Valcourt FP11 FRONTENAC User manual

45543A
Printed in Canada 04-12-2012
Installation and Operation Manual
FP11 FRONTENAC
Qualified Clean Burning
Decorative Fireplace
U.S. EPA Low Mass Wood-burning Fireplace
voluntary program phase 2 emission level qualified model
Safety tested according to ULC S610 and UL 127 Standards by
www.valcourtinc.com
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
This manual is available for free download on the manufacturer’s web site. It is a copyrighted
document. Re-sale is strictly prohibited. The manufacturer may update this manual from time
to time and cannot be responsible for problems, injuries, or damages arising out of the use of
information contained in any manual obtained from unauthorized sources.

2
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THIS VALCOURT FIREPLACE
As one of North America’s largest and most respected wood stove and fireplace
manufacturers, VALCOURT takes pride in the quality and performance of all its products.
We want to help you get maximum satisfaction as you use this product.
In the pages that follow you will find general advice on wood heating, detailed instructions
for safe and effective installation, and guidance on how to get the best performance from this
fireplace as you build and maintain fires, and maintain your wood heating system.
We recommend that our woodburning hearth products be installed and serviced by
professionals who are certified in the United States by NFI (National Fireplace Institute®) or
in Canada by WETT (Wood Energy Technical Training) or in Quebec by APC (Association
des Professionnels du Chauffage).
Congratulations on making a wise purchase.
Read this entire manual before you install and use your new fireplace. It is important
that you follow the installations guidelines exactly. Failure to install this fireplace
correctly could result in a house fire, bodily injury or even death.
You may need to obtain a building permit for the installation of this fireplace and the
chimney that it is connected to. Consult your municipal building or fire department
about installation requirements in your area. We recommend that you also inform your
home insurance company to find out if the installation will affect your policy.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PICTURES SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL ARE
GENERIC AND MAY NOT MATCH EXACTLY THE LOOK OF YOUR
FIREPLACE.
WARNING:
THE INFORMATION GIVEN ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE APPLIANCE
ALWAYS OVERRIDES THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED,IN ANY OTHER MEDIA (OWNER’S
MANUAL,CATALOGUES,FLYERS,MAGAZINES AND/OR WEB SITES).
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY OR ALTER THE CONSTRUCTION
OF THE FIREPLACE OR ITS COMPONENTS. ANY MODIFICATION OR
ALTERATION OF CONSTRUCTION MAY VOID THE WARRANTY, LISTINGS
AND APPROVALS OF THIS SYSTEM. IN THAT CASE, STOVE BUILDER
INTERNATIONAL (SBI) WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES.
INSTALL THE FIREPLACE ONLY AS DESCRIBED IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

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1PART A – INSTALLATION .......................................................................5
1.1Safety Information....................................................................................................................5
1.1.1Regulations Covering Fireplace Installation............................................................6
1.2General Information.................................................................................................................6
1.2.1FP11 Frontenac Wood Fireplace Specifications......................................................6
1.2.2The Benefits of EPA Voluntary Emission Program «Low Mass» Phase II ............7
1.3Fireplace Installation................................................................................................................8
1.3.1Installation of a Gas Log Set....................................................................................9
1.3.2Installation of Spacers..............................................................................................9
1.3.3Transportation Packaging......................................................................................10
1.3.4Locating the FP11 Frontenac Wood Fireplace......................................................10
1.3.5Heart Extension Requirements ..............................................................................11
1.3.6Framing, Facing, Mantel, and Combustible Shelf.................................................14
1.3.6.1Framing.............................................................................................................14
1.3.6.2Facing................................................................................................................21
1.3.6.3Combustible Shelf.............................................................................................24
1.3.7Fresh Air Kit..........................................................................................................27
1.3.7.1Fresh Air kit Installation ...................................................................................27
1.3.8Refractory Panels installation................................................................................29
1.3.8.1Moulded Refractory Brick Panels (VA11071BR)............................................29
1.3.8.2Moulded Refractory Vermiculite Panels (VA11071H)....................................31
1.3.9Facing Installation (Sold Separately).....................................................................34
1.3.9.1Narrow Overlap.................................................................................................34
1.3.9.2Masonry Trim ...................................................................................................35
1.3.10Door Adjustment....................................................................................................37
1.4Venting System (Chimney and Chimney Connector) .........................................................38
1.4.1General Information...............................................................................................38
1.4.2Suitable Chimneys.................................................................................................38
1.4.3Chimney Installation Notes ...................................................................................40
1.4.4Chimney Installation Instructions..........................................................................43
1.4.5Offset Chimney Installation...................................................................................45
1.4.6Angled Radiation Shield........................................................................................48
1.4.7Chimney Support Installation................................................................................48
1.4.7.1Universal Roof Support ....................................................................................48
1.4.7.2Universal Offset Support ..................................................................................49
1.4.8Chimney Chase and Multiple Terminations..........................................................49
1.4.9Installation Instructions for Masonry Application.................................................49

