Contempo PFM (SWB) User manual

INSTALLATION MANUAL
FOR
C-THRU MODEL 42
Wood or Gas Burnin
g
Gas Burnin
g
Onl
y
PFM
(
SWB
)
PFM
(
AGB
)

3
Manufactured By
PREFABRICATED ALL MASONRY FIREBOX
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Keep these instructions for future use.
INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR C-THRU
MODEL 42 ONLY.
Firebox structure consists of 7 modular pieces.
The entire inside of the firebox is lined with 1” of
rust colored refractory cement, cast in a
herringbone pattern, and backed up with
lightweight Vermiculite concrete.
Contempo’s double wall metal chimney
system attaches to our heavy gauge steel
anchor plate/damper. (See instructions on
page 9.) This chimney is an air-cooled
system.
Due to its lightweight firebox and the metal
chimney system, the CONTEMPO FIREPLACE
weighs only 990 pounds and therefore, requires
no footings and can even be installed on most
wooden floors. Check with the area’s
construction industry, architect, or engineer.
This fireplace is to be installed ONLY by a company
certified by Contempo. Any permits and construction
industry inspections required for installation should be
obtained by this company.
NOTE: All warnings are outlined in this manual and must be adhered
to by the installer and the buyer. Failure to do so will nullify the
manufacturer’s warranty, and may cause serious fire hazard.

4
PRE-INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Proper preparation prior to installing the Contempo fireplace is VERY IMPORTANT and will eliminate
costly delays created by call-back inspections, re-framing or removing framing to meet clearance
requirements, as well as additional trips and charges by the installer.
CHIMNEY CHASE REQUIREMENTS
…for air cooled 12/15 Contempo Chimney System or Equivalent
NEW CONSTRUCTION
If the fireplace is being installed in new construction, the flue clearance must
first be established. A 2” minimum clearance from combustible materials is
required. Fire-blocking is required between the joists in which the flue will be
installed. An enclosed chase should be constructed with an open clear
space of 19”x19” minimum in attic or closet (24”x19” or 24”x24”) see FIG. 1
on this page, and above the roof to a height of 2’0: above a parapet or roof
peak. A ½” plywood or wafer board should cap the chase in which a 19”
minimum diameter circle should be removed, and over which the roof
flashing should be centered and mounted.
RETROFIT INSTALLATION
In an existing house where the ceiling joist locations or direction are
unknown, their location can be found by using a stud finder. If a joist is
encountered within this space, it must be cut and headered (as per the
local building code). Check before cutting!
To complete the chimney preparation, follow the steps outlined above for new
construction requirement.
COMBUSTION AIR SYSTEM
INSIDE WALL INSTALLATION
If the fireplace is located on an interior wall the dryer-vent cover can be
installed on a roof flue chase (See FIG. 2) and then a flex aluminum
duct can be attached to the sleeve with enough duct to reach the floor
on which the firebox sits. Attach duct to firebox air manifold for gas
conversions only.
OUTSIDE WALL INSTALLATION
If the fireplace is located on an outside wall a Contempo outside air vent
needs to be installed. When the chase wall is going to be masonry it is best
to install this air vent as the wall is being built. If the chase wall is frame,
the vent should be installed between the studs and a few inches above the
base plate, the vent should be screwed into place before exterior finishing,
it can be adjusted for exterior finish thickness.
FIG 2: roof outside air access
(inside wall)
Note: Roof or floor decking should NOT cover any
p
art of the chase o
p
enin
g
.
Note: Combustion air supply ducts should not be accessed in attic spaces.
(
outside wall
)
WARNING: If fireplace is wood burning DO NOT ATTACH
combustion air duct to air manifold.

