Stone Age Fireplaces SA 24 User manual

Installation and Operation
Instructions
Stone Age Fireplace
Exhibit “A”
1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on becoming the owner of a Stone
Age Fireplace, manufactured by Stone Age
Manufacturing Collinsville, Oklahoma.
Three generations of fireplace knowledge and
experience have gone into the design and
construction of the SA 24, 36 and 48 fireplaces.
Originally designed for a patio or back yard
installation, customer demand has brought this
fireplace into the house.
It is recommended that this fireplace be installed
by a professional installer in an existing home
because of structural changes required, or by a
builder in new construction. Installation by a non-
qualified person may negate the warranty.
2.0 Description
The fireplace is delivered as a kit with all
components necessary to complete the installation.
Component arrangement, some of which is
optional, is shown in Figure 1. Dimensions of the
various components are shown in Table 1.
Specifications and installation dimensions are
shown in Table 2.
A. Fireplace items shown in Figure 1 and listed in
Table 1.
B. Lyemance™Energy Saving Damper (sold
separately)
C. HomeSaver Pro™Chimney Cap (sold
separately)
D. Stone Age Fireplace Grate (sold separately)
E. Smithfield Medium Duty firebrick
The Stone Age Fireplace has been tested and listed
in accordance with UL 127 standards and is listed
by OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc. for installation
and operation in the United States as described in
this manual.
This fireplace is designed to supplement your
current heating system. It is not designed to be
used a primary heat source.
Make sure that appropriate building permits
required by local codes are obtained before
installation in an existing home.
Figure 1. Fireplace Components
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Table 1. Component Dimensions (In.)
Item Description 24” 36” 48”
1 Legs 18x40 18x40 18x40
2 Baseplate 33X34 33X46 33X58
3 Sidewall 11X33 11X33 11X33
4 Backplate 22.5X27 22.5X40 22.5X52
5 Slanted Side 11X26 11X26 11X26
6 Back Header 11X34 11X46 11X58
7 Front Header 11X34 11x46 11X58
8 Throat 19 sq.
at top 23 sq. at top 31 sq. at top
9 Flue (Note 2) 19 sq. 22 sq 22 sq
10 Hearth 11x5x40 11x5x52 11x5x64
11 Throat to Flue
Adapter --- --- 27.5x30
Note 1: Item numbers refer to component numbers in Figure
1.
Note 2: Flue sections are available but not provided in
sufficient quantity to reach a height of 16 feet. Flue sections
must be purchased separately.
2.1 Specifications
Table 2: Specifications
SA 24, 36 and 48 Fireplace
Size SA 24, 36, 48”
Sidewall to Opening 18”
Top Trim to Opening 17”
Side Trim to Opening 3”
Mantle to Opening 25”
Floor to Opening 7”
Front Hearth Extension 24”
Side Hearth Extension 12”
Opening to Combustibles 48”
Minimum Ceiling Height 7’6”
Clearance around Chimney flue 2”
Chimney Height from floor 16’
Note 1. This Fireplace intended for use with solid wood
fuel only.
Note 2: this fireplace has not been tested for use with glass
doors. If glass doors are installed, make sure they are left in
the open position while a fire is burning to reduce the risk
of fire or injury.
Note 3: Do not use fireplace insert or other products not
specified for use with this model. Use only Stone Age
fireplace grate.
Note 4:This fireplace has not been tested with an unvented
gas log. Do not install an unvented gas log set into this
fireplace.
Note 5: Clay flue liners installed in flue section (item 9,
Figure 1) meet the specifications of ASTM Section C315-
02.
Note 6: Make sure installation complies with local building
codes.
Note 7: Thermal Floor Protection of ½ “ of k=0.84 thermal
protection
Note 8: Floor under unit must be non-combustible to earth
3.0 Installation of the Fireplace
3.1 Installation in Manufactured Homes
If the fireplace is to be installed in a manufactured
home, the following WARNING and CAUTION
apply:
WARNING: Do not install in sleeping room.
CAUTION: The structural integrity of the
manufactured home floor, wall and
ceiling/roof must be maintained.
3.2 Preparations
Select wall location where all the minimum
distances, as shown in Table 2 can be met. Proceed
as follows. Numbers in ( ) are item numbers from
Table 1 and Figure 1.
Determine the height you want the firebox floor off
the finished grade. The legs (1) provided with the
kit are 18 inches tall and place the firebox about 24
inches above the finished grade. If this height is not
desirable, discard the legs and construct base from
concrete blocks.
