BURNTECH Fireplace. If so, follow the
installation instructions from the Decorative Gas Appliance
manufacturer. Familiarize yourself with requirements for
installation as outlined by the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1. This gas pipe provision should only be used on a
decorative gas appliance.
1) You can route the gas piping practically anywhere in the
rebox – the oor, back wall or side walls. You will just need
a masonry drill; the instructions from the gas appliance
manufacturer will be very straightforward.
2) Fill in the holes you have drilled around the gas piping with
the regular BURNTECH mortar.
3) Follow the Gas Log manufacturer’s instructions.
Adding Electrical Connection
Like the gas line, electrical feed lines can be run through
the oor, back wall, or side walls. Follow local building and
electrical code requirements.