Valcourt Antoinette FP7 User manual

PREFABRICATED WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Keep this manual for future reference
Standards: ULC-S610
UL-127
E.P.A. Standards Exempt
Revised: January 2008 Web Site: valcourtinc.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................4
INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................................5
Fireplace Installation...............................................................................................................8
Chimney Installation .............................................................................................................10
Masonry Chimney Installation...............................................................................................10
Fireplace Finish.....................................................................................................................13
USE AND SAFETY.................................................................................................................18
Creosote ................................................................................................................................19
Chimney Fire Safety Procedures............................................................................................19
MAINTENANCE.....................................................................................................................20
Replacing Glass.....................................................................................................................20
Replacing Firestone...............................................................................................................21
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................22
VALCOURT LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY .................................................................23
APPENDIX A...........................................................................................................................24
Exploded View....................................................................................................................25
Parts List..............................................................................................................................26
Warranty Registration Cardd ...............................................................................................27
Certification Plate................................................................................................................27

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INTRODUCTION
This manual contains all the information required for safe, efficient installation and use of your Valcourt
fireplace. Read carefully all the instructions contained herein and keep this manual handy so you may refer to it
whenever necessary.
Before starting to install the fireplace, consult local authorities to obtain a building permit and learn
about all applicable regulatory requirements.
Do not install this fireplace in a mobile home.
Figure #1: Antoinette Fireplace Dimensions

5
INSTALLATION
This fireplace is designed and approved for installation with the following brands of chimneys
measuring 8” (203 mm) in diameter as well as a minimum of 15’ (4.6 m) and maximum of 45’ (13.7 m) in
height.
* FMI AC (
U.S. Only
)
SuperVent (GSW) Alternative, Superpro
Sécurité ASHT+; ASHT
Oliver MacLoed HT 6103
Sécurité S2100+; S2100
Oliver Macloed HT 6000
Selkirk, sentinel(CF); Superpr
o 2100(ALT)
;
Supervent 2100 (JM)
Selkirk, Ultra
-
Temp(UT); Sure
-
Temp(ST);
Superpro(SPR), Supervent(JSC); Hart&cooley(TLC)
Energy Vent Commander HT 5013
Energy Vent Commander HT 5000
SuperVent (GSW) FC, Max
ICC Excel 2100
-
3
Simpson Duratech
Simpson Durap
lus HTC
No other device must be added to the chimney connected to the fireplace.
Install the fireplace strictly according to the methods described herein and ensure proper clearance is
provided to combustibles. Use only the parts and chimneys specified in this manual. Any non-compliance with
these directions could create a hazardous situation, thus voiding the certification and the warranty.
ATTENTION: Do not modify or adapt the fireplace’s construction or components. This would void the
warranty. In this event, VALCOURT would not be held responsible for any damages
which may occur.
Choose the best location for your fireplace based on the position of the doors and windows and room air
flow. Provide for the positioning of the outside air inlet as well as the chimney. Remember to leave sufficient
space for the hearth extension and mantel. If possible, install the fireplace where it will not be necessary to cut
any floor or ceiling joists. (Figure #2)
There are several possibilities for the chimney’s configuration. See Figure #3 to determine the
appropriate configuration for your home. The straighter the chimney, the easier it will be to clean and maintain.
For optimal performance, install the chimney indoors if possible. In areas where temperatures are
consistently below freezing (32°F/0°C), installing the chimney outdoors promotes functional problems such as
insufficient draft, excessive creosote buildup, and difficult fire ignition. In addition, outdoor chimneys are
subject to decreases in pressure and smoke flow reversal. Fireplaces with outdoor chimneys installed on lower
floors (basements) are particularly prone to smoke flow reversal.

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Figure #2: Various Fireplace Locations
Figure #3: Possible Chimney Configurations