Select a high temperature fire clay or refractory
cement and mix according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
Once the fireplace is constructed you must wait at
least 21 days before building a fire to give the
cement adequate time to cure.
3.3 Assembly of Components
A. When the base is level and square, set the
baseplate (2). Level it from side to side and
front to back.
B. As shown in Figure 1, install the four sidewall
pieces (3) and the back header (6). Use one-
half inch of mortar between each section.
Smooth out mortar and make sure sections
remain level.
C. After installation of the back header (6), Install
the firebrick inside the firebox. Line the floor,
then the back and then the sides Apply ¼-inch
thick layer cement to the back of the brick, and
1/4 –inch mortar joint around the brick.
Note: Add extra cement to mixture when applying
brick and add water to thin mixture. The
cement should be richer and wetter when used
on firebrick.

D. Continue with the installation with front
header, throat and flue (7, 8 and 9). The front
header (7) can be arched or straight. Add as
many flue sections (9) to reach desired
chimney height.
Note: The 48-inch fireplace requires a throat-to-
flue adapter (11). It is installed between items
(8) and (9).
E. If installing a mantel and side trim, especially
if it is wood or other combustible materials,
make sure the minimum distances shown in
Table 2 are met.
F. Install the hearth (10). You are now ready to
install the exterior.
3.4 Exterior finishing
The exterior finish may be either fabricated stone,
thin veneer, natural stone, stain, tile, brick or
stucco.
If exterior finish is going to be stucco, stain, tile,
fabricated stone or thin veneer, wrap outside of
fireplace with metal lathe. Attach lathe to fireplace
using concrete nails or tapcons.
Make sure the same type of fire clay is used.
4.0 Installation of Chimney
The chimney is completed by stacking as many
flue sections (9) as necessary to reach chimney
height. Chimney plumbing can either be straight
through the ceiling and through the roof, or if the
fireplace is installed on an outside wall, the
chimney can be external to the house.
4.1 Maintenance Clearances
When the chimney passes through a ceiling to an
upper floor, make sure the 2-inch clearance is
maintained with framing where it passes through
the ceiling.
4.2 Secure Chimney System
As the chimney extends through the attic to the
roof, attach securing straps to rafters and joists as
required to provide stability.
4.3 Roof Exit
Locate the point where the chimney will exit the
roof by plumbing down to the center of the
chimney. Drive a nail into the roof to mark the
center.
A. Measure to all sides of the nail and mark the
required opening, then cut a hole in the roof.
Remember that the hole is measured on the
horizontal, then projected to the roof. The hole
may then be larger, depending on the pitch of
the roof. See Figure 2.
Figure 2. Roof Penetration
B. Frame the opening, making sure that the
minimum 2-inch distance between the roof
and the chimney is maintained all the way
around.
C. Continue to add flue sections (9), extending
the chimney through the roof.
D. Install roof flashing appropriate to the roof
pitch.
4.4 Height of Chimney
Figure 3 illustrates the proper height of the
chimney top. Correct height depends on the
chimney’s location on the roof and distance from
the peak of the roof. Surrounding trees, other
buildings and hills may also be a consideration.
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Figure 3. Chimney Height
If the chimney top is not high enough, unusual
downdrafts may occur, resulting in undesired
smoke.
4.5 Install Damper
A. Install the Lyemance damper at the top of the
chimney, following instructions contained
with the damper. Figure 4 shows the proper
orientation of the damper in the chimney.
B. Connect the pull cable at the cable guide of the
damper and drop through the chimney.
Prevailing Wind
Figure 4. Install Damper
C. Install bracket towards the front of the firebox
wall, about 20 inches off the firebox floor.
This will contain the damper operating cable.
Use a ¼” masonry bit to avoid cracks in the
firebrick. See Figure 5.
Figure 5. Install Bracket
D. Insert the pull cable through the bracket and
adjust the length as shown in Figure 6 in the
open and closed positions.
Damper Open Damper Closed
Figure 6. Adjust Damper Cable
Ca
b
le
Adhesive

Check damper to make sure it opens and closes
properly.
4.6 Install Top Cap
Install the top cap over the damper following the
instructions provided. This will protect the
chimney from rain, birds, animals and leaves.
Figure 7.Install Top Cap
4.7 Use of Glass Doors
If fireplace glass doors are installed in the opening,
make sure they are always left in the open position
when a fire is burning.