5
FIREBOX CHASE REQUIREMENTS
A framed chase or masonry chase is required for all
CONTEMPO fireplaces. The plan and section dimensions
are illustrated in FIG 3 and FIG 4. If the fireplace is being set
on a wood floor it must be set on 6 sets of 2- 1 1/4” thick
masonry bricks high with a piece of 24 gauge steel metal
sandwiched in between, and arranged as indicated in FIG 3.
Wherever carpeting and padding are present, they should be
removed (including the total area of the hearth extension).
See page 8 for hearth extension details.
If the fireplace chase is going to be attached to one wall, the
outside edge of the base should be set no closer than 16” to
a combustible wall. See FIG 3. A wood chase can be
constructed up to the firebox (no clearance is required). The
width of the framing should be ½” less than the width of the
fireplace to allow for sheetrock. When installed, the
sheetrock should be flush with the face of the fireplace.
The combustible header required in the chase design, over
the entire fireplace, must be a minimum of 66” above the
hearth floor. Masonry board should cover any voids from the
header to the fireplace and to the studs, which can be
screwed directly onto the face of the firebox.
FLUSH FLOOR INSTALLATION
These instructions only apply to a fireplace being set directly
on a concrete floor. First, layout the size of the fireplace (as
per plan view FIG 5) on the floor, and draw a centerline.
Next, apply a layer of Perma-Bond tile set over the entire
firebox area using a ¼” x ¼” tile applicator.
Lay the firebricks starting at the center line and out to the
sides, using the supplied bricks that are cut to firebox. Follow
the same installation instructions as specified on page 6,
with the exception of the base installation. See FIG 5.
WARNING: The hearth opening to side walls requires
a minimum of 21” distance to combustible materials.
FIG 3 FIG 5
FIG 4
5

6
CHASE FINISHING
If the chase is frame construction, the header over the chase opening must be a minimum of 66”
above the hearth floor. ½” masonry board should be installed over the entire area from the
header, between the studs, and up to the ½” offset ledge on the firebox. This board can be
screwed directly onto the fireplace face. The sheetrock can be butted up to the sides of the
fireplace. If installed on a wood floor, a hearth extension of 24” deep and extending 12” beyond
the hearth opening on both sides is required.
If the chase is masonry and the inside wall is extended above the fireplace, an adequate 1½ x
1½” L-iron mantle should be placed at the same height as the wooden header. Masonry board
covers the same opening.
FIREBOX ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
CONCRETE FLOOR INSTALLATION
If the fireplace is being installed flush with the floor, the supplied hearth split firebricks should be
laid out as illustrated in FIG 5, (pg. 5). They can be adhered to the floor with the refractory mortar
“Flue Glue” with a ¼”x ¼” tile applicator. After allowing to set, begin to assemble the firebox
starting with procedure #2, of the wood floor installation below.
WOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION
When the fireplace is being set over a wood floor, a heat barrier is required, see FIG 3 and FIG 4,
and step #1 below. Six sets of 2 split bricks 1¼” thick with a sheet of 24 gauge metal steel
sandwiched in between; which should be the same size of the base, and laid out as illustrated.
A hearth extension is required and must extend a minimum of 24” out from the face of the
fireplace and 12” beyond the fireplace opening on each side. The thickness of the extension shall
be a minimum of ½” masonry board and ¼” of ceramic tile or stone. The fireplace and hearth
extension can be raised to any height desired as long as the above specification are maintained
or increased.
The complete installation procedure following the installation of the heat barrier is shown and
described below.
1. If the fireplace is being installed with the base(B), the hearth will be elevated 5” above the
finished floor. It can be elevated to any height desired by adding non-combustible bricks or
blocks under the base.
THE FIREPLACE CANNOT BE USED AS ANY PART OF A
STRUCTUAL OR BEARING WALL
THE FIREPLACE SHOULD BE COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED
BEFORE BUILDING ANY CHASE OR FIREPLACE ENCLOSURE.
1. 2.
Base Left Side

7
2. Determine where the combustion air supply will be in the fireplace chase, then select the side
unit with the vent tube penetration(LS). Apply refractory mastic to the area on the base(B)
where this piece will set on then set this first side in place.
3. Repeat the above procedure to set the second side(RS). It is necessary to stabilize these
two pieces before adding any additional pieces. This is accomplished by cutting a piece of
½” plywood or wafer board to 52”x32” and placing it over both side pieces, line up with the base
and plum one side, then using 2” deck screws, screw the board to the firebox. Repeat on the
other side.
4. Next apply “Flue Goo” to the top of both vertical sides (LS and RS) where the Top Back (TB)
will be set. Now lift this piece into place.
5. Repeat above procedure for Top Front (TF) piece.
6. Apply “Flue Goo” to the vertical edges of the Top Right (TR) piece and on the top of the Right
Side piece (RS). Now place the Top Right (TR) piece in place, aligned with the front piece (TF)
and screw the lower lag bolt through the front piece (TF) into the Top Right (TR) piece.
Repeat procedure for the Top Left (TL) piece.
3. 4.
5. 6.
Pl
y
wood / Waferboard
RS
Ri
g
ht Side
TB
To
p
Back
TF
Top Front
TL TR
Lag Bolts
To
p
Ri
g
ht/To
p
Left