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The table below shows the minimum chimney height requirements, fireplace included, according to the
number of elbows:
Chimney
Number of Elbows
Minimum Height
Straight installation
---------------
15’ (4.6 m)
1
-
15° offset
2
-
15° elbows
15’ (4.6 m)
2
-
15° offsets
4
-
15° elbows
1
8’ (5.5 m)
1
-
30° offset
2
-
30° elbows
15’ (4.6 m)
2
-
30° offsets
4
-
30° elbows
20’ (6.1 m)
* 1
-
45° offset
* 2
-
45° elbows
16’ (4.9 m)
* 2
-
45° offsets
* 4
-
45° elbows
23’ (7.0 m)
* Permitted only in Canada.
You can also install a decorative gas appliance in the hearth. To do this, install an automatic shut-off
valve. Comply with ANSI Z21.60 (1991) standards governing “Decorative Gas Appliances” in vented
fireplaces and ANSI Z233.1 with regards to the National Gas Code.
ATTENTION: ALWAYS OPEN THE CHIMNEY DAMPER TO ITS MAXIMUM POSITION WHEN
USING A DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE. THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN
TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED GAS LOG APPLIANCE. TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL A GAS LOG APPLIANCE WITHOUT A
VENT PIPE.
ATTENTION: IF THE INSTALLATION REQUIRES THAT THE CHIMNEY PASSES THROUGH
AN EXTERIOR WALL, THE CEILING HEIGHT MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 84’’
AND/OR ALLOW THE INSTALLATION OF THE INTERIOR PORTION OF THE
CHIMNEY AND FIRE-STOP WITHOUT MODIFYING ITS INTEGRITY. (figure 3)

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FIREPLACE INSTALLATION
1. Before beginning installation, remove the fireplace trim to protect it from damage. The fastening screws are
located on each side of the fireplace trim. Make sure no masonry products or acids come into contact with
the trim as these may discolor the finish which is not under warranty.
2. Remove all combustible floor coverings, e.g. carpeting, linoleum, etc., from the area where the fireplace is
to be installed.
3. The fireplace can be installed directly on the floor or on a platform made of combustible materials, such as
wood or plywood or any other hard, sturdy surface.
4. A 50” x 16” (1270 mm x 407 mm) minimum hearth extension made of non combustible material is
required. The extension can be installed below the base of the fireplace or flush mounted. (Figure #4)
5. To prevent any burning embers falling between the fireplace and the hearth extension from coming into
contact with the floor, insert a metal sheet under the front of the fireplace. This sheet must extend 4”
(100 mm) on both sides of the fireplace and 2” (50 mm) in front. The non combustible hearth extension
should rest on the 2” (50 mm) band of sheet metal in front. You can also prevent embers from falling in the
joint between the fireplace and the hearth extension by filling it with mortar grout. (Figure #4)
6. To anchor the fireplace to the floor, unfold the lower metal attachments and screw them to the floor using
1” (25 mm) screws.
7. Any wall at a right angle with the appliance’s face can bolt directly against the side of fireplace.
(Figure #11)
8. Place the appliance in the desired location. It must directly bolt against the finished wall and not the
insulation or a vapor barrier. Do not add any insulation.
9. The standards in your area may require an outside air inlet. Even if this is not the case, it is beneficial to do
so as this will improve the fireplace’s performance. Install a flexible air duct that is 4” (102 mm) in
diameter and a maximum length of 20’ (6.1 m). If a longer duct is required, increase the diameter to 6” but
the maximum length will then be 40’ (12.2 m). The outside air intake must not come from a garage, carport,
basement, attic or the chimney’s enclosure.
10. Install the outside air inlet in a place where it is unlikely to become blocked by snow and is sheltered from
high winds. Make sure it is far from the gas meter or any other device that may emit fumes or gases, such
as automobile exhaust.
11. Once you have decided on the location of the outside air inlet, drill a 4¼” (108 mm) hole in the wall. Insert
the inlet grill in the hole from the outside and screw it to the wall with four 1” (25 mm) screws.
12. From the inside, insert the insulated flexible duct and attach it to the inlet grill with aluminum duct tape or
¾” (19 mm) metal screws.
13. On the lower left side of the fireplace, remove the metal piece blocking the air intake. Insert the adaptor
included with the fireplace and screw it in place using two ¾” (19 mm) metal screws. Using an adjustable
collar or aluminum duct tape, attach the flexible duct to the adaptor.

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Figure #4: Hearth Extension Installation