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2PART B - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.......................................51
2.1Fuel 51
2.1.1The Use of Manufactured Logs.............................................................................51
2.2Operatihg the FP11 Frontenac Wood Fireplace..................................................................52
2.2.1First Fires...............................................................................................................52
2.2.2Building a Fire.......................................................................................................52
2.2.3Maintaining the Fire...............................................................................................53
2.2.4Air Intake Control and Exhaust Damper ...............................................................53
2.2.5Smoking Causes and Troubleshooting...............................................................54
A.Closed exhaust damper .....................................................................................54
B.Negative pressure in the house..........................................................................54
C.Wet wood..........................................................................................................55
D.Dirty or blocked chimney .................................................................................55
E.Chimney not long enough.................................................................................55
F.Poor chimney draft............................................................................................55
2.3Maintaining Your FP11 Frontenac Wood Fireplace...........................................................55
2.3.1Creosote – Formation and Need for Removal.......................................................55
2.3.2Chimney Maintenance...........................................................................................56
2.3.3Dealing With a Chimney Fire................................................................................56
2.3.4Disposal of Ashes ..................................................................................................56
2.3.5Refractory Panel Replacement...............................................................................57
2.3.6Glass Care – Replacement.....................................................................................58
2.3.7Glass Care – Cleaning............................................................................................59
2.4Replacement Parts ..................................................................................................................60
2.4.1Parts list..................................................................................................................60
2.4.2Exploded view for replacement parts ....................................................................62
VALCOURT LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY .......................................................63
REGISTER YOU WARRANTY ONLINE
To receive full warranty coverage, you will need to show evidence of the
date you purchased your unit. Keep your sales invoice. We also
recommend that you register your warranty online at
www.valcourtinc.com/warranty-registration.aspx
Registering your warranty online will help us track rapidly the
information we need on your unit.

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1PART A – INSTALLATION
1.1 Safety Information
CAUTION:NEVER USE GASOLINE, GASOLINE-TYPE LANTERN FUEL,
KEROSENE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS
TO START OR ‘‘FRESHEN UP’’ A FIRE IN THIS FIREPLACE. KEEP
ALL SUCH LIQUIDS WELL AWAY FROM THE FIREPLACE AT
ALL TIMES.
CAUTION: KEEP COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AT LEAST 48 INCHES AWAY
FROM THE FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE OPENING.
CAUTION: NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED WHEN THERE IS A
FIRE BURNING IN THE FIREPLACE.
CAUTION: NEVER USE GRATE OR ELEVATE FIRE. BUILD WOOD FIRE
DIRECTLY ON HEARTH.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE INSERT AND OTHER PRODUCTS NOT
SPECIFIED FOR USE WITH THIS FIREPLACE.
CAUTION: DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTLETS. THIS FIREPLACE NEEDS AIR
FOR ITS GOOD OPERATION.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH A GAS LOG
LIGHTER.
WARNING: DO NOT USE MATERIAL OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED IN THE
REPLACEMENT PARTS SECTION DURING INSTALLATION AS
THEY MAY BE SAFETY HAZARDS AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.
CAUTION: FOR SAFETY REASONS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE A NON-
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL FOR THE SURROUND OF THE
FIREPLACE. IN THAT CASE, A CEMENT-BOARD (DUROCK
STYLE) IS MANDATORY. FAILING TO RESPECT THIS GUIDELINE
MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

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CAUTION: THIS HEATING UNIT MUST SERVE AS A SUPPLEMENTARY HEAT
SOURCE. AN ALTERNATIVE HEAT SOURCE SHOULD BE
AVAILABLE IN THE HOME IF NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER
CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL HEATING COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF AN ALTERNATIVE HEAT
SOURCE. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE USER BUYS
THIS PRODUCT FROM A RETAILER WHO CAN PROVIDE
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE ADVICES.
CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL THIS FIREPLACE IN A MOBILE HOME.
1.1.1 Regulations Covering Fireplace Installation
When installed and operated as described in these instructions, the FP11 Frontenac wood
fireplace is suitable for use as a fireplace appliance in residential installations.
In Canada, the CSA B365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment
and the CSA C22.1 Canadian National Electrical Code are to be followed in the absence of
local code requirements. In the USA, the NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents
and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances and the ANSI NFPA 70 National Electrical Code are to be
followed in the absence of local code requirements.
1.2 General Information
1.2.1 FP11 Frontenac Wood Fireplace Specifications
Fuel Type Cordwood
Test Standards (safety) ULC S610 and UL 127
Test Standards (emissions) ASTM 2515 and ASTM 2558 to comply
with U.S. EPA Low Mass Wood-burning
Fireplace voluntary program phase 2
emission level qualified model
Shipping Weight 788 lb (357 kg)
Maximum Log Length recommended 30” east-west
Flue Outlet Diameter: 8” (203 mm) diameter (vertical)