8
7. Now apply “Flue Goo” to the top edges of all the
top pieces (TR, TL, TF, TB) and set the damper
piece in place. The firebox is completely
assembled and ready for the chimney system.
Arched Contempo model may be used for gas
burning only!
8. When this fireplace is installed over a wood floor,
a non-combustible hearth extension (HE) is req-
uired. The hearth extension must extend a
minimum of 24” out from the front of the
firebox opening, and 12” beyond the
opening on both sides.
WARNING: Do Not Remove the ½”
plywood or wafer board support
until the fireplace has been
enclosed and supported.
7.
NOTE: When this fireplace is being used as a wood burning fireplace, a fixed neo-
ceramic glass panel, is required on one side of the C-Thru opening. (These
Contempo panels are included when a wood burning unit is ordered). Refe
r
to installation instructions included with fixed panel for assembly procedures.
8.
PFM (AGB) - Gas Only PFM
(
SWB
)
–
Wood or
Gas
Damper
HE

9
CHIMNEY INSTALLATION
1. Position the anchor plate/damper with chimney starter collar over the
opening on the top section of the firebox, centering over the opening.
Trace the outer edge of the anchor plate. Using a ¼” masonry drill, drill
into the firebox top through the four holes in the plate. Apply bed of
refractory mortar between the anchor plate and top of firebox. Secure the
plate with the four lag bolts ¼” dia. x 1-1’2” long.
Next install the chimney starter. Set the chimney starter over the damper.
Follow the instructions below for installation of the chimney system, then
secure the starter to the anchor plate with self-drilling screws.
Each double wall chimney section consists of an outer pipe, flue pipe
and one wire spacer. The pipe sections are not pre-assembled and must
be assembled piece by piece as the chimney is installed. When starting
the chimney directly on the fireplace, the flue pipe section must be
installed first with the hemmed end down. The outer pipe section can
then be installed over the flue pipe section with the hemmed end up. See
FIG 6.
2. Place one elbow, without straps, into the damper and slide the inner pipe
to the raised rim. Then place the outer pipe into the starter collar and
secure with screws. Press down on each pipe section until the lances on
the lower end securely engage the knurl on the fireplace starting collar.
The wire spacer will assure the proper spacing between the inner and
outer pipe sections.
3. Attach elbow with the straps to the flue section that will be used to
connect the elbows. Make sure this elbow is connected to the flue
section in the right direction. Attach these two sections to the elbow
on the anchor plate/damper and starter collar. Align the top elbow to the
hole you have already cut into the ceiling, then secure the straps to the
walls to hold the assembly in place.
4. The remaining straight flue sections required to reach the building code
approved height, or a minimum of 18’, should be attached one at a time
as they are lowered from the room to the secured elbow on the firebox.
Once the offset section is in position, attach the assembled straight flue
sections to the top elbow, thereby completing all flue connections. Make
sure that both inner and outer pipe sections are locked; when
installing double wall “snap lock” chimneys, it is important to
ensure that the joint between the chimney sections is locked. Check
by pulling chimney upward after locking: the chimney will not pull apart if
it is properly locked. Screws are not necessary to keep the chimney
together. If chimney is 30’ or higher, a support section provided by the
chimney manufacturer is required after a straight chimney above the
fireplace run, or above a return elbow after a straight chimney run. The
support is designed to relieve the extra weight load on the fireplace and
elbows when high chimneys are installed. See FIG 8.
WARNING: THE OPENINGS IN THE COLLAR AROUND THE
FIREPLACE MUST NOT BE OBSTRUCTED. NEVER USE BLOWN
INSULATION TO FILL THE DOUBLE WALL CHIMNEY OR THE
CHASE AREA.
FIG 6: chimney pipe
assembly
FIG 7: chimney termination
Note: For wood burning a minimum of 18’ of chimney must be used.
FIG 5
WARNING: DO NOT PACK REQUIRED AIR SPACES WITH INSULATION OR OTHER MATERIAL