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CHIMNEY INSTALLATION
1. Assemble the first chimney section with the adaptor (provided by the chimney manufacturer) using three
¾” (19 mm) screws.
2. Screw this assembly to the fireplace using four ¾” (19 mm) screws, taking care not to block the rotation of
the flue damper key.
3. Continue the installation as per the instructions in the chimney manufacturer’s manual. (Figures # 5, 6, 7,
8, 9)
4. Provide a 2” (51 mm) clearance between the chimney and any combustible material. To prevent
overheating, never obstruct this clearance nor fill it with insulation or any combustible material.
(Figure #12)
5. The chimney must rise at least 3’ (914 mm) over its juncture with the roof and exceed by at least 2’
(610 mm) any wall, roof or building located within a radius of 10’ (3 m). Any length of chimney exceeding
the roof by 5’ (1.5 m) or more, must be braced using tie rods or guy wires. (Figure #10)
6. To limit creosoting, it is strongly recommended that an empty enclosure space be left between the chimney
stack and the outer framing of the chimney. Make sure that at all points a minimum clearance of 2”
(51 mm) separates the chimney and any combustible materials.
NOTE: Since May 1997, whatever the type of fireplace or building, safety standards require that the fireplace
and the full length of the interior chimney up to the ceiling be enclosed. (Figure #12)
MASONRY CHIMNEY INSTALLATION
WARNING: Before starting installation, the masonry chimney must be inspected by a qualified sweep.
Installation with an 8 in. EXCEL chimney
Installing your fireplace with a masonry chimney still requires using EXCEL chimney from the top of
the fireplace to the wall where it will connect to a listed liner that will run up inside the masonry chimney.
The stainless steel liner should be fitted inside the clay liner all the way to the top of the masonry
chimney. It is not meant to replace the clay liner. You can use either the EXCEL liner or any other listed liner or
flexible liner to ULC-S635, ULC-S640 or UL777.
Special care is to be taken to make sure that you have a good solid connection between the EXCEL
chimney and the liner. A masonry adaptor (FO-FDM8) was designed specially for that purpose and is available
from your RSF dealer. It will attach to the liner with 3 stainless rivets (provided) and to the EXCEL chimney
with 3 screws (provided).
After mortaring in place, the connection between the EXCEL chimney and the liner should not be
visible in order to isolate the heat released through the liner from the fireplace enclosure.
You must install at least one 18” length of EXCEL chimney after the EXCEL chimney elbow. The
uppermost part of the excel chimney- where it enters the masonry chimney – must be a minimum of 12” from
the ceiling.
NOTE: If the ceiling is high enough, you can install one or more EXCEL chimney lengths directly on the
fireplace before the elbow.

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To make the hole through the masonry chimney and make the connection to the fireplace, we
recommend that you follow these steps:
1. Sight-in and mark the outline of where the EXCEL chimney will penetrate the masonry chimney.
2. Using a large (3/4”-2”) masonry drill bit, drill a hole exactly in the center of the oval outline. With a
masonry hammer and drill, slowly enlarge the hole to the size required. Remember to work from the center
out. Be especially careful with the clay liner behind the brick because three sides of it must stay in place.
3. Bring the stainless steel liner down from the top of the chimney. If you are using a rigid liner you will need
enough room to secure an elbow to it with at least two screws. If it difficult to install rigid stainless steel
liner in the existing masonry chimney or for a masonry chimney with less than 10” x 10” inside, a listed
stainless steel flexible liner can be used along with a flexible/ rigid adaptor (LM-7LAF) available from your
ICC dealer.
4. Install the liner elbow and masonry adaptor on the lower end of the liner.
5. Move the fireplace forward enough to install the EXCEL chimney on the fireplace (elbow and length) then
move the fireplace back into position as you connect the masonry adaptor to the EXCEL chimney.
NOTE: The stainless steel flexible liner must be installed inside the clay liner. It is not meant to replace the
clay liner.
Installation with EXCEL chimney (Figure #5)

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Figure #6: Straight Chimney Installation Figure #7: Chimney with Elbows Installation
Figure #8: Exterior Chimney Installation Figure #9: Insulated Chase Installation

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Figure #10: Minimum Chimney Height
FIREPLACE FINISH
1. Combustible materials can be used to finish the fireplace. The framing can be built directly on the sides and
back of the appliance. (Figure #11)
2. Non combustible materials must be used to finish the fireplace’s face. Ex: durock (Figure #14)
3. To enclose the top of the finish, it must reach at least 84” (2133 mm) in height from the base of the
fireplace. Do not insert insulation in the chimney enclosure. (Figure #12)
4. To avoid overheating the walls of the enclosure, a minimum 2” (51 mm) clearance must be provided
between the chimney and any combustible materials. The side walls of the enclosure must not angle over
the appliance and should be parallel to its sides, rising straight up to the ceiling. Never fill the enclosure
space with insulation or any combustible material. (Figure #12)
5. If the mantel is made of combustible materials, it must be installed at a height of at least 46” (1168 mm)
from the base of the fireplace. (Figure #13)
Fireplace Facing
6.1 Remove the decorative trim.
6.2 Install the facing material (marble, ceramic tile, Durock, brick, etc.).
6.3 Reinstall the decorative trim. (Figure #14)
NOTE: Any accessible chimney must have a chase built around it off or finished to prevent contact.

