ORTAL Series 40 User manual

Builder’s Manual
ORTAL Heating Systems Ltd.

2 OrtalBuilder'sManual
WelcometoORTALandORTALUSA.
ORTAL, providing heating solutions for over 25 years, is well known for its wide selection of modern gas
fireplaces, produced with close attention to detail, finishing, heating efficiency and quality. ORTAL’s products
combine traditional and modern design with the technology innovation that ensures a green product with
high efficiency ratings. Our advanced technology produces eye catching fires that are safe, beautiful and
economical. Our product sophistication allows installation in more locations inside the home.
ORTAL offers the largest selection of modern gas fireplaces in North America available in an array of sizes to
suit design and architectural needs integrating heat into the aesthetics of life. ORTAL also welcomes clients’
visions for custom‐made fireplaces for special requirements, sizes and uses. Our high quality fireplaces are
CSA and CE certified. ORTAL fireplaces are available in North American through ORTAL USA approved dealers
who each have a strong commitment to offer the best installation and service.
GreenStatement: ORTAL offers a green, environmentally friendly heating solution for the modern
era. With ORTAL’s high efficiency ratings and contemporary designs, you don’t have to sacrifice form for
function. The unique design maximizes the fireplace’s radiant heat. Additional efficient components include
ORTAL’s use of direct vent technology, electronic ignition (instead of a standing pilot) and low maintenance
requirements.
We appreciate you choosing ORTAL for your fireplace needs.
Thank you,
Ortal and Ortal USA

OrtalBuilder'sManual 3
TableofContents
Overview and Checklist ............................................................................................................................... 5
Project Planning Checklist ...................................................................................................................... 5
Firebox Clearances ...................................................................................................................................... 7
General Guidelines ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Airflow: Description and Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 9
Cool Wall Airflow Intake ................................................................................................................... 9
Heat Release .................................................................................................................................... 9
Sizing Guidelines for Air Intake and Heat Release ............................................................................. 9
Gas Valve Access Panel .........................................................................................................................10
Heat Release and Air Intake Construction ..................................................................................................11
Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................................11
Working with Reveal or Gap Openings ..................................................................................................11
Reveal Section Diagram: Double Glass Models ................................................................................12
Reveal Section Diagram: Screen Models ..........................................................................................13
Working with Louver or Grill Openings .................................................................................................13
Louver Section Diagram: Double Glass Models ................................................................................14
Louver Section Diagram: Screen Models .........................................................................................15
Clearance Diagrams ....................................................................................................................................16
Clearance to Ceiling ..............................................................................................................................16
Sprinkler Clearance to Heat Release .....................................................................................................17
Inside Corner Clearances .......................................................................................................................17
Finishing Details .........................................................................................................................................18
Stone Finish ..........................................................................................................................................19
Brick Veneer Finish ...............................................................................................................................20
Wood Hearth Extension ........................................................................................................................21
Stone Finish and Hearth Extension ........................................................................................................22
Wood Finishes Above Fireplace ............................................................................................................23
Mantel Detail ........................................................................................................................................24
ORTAL Traditional Fireplace Mantel Detail ......................................................................................25
TV Detail ...............................................................................................................................................26
TV Detail: Recess .............................................................................................................................26
TV Detail: Flush ................................................................................................................................27
Wood Framing: TV Detail (Flush) .....................................................................................................28
Wood Framing: TV Detail (Recess) ...................................................................................................29
Shelf Detail ............................................................................................................................................29
Securing the Unit ..................................................................................................................................31
Vent Pipe Clearances ..................................................................................................................................32
Chase Construction ....................................................................................................................................33
Overview of the Construction Process ..................................................................................................33

4 OrtalBuilder'sManual
Building Back and Side Walls .................................................................................................................34
Walls, Ceiling and Floor ...................................................................................................................34
Drywall Chase Interior .....................................................................................................................35
Installing the Fireplace and Venting ......................................................................................................36
Building the Front Walls ........................................................................................................................36
Working with Drywall ......................................................................................................................38
Building the Infill Panel .........................................................................................................................39
Completing Construction ......................................................................................................................41
Adding Finishes and Accessories ......................................................................................................41
Delivering the Product to the Customer ..........................................................................................41
Venting Diagrams .......................................................................................................................................42
Venting Diagram: Typical Horizontal .....................................................................................................42
Venting Diagram: Typical Vertical .........................................................................................................44
Venting Diagram: Straight Vertical ........................................................................................................45