10
5. Return to the roof with the storm collar and termination cap. First install the storm
collar around the exterior of the flue section extending above the roof flashing.
Tighten and slide down over the top of the roof flashing, secure and seal. Install the
termination cap as per manufacturer’s instructions. See FIG 7.
IMPORTANT: If an exposed portion of chimney is greater than 5’ above the roof line,
use support wires to keep chimney secure. The support wires may be attached to the
outer pipe of the chimney with screws, but must not penetrate the inner flue pipe.
ELBOW INSTALLATION
1. To achieve desired offset you may install combinations of 12”, 18”, and 48” lengths of
double wall pipe between the elbows.
2. Chimney weight above offset rests on return elbow. Straps must be securely nailed to
rafters, joists, or stud.
3. Maximum length of pipe between supports (return elbow) is 6’ of angled run, after
first set of elbows.
NOTE: All pipe joints between offsets shall be secured
with two screws, only on the outer pipe, and must not
penetrate the inner stainless. See FIG 6.
FIRESTOP SPACERS
Firestop spacers are required at each point where the
chimney penetrates a floor or ceiling joist space. Their
purpose is two-fold: they establish and maintain the
required clearance between the chimney and combustible
materials, and they also provide complete separation
from one floor space to another floor or attic space as
required by most codes. When penetrating a floor or
ceiling at an angle, the appropriate approved firestop
should be used. See FIG 8.
When the double wall chimney passes through a framed
opening into an attic space, the firestop must be place in
the attic floor. See FIG 9a.
When the double wall chimney passes through a framed
opening into living space above, the firestop must be
placed onto the ceiling from below. FIG 9b.
10-FOOT RULE
All chimney terminations must extend a minimum of 3’
above the highest point where it passes through the roof
and must be at least 2’ above the peak of the roof if within
a horizontal distance of 10’ from the peak. See FIG 10.
WARNING: DO NOT SEAL VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THE
ROOFTOP FLASHING.
FIG 8
FIG 9a FIG 9b
FIG 10: 10 foot rule

11
GAS LOG CONVERSION
See pre-installation sheet.
This provision for installation of gas pipe is intended for connection to a decorative gas appliance that
incorporates an automatic shutoff device and complies with the Standard for Decorative Gas Appliances for
Installation in Vented Fireplaces, ANSI Z21.60. The decorative gas appliance must be installed in accordance
with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI A223.1
FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION MANUAL PROVIDED BY THE GAS LOG MANUFACTURER.
This fireplace was tested to UL127 standards for zero clearance fireplaces, as applicable to gas log
installation 54.3.2s.
USE ONLY VENTED GAS APPLIANCES THAT 1) HAVE AN AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF DEVICE, AND 2)
COMPLY WITH STANDARDS FOR DECORATIVE GAS APPLICANCES FOR INSTALLATION IN VENTED
FIREPLACES, ANSI Z21.60-1996/CGA 2.26-M96, OR LOS ANGELES RGA 2-72 OR AGA DRAFT
REQUIREMENTS FOR GAS-FIRED LOGLIGHTER FOR WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES, DRAFT NO. 4
DATED AUGUST 1993. THE GAS APPLIANCE SHALL BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, ANSI Z223.1 (NFPA 54)
NOTE: The data plate is located on the front top inside of the firebox.
WARNING: INSTALL ONLY THE TERMINATIONS OUTLINED IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND
MANUFACTURED BY CONTEMPO. A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD COULD EXIST IF USING NON-LISTED
TERMINATION. THIS CHIMNEY SYSTEM IS NOT INTENDED FOR HORIZONTAL TERMINATION.
WARNING: WHEN USING THE DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE, THE FIREPLACE DAMPER MAY HAVE
TO BE PERMANENTLY REMOVED CHECK YOUR LOCAL CITY CODES.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET. TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET INTO THIS
FIREPLACE.
WHEN THIS UNIT HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO GAS THE GLASS DOOR AND THE ANDIRON
GRATE ARE NOT REQUIRED