WARNING: This fireplace has not been tested
for use with doors. To reduce the
risk of fire or injury, make sure
the doors are left open when a
fire is burning.
5.0 Operating Instructions
5.1 Safety Precautions
A fireplace can bring many hours of enjoyment,
comfort and warmth if operated and maintained
properly. Certain safety precautions must be
observed to eliminate the dangers associated with
fire and provide a satisfactory, smoke free fire.
A. Use solid, seasoned wood only. Do not use
scrap wood or artificial wax based logs,
treated, coal or woods dipped in pine tar or
pitch.
B. Never use gasoline or other combustible
liquids when starting a fire.
C. Keep the chimney damper open while burning
a fire. Do not interrupt air flow. Make sure
sufficient air is present to support combustion.
The manufacturer of this fireplace is not
responsible for smoking resulting from lack
of combustion air.
D. Keep a screen in front of the fireplace except
when tending the fire.
E. Keep combustible furniture/pillows at least
four feet from the opening.
F. Never leave the fire unattended.
G. Be extremely careful when adding wood and
handling fireplace tools.
H. Do not alter this fireplace. Use only Stone Age
authorized equipment with this fireplace.
5.2 Selection of Wood
Use cured wood logs only. Scrap wood produces
sparks. Treated wood, coal, or woods dipped in
pine tar should not be used because they may leave
a combustible residue in the fireplace and chimney.
Use of seasoned wood is preferred.
The amount of heat available from logs will
depend on the type of wood, its dryness, quantity
of wood and the size of the logs. Ten pounds of
twigs will produce as much heat as a 10 pound log,
but will produce it much faster because the air
supply is more available.
5.3 Softwood vs. Hardwood
Wood is divided into two classes, hard and soft
woods. Each has a use in a fireplace and each has
advantages and disadvantages.
The hardwood category includes such woods as
oak, walnut, birch, elm and maple. Softwoods
include pine, fir, cedar and spruce.
Selection of wood depends on the type of fire you
want. Softwoods are good to offset a morning chill
because the fire develops faster. Hardwoods are
preferable for a slower burning and uniform heat
output.
Softwoods contain a highly flammable resin that
will leave creosote soot in the chimney flu. This
often results in sparking. Burning softwood
exclusively will require more frequent inspection
and cleaning of the chimney.
Experienced fire builders often use small amounts
of softwood kindling and newspaper when starting
a split hardwood log fire.
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5.4 Seasoned Wood
Most freshly cut “green” wood will not burn well
and will smoke. The pressure of moisture and resin
inside green wood will build under heat and
explode as sparks. Therefore, it is recommended
that only seasoned wood be used in your fireplace.
Most wood requires 9 to 12 months of seasoning
and drying to reduce the moisture content enough
to produce good steady fires. Make sure that you
buy only seasoned wood, or if you buy green wood
(usually cheaper), store it properly to aid in the
seasoning process. The following steps will assist
in the seasoning process.
A. Stack wood loosely to permit maximum air
circulation.
B. Do not stack wood on the ground. Use a wood
rack or stack on scrap lumber. Storage on the
ground will cause rotting and insect
infiltration.
C. Cover wood stacks with a tarp so that it is not
excessively exposed to the elements such as
snow and rain.
D. Do not stack wood against the walls of your
home.
5.5 Building a Fire
A. Use the Stone Age grate provided with your
fireplace. This will contribute to good air
circulation around the wood, and keep the
wood out of the ash.
B. Close any window located near the fireplace
when first lighting the fire to reduce the
possibility of smoking. It can be reopened
once a draft has been created through the
chimney.
WARNING: Never use gasoline, gasoline-type
lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal
lighter fluid or similar liquids to
start or “freshen up” a fire in the
fireplace. Keep all such liquids
well away from the fireplace
while it is in use.
C. When lighting a fire in a cold chimney, a
downdraft may be created, letting a little
smoke into the room. To correct this, hold a
wadded newspaper in the firebox and light it.
This will create an updraft and clear the flue of
cold air.
The following steps are recommended when
starting a fire.
A. Remove any excess ash from the fireplace.
Excessive ash may reduce airflow. Some
owners prefer to leave a small layer to insulate
the cold refractory below the grate, helping
fire starting.
B. Open and close the damper to make sure it
operates properly. Leave it in the full open
position.
C. Center the grate over the bottom hearth of the
firebox.