OrtalBuilder'sManual 5
OverviewandChecklist
This manual provides information, diagrams, instructions and recommendations related to preparing a building
site for installation of an ORTAL fireplace and vent.
ORTAL fireplaces must be installed in accordance with the ORTAL Installation and Operation Manuals and
applicable codes. An authorized dealer will install the direct vent pipe, make gas and power connections, and
provide fire stopping or thimble where direct vent pipe penetrates the wall or ceiling of the chase.
InstallationmustbeperformedbyanORTALAuthorizedInstaller.Installationbyanyotherparty
invalidatesthewarranty.
Keep the following tips in mind as you plan the project:
 Do not allow delivery of the ORTAL fireplace to your jobsite until building is enclosed and ready for
installation.
 Protect the fireplace against damage throughout construction.
 Notify authorities having jurisdiction to inspect work before the chase is enclosed (if required).
ProjectPlanningChecklist
Review the following requirements and tips carefully as you plan the project.
 FireplaceModelandSize: Ensure that the fireplace delivered matches the model and size in the order.
 GasType: Check whether you will be working with propane or with natural gas.
 OptionalFeatures: Clarify whether the project will include features such as
 Double Glass fan assisted (upgrade from screen barrier)
 Power Vent System
 Wall Control Switch
 Power Heat Release System
 FireplaceLocationandVenting: Make sure that adequate space is provided to vent the fireplace from
its desired location to the termination outside of the structure. For details, refer to Airflow: Description
and Guidelines on page 9.
 AccessPanelforControlValve: See Gas Valve Access Panel on page 10.
 GasSupplyLine: Must run to fireplace valve location and include shutoff to allow for flex line to be
attached to valve. The line must have a manual shutoff in the same room as the fireplace (within 4’ of
the fireplace, or per local code).
 PowerLocation: Provide a single gang 120v 15 amp outlet in the same area as the valve behind the
access panel. The unit requires a 6v transformer supplied with the fireplace to run without batteries.
 HeatRelease–AirReturntoRoom: Make sure the size of the heat release is verified and located. For
details, refer to Sizing Guidelines for Air Intake and Heat Release on page 9.

6 OrtalBuilder'sManual
 AirIntake(requiredfordoubleglassmodels):Make sure the size of the air intake is verified and
located. For details, refer to Sizing Guidelines for Air Intake and Heat Release on page 9.
 PlatformHeight: This determines the height of the viewable glass opening. For specific unit
dimensions, see the CAD drawings on the ORTAL website.
 TypeXSheetrockinChaseArea: All combustible framing in the chase area must be completely
covered with 5/8” Type X drywall or its equivalent.
All weight must be supported by the framing and transferred to the fireplace. No building material should be
attached to the fireplace, with the exception of the Type X drywall (or its equivalent) in a flush install. It may
be secured to the unit with 1" self‐tapping screws 2 ½” up from the drywall lip spaced 16'' on center.
 Non‐combustibleAreas: Maintain a 2” clearance on sides and back of the firebox to the Type X drywall
(or its equivalent).
 FinalWallFinish: Wall finish materials should be reviewed with your dealer to ensure that clearances
and materials conform to ORTAL clearance requirements. For more information, refer to Finishing
Details on page 18.

OrtalBuilder'sManual 7
FireboxClearances
This Builder’s Manual is based on installation of front‐facing ORTAL fireplaces. To install other ORTAL fireplace
styles, modify the instructions per ORTAL Framing Dimensions.
Maintain clearances as shown in the figures below. Clearances are to non‐combustible materials, or 5/8” Type X
fire rated drywall or its equivalent.
The legend for the figures is provided in the following table:
5/8” Type X fire rated gypsum board
Section cut
Wood
Combustible material
Non‐combustible material
Wood framing
Metal framing
FRONT/TRADITIONAL
TUNNEL(SEE‐THRU)

8 OrtalBuilder'sManual
SPACECREATOR
LEFTSIDEOPEN(LS)
RIGHTSIDEOPEN(RS)
THREESIDES(TS)

OrtalBuilder'sManual 9
GeneralGuidelines
Before you begin, read the following guidelines about airflow and the gas valve.
Airflow:DescriptionandGuidelines
An ORTAL fireplace requires two airflow paths, for:
 Exhaust and combination air
 Cool wall air
The exhaustandcombinationairpath involves the direct vent exhaust system, which consists of the air inside
the firebox and the direct vent pipe. A direct vent pipe has an inner and outer channel. Hot exhaust gases (mostly
carbon dioxide and water vapor) escape through the inner channel. Fresh outdoor air (providing oxygen for the
fire) is drawn in through the outer channel, where it captures most of the heat escaping through the inner
channel.
Coolwallairflow refers to the heat release system and air intake. The chase enclosing an ORTAL fireplace must
have a heat release above the fireplace. This allows for the heat buildup within the fireplace chase to be released
back into the living space, which helps keep the fireplace wall cool. Fireplaces with the double glass feature must
have an air intake. Room air is drawn between the glass, into the chase and then is returned to the room through
the heat release. These airflows, along with radiant heat from the front of the fireplace, maximize the heating
performance of an ORTAL fireplace and contribute to its energy efficiency.
CoolWallAirflowIntake
 ORTAL fireplaces with double glass require an intake located below elevation of the fireplace.
 The air intake can be a grille or louver, or an opening on the underside of the chase.
 For screen units, the screen serves as the air intake.
HeatRelease
A heat release mechanism is required for all built‐in models.
 The heat release must be interior.
 It should be located a maximum of 6 inches from the top of the fireplace chase.
 It can be a grille or louver, or a gap between the top of the chase wall and the ceiling.
SizingGuidelinesforAirIntakeandHeatRelease
The minimum free area (net area after grillwork or screens are subtracted) should be:
 OrtalModels40to130: 124 sq.inches or more
 OrtalModels150to200: 200 sq.inches or more
 OrtalModel250: 250 sq.inches or more
 OtherModels: Check with ORTAL