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Figure #11: Fireplace Finishing

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Figure #12: Chimney Enclosure

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Figure #13a: Mantel Positioning
Figure 13b : Combustible material positioning
A : 48 po.
B : Radius of 84 in.
C : 84 in. Min.

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Figure #14: Installation of Fireplace Facing with Chimney Elbow

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USE AND SAFETY
1. Teach children fireplace safety rules.
2. Do not use the fireplace under the following conditions:
2.1 Whenever a refractory brick is missing or broken.
2.2 Whenever the ceramic glass is cracked or broken.
3. Never use flammable liquids to light or revive a fire and keep such products away from any heat source.
Before lighting a fire, make sure there are no flammable liquids, gases or fumes in the room.
4. Before starting each fire, open the flue damper using the damper control located in the bottom right. When
the fireplace is hot, do not touch the damper control with your bare hands.
5. Open the air intake lever located on the bottom left.
6. Prevent smoke flow reversal by preheating the chimney flue. Just hold a torch made of rolled up newspaper
towards the smoke chamber for a few minutes.
7. Valcourt fireplaces are designed to burn reasonable quantities of wood. Avoid making overly intense fires
that would damage the appliance.
DO NOT OVERHEAT
8. Use the Andiron made by VALCOURT Burn only the quantity of combustible it can contain. Do not burn
garbage, painted wood or wood that has been exposed to salt water.
9. Always have minimum of 1” accumulation of ashes at the bottom of the fireplace.
10. During the first fires, you may detect a certain odor and the coating and oil protecting certain appliance
parts may smoke a little. If you open a window, these will quickly dispel.
11. It could also become necessary to open a window if the house is too airtight or if an exhaust fan is running.
12. Keep the firescreen closed at all times. If the fireplace is left unattended while the fire is still burning,
carefully close the glass door. Adjust the air intake lever to its maximum position.
13. Expansion and contraction noises during the heating and cooling cycle are normal. It is not a matter for
concern.
14. Once the fire is out and the embers have cooled, close the flue and the air intake dampers until you prepare
to light the next fire.
NOTE: Make sure furniture, draperies, and any extra logs are a minimum of 48” (1220 mm) away from the
fireplace.

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CREOSOTE
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with humidity to
produce creosote. Creosote vapor condenses in the chimney left relatively cool by the slow fire and coats the
inside of the flue with residue. When creosote ignites, it produces a red-hot, extremely dangerous fire.
It is therefore recommended to make small, brightly burning fires rather than lazy, smoldering fires. Not
only will it keep your glass doors and flue cleaner but, what is most important, it will lessen the likelihood of
chimney fires.
CHIMNEY FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES
What to do if you suspect a chimney fire has started:
1. Close the fireplace door.
2. Alert everyone in the house.
3. Call the Fire Department if necessary.
4. Put out the fire in the fireplace with a dry-chemical extinguisher, baking soda, sand or ashes. (Never use
salt because it is corrosive, nor water because it could cause a steam explosion.)
5. Make sure the sparks coming from the chimney do not set fire to the roof.
6. Before re-using the fireplace, have it inspected by the Fire Department.

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MAINTENANCE
1. Clean color trim with soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use any metal polish or abrasives.
2. Keep the glass relatively clean. Dirty windows will make the fireplace overheat. Wait until the glass is cool
before attempting to clean it. Wash the glass with window or oven cleaner, dishwashing liquid or just soap
and water. Spray the cleaner on a soft cloth and not on the glass, since overspray may discolor coating or
metal plating (not covered by the warranty). DO NOT use steel wool, soap pads (S.O.S.) or any other
abrasive product since these may scratch the glass.
3. To remove the ashes, put them in a metal container with an airtight lid. Place the container on a non-
combustible surface away from any flammables until the ashes are cold.
4. Before each heating season, inspect the interior and exterior of the fireplace and chimney for any defects or
deterioration.
5. To reduce the risk of chimney fires, keep the chimney relatively clean and regularly check for creosote
buildup. To remove the rain cap, just unscrew it counter-clockwise. Any layer of creosote greater than 1/8”
(3 mm) thick should be swept. Use a plastic brush to avoid scratching the flue.
REPLACING GLASS
Do not use the fireplace with a cracked glass.
Here are the steps to replace glass windows of an Antoinette fireplace:
1. Open the glass door with the lock located on right side of the glass door
2. Remove all the rivets holding the door.
3. Remove all debris from the frame.
4. Use only 3/16” (5 mm) ceramic glass.
5. Slide the new window into the frame and fasten it in place with 1/8 Pop rivet.
6. Handle the glass with care to avoid injury.
NOTE: Never use substitute parts. Use only Valcourt brand parts.