D. Crumble several newspapers across the fire
area underneath the grate. Criss-cross kindling
wood on top of the grate, above the
newspaper.
E. Lay three logs on the grate; two side by side
and the third in pyramid fashion on top. Split
logs will start faster. Make sure there is space
between the logs for air circulation. As the air
is heated, it is drawn upwards through the
space between the logs, creating more
combustion.
F. Light the paper at both sides of the firebox.
G. Set the screen in front of the firebox to prevent
the escape of sparks and embers.
H. Make sure the fire remains centered in the
firebox. Don’t let it move the front par. Move
it back with the poker.
I. If glass doors are installed, leave them in the
open position while burning a fire.
J. Add wood to the fire as necessary.
CAUTION: Be extremely careful when adding
wood to the fire. Use proper fireplace
tools and wear gloves. If adding an un-
split log, it is possible that it may want to
roll out.
6.0 Cleaning, Inspection and
Maintenance
As is the case with most other equipment,
cleanliness is the best maintenance practice and

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will contribute to many hours of warmth and
pleasure.
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapors. Combined with moisture, creosote
is formed and the vapors condense in the cooler
chimney flue. When ignited, this creosote makes
an extremely hot fire.
A. Do not let ash build up in the firebox. Remove
it at least after every other fire. Ashes should
be placed in a metal container with a tight-
fitting lid. The closed container of ashes
should be placed on a noncombustible floor or
on the ground, well away from all combustible
materials, pending final disposal. If the ashes
are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise
locally dispersed, they should be retained in
the closed container until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled.
B. The grate may be removed from the firebox
for cleaning. However, make sure it is returned
prior to laying the next fire.
C. Keep the fireplace screen clean so air flows
freely through it.
D. Spot check the refractory bricks and mortar for
small cracks. It will expand slightly with the
heat, then contract as it cools. Replace
refractories when the cracks open more than
¼”; pits become extensive and deeper than
3/16”; or any piece of refractory becomes
larger than 2 inches in diameter becomes
dislodged.
E. Inspect the fireplace system at least once a
year, and twice if it is used regularly. If
creosote has accumulated, it should be
removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Clean the chimney as outlined below or have
the chimney cleaned by a professional
chimney sweep.
WARNING: Do not use chemical chimney
cleaners that are poured on a hot
fire. The chemical cleaner can be
dangerous and generally will
only work on the flue section
nearest the fire, leaving the rest
of the flue unaffected.
F. Inspect the top cap, damper and opening in
your chimney top and remove any debris that
could clog it. Birds will often nest there, if
possible and it must be cleared of nest
material.
G. Check the metal flashing and seals around the
chimney. Seal any cracks or loose nail heads
to prevent roof leaks.
H. Cover the firebox opening with a damp sheet
and seal with masking tape to retain soot in the
firebox while cleaning.
I. Inspect the entire flue from the top down for
obstructions. Use a flexible handled cleaning
brush. If the chimney contains offset/return
elbows, clean from the top down to the offset,
then from the firebox up to the offset.
J. Check the flue from inside the fireplace with
the damper open for obstructions.
K. After completion of cleaning, use a vacuum
cleaner to remove all soot and residue from the
firebox.
Lyemance™is a trademark of the Lyemance Lock-Top, Inc.
HomeSaver Pro™is a trademark of Cooperfield Chimney Supply, Inc.

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Exhibit “C”
Limited Warranty
The products of Stone Age Manufacturing, Inc. (Stone Age) have been carefully
manufactured and the components assembled to give the customer a quality
product. Stone Age warrants to the original purchaser the materials that it
provides to the customer against defects in manufacture for a period of (1) year
from the date of purchase. This Warranty covers only actual manufacturing
defects in the Stone Age product, and does not cover defects or faulty
workmanship in the installation of the product or the masonry or other structure in
which it is installed. Stone Age shall repair or replace, at its option, any defective
Stone Age product upon receipt of written notice addressed to Stone Age at 3320
E. 195th, Bixby, Oklahoma, 74008. This limited Warranty covers only actual
defects within the product itself, and does not cover the cost of installation or
removal from a fixed installation. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, ARE MADE INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES
WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. Stone Age is not liable for
damages or injury to persons or property or other incidental or consequential
damages.
Stone Age Fireplace Instructions October 2005 Printed in USA ©Copyright 2005
All Rights Reserved
Stone Age Manufacturing, Inc.