10 OrtalBuilder'sManual
GasValveAccessPanel
A gas valve should be installed below elevation of the firebox. An access panel is recommended for easy servicing
of the gas valve. The panel should be a minimum size of 10” x 10”. If a larger panel is required to conveniently
reach the valve, increase these dimensions.
NOTE:.Forpowervents,a12”x12”panelisrecommended.
An appropriately sized air intake can be used as an access panel. Refer to Sizing Guidelines for Air Intake and Heat
Release on page 9.

OrtalBuilder'sManual 11
HeatReleaseandAirIntakeConstruction
The following sections present guidelines and diagrams related to building the heat release and air intake:
 Safety Precautions on page 11
 Working with Reveal or Gap Openings on page 11
 Working with Louver or Grill Openings on page 13
SafetyPrecautions
Alwaysadheretothefollowingguidelinestoensuresafetyandtoprotectequipment:
 Know the building code and consult with authorities having jurisdiction before proceeding. This
Builder’s Manual contains minimum requirements. You may need to modify details provided to satisfy
project requirements.
 External surfaces of ORTAL fireplaces and areas exposed to radiant heat from fire will get hot. Observe
required clearances between the fireplace and combustible materials.
 Artwork and devices such as TVs, audio speakers and light fixtures to be mounted on the chase or
recessed into a wall of the chase must have a double wall of 5/8” Type X fire rated gypsum board (or its
equivalent) with a 7/8” high hat channel installed vertically in between to prevent direct heat impact.
For more information, refer to TV Detail on page 26.
 Protect the fireplace against damage throughout the construction period.
WorkingwithRevealorGapOpenings
The diagram below shows the heat release as reveal, and the air intake as reveal/toe‐kick. For details about the
heat release and air intake, refer to Airflow: Description and Guidelines on page 9.
Anairintakeisrequiredforalldoubleglassmodels.
NOTE:Anaccesspanel(minimumsize10”x10”)isrecommendedforallinstallations.Theairintakecan
functionasanaccesspanel.

12 OrtalBuilder'sManual
RevealSectionDiagram:DoubleGlassModels
Double glass units require the air intake shown below. The diagram at the bottom of the page shows details of
the inset areas.
For free space area requirements, refer to Sizing Guidelines for Air Intake and Heat Release on page 9.

OrtalBuilder'sManual 13
RevealSectionDiagram:ScreenModels
WorkingwithLouverorGrillOpenings
The diagram below shows the heat release and the air intake as louvers. For details about the heat release and
air intake, refer to Airflow: Description and Guidelines on page 9.
Anairintakeisrequiredforalldoubleglassmodels.
NOTE:Anaccesspanel(minimumsize10”x10”)isrecommendedforallinstallations.Theairintakecan
functionasanaccesspanel.

14 OrtalBuilder'sManual
LouverSectionDiagram:DoubleGlassModels
Double glass units require the air intake shown below. The diagram at the bottom of the page shows details of
the inset areas.
Check with your louver manufacturer regarding the percentage of free air space provided by their products in
order to verify that you will be providing the minimum free air space required.

OrtalBuilder'sManual 15
LouverSectionDiagram:ScreenModels

16 OrtalBuilder'sManual
ClearanceDiagrams
The following sections present diagrams for:
 Clearance to Ceiling on page 16
 Sprinkler Clearance to Heat Release on page 17
 Inside Corner Clearances on page 17
ClearancetoCeiling

OrtalBuilder'sManual 17
SprinklerClearancetoHeatRelease
In a situation where a sprinkler head is in close proximity to the heat release, the detail shown in the diagram
below must be followed. The distance between the sprinkler head to the heat release opening cannot be less
than 60 inches (linear length) from every point of the heat release opening.
InsideCornerClearances
The diagram below shows inside corner options. No combustible material should be placed within the
dimensions shown.

18 OrtalBuilder'sManual
FinishingDetails
The following sections provide information and diagrams for planning the mantel, hearth extensions, shelves and
more:
 Stone Finish on page 19
 Brick Veneer Finish on page 20
 Wood Hearth Extension on page 21
 Stone Finish and Hearth Extension on page 22
 Wood Finishes Above Fireplace on page 23
 Mantel Detail on page 24
 TV Detail on page 26
 Shelf Detail on page 29
 Securing the Unit on page 31

OrtalBuilder'sManual 19
StoneFinish
The figure below shows a diagram for stone finishing.
NOTE:Alwaysrespectthe1/4”clearancebetweenthemetalframingandthefireplacefrontforheat
expansion.

20 OrtalBuilder'sManual
BrickVeneerFinish
The figure below shows a diagram for brick veneer finishing.
NOTE:Alwaysrespectthe1/4”clearancebetweenthemetalframingandthefireplacefrontforheat
expansion.