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1.2.2 The Benefits of EPA Voluntary Emission Program «Low Mass» Phase II
In the past, most conventional masonry and low-mass, factory-built fireplaces were not
efficient at producing usable heat. Typically, over 90 percent of the heat generated by a
fireplace was lost out the chimney. In addition, many of these fireplaces were sources of
smoke, indoors and out.
In 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a voluntary program for
manufacturers of decorative wood burning fireplaces to encourage manufacturers to produce
clean wood-burning appliances that reduce air pollution. Under the U.S. EPA Low Mass
Fireplace Voluntary Program, cleaner burning fireplaces are ones that qualify for the Phase I
emission levels of 7.3 g/kg (approximately 57 percent cleaner than unqualified models) or the
Phase II emission levels of 5.1 g/kg (approximately 70 percent cleaner than unqualified
models). Participating manufacturers are expected to qualify under Phase 2 by 2013. The FP7-
LM Antoinette wood fireplace is a phase II emission level qualified model that brings you the
benefits of lower emissions.

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1.3 Fireplace Installation
WARNING: IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE FIREPLACE INSTALLATION
AND DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF FINISHING MATERIAL
USED, YOU MUST INSTALL ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TRIMS;
A NARROW OVERLAP (A) OR A MASONRY TRIM (B) (SOLD
SEPARATELY).
Note that if you install a masonry trim ane that the incombustible material is more than 3/8’’
thick, you will need to install it before installing your fireplace (see Figure 16.) To preform the
installation of the masonry trim, see Section 1.3.4.2.
Figure 1 (A)
Straight Narrow Overlap
Figure 1 (B)
Arched Narrow Overlap
Figure 1 (C)
Straight Masonry Trim
Figure 1 (D)
Arched Masonry Trim
CAUTION: WHEN USING THE DECORATIVE APPLIANCE, THE FIREPLACE
DAMPER MUST BE SET IN THE FULLY OPEN POSITION.

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1.3.1 Installation of a Gas Log Set
You can install a decorative gas appliance or a vented gas log set in the hearth. To do this,
install an automatic shut-off valve. Comply with the Standard for Decorative Gas Appliances
for Installation in Vented Fireplaces, ANSI Z21.60 (1991) or American Gas Association draft
requirements for Gas-Fired Log Lighters for Wood Burning Fireplaces, Draft No. 4 dated
August, 1993.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED
GAS LOG SET. TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT
INSTALL AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET INTO THIS FIREPLACE.
1.3.2 Installation of Spacers
To complete the fireplace, spacers must be secured to the top of the appliance. These parts
are required to maintain proper clearances to combustible materials. You will find the spacers
in the firebox and the screws in the owner’s manual kit. Align the holes of the spacers (A)
with the pre-drilled holes on top of the fireplace and secure them with the 4 screws provided
(B), as shown.

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1.3.3 Transportation Packaging
To facilitate the moving of the FP11 fireplace before installation, we have designed a
transportation packaging that allows reducing the weight. The fireplace refractory panels are
thus in a box you can carry separately. We suggest you install the refractory panels after the
setting up of the fireplace. To install the refractory panels, see Section 1.3.8, Refractory
Panels Installation.
1.3.4 Locating the FP11 Frontenac Wood Fireplace
A. The best location to install your fireplace is determined by considering the location of
windows, doors, and the traffic flow in the room where the fireplace is located, allowing
space in front of the unit for the hearth extension and the mantel, and taking into
consideration the location of the outside air kit and chimney. If possible, you should
choose a location where the chimney will pass through the house without cutting floor or
roof rafters. Also choose a location that allows installing the least amount of offsets in the
chimney.
B. Usually, no additional floor support is needed for the fireplace. The adequacy of the floor
can be checked by first estimating the weight of the fireplace system. Weights are given in
the section 1.2.1, FP11 Frontenac Wood Fireplace Specifications. Next, measure the area
occupied by the fireplace which is normally 59 3/4" x 30 1/2" (152 cm x 78 cm). Note the
floor construction and consult your local building code to determine if additional support
is needed.
Figure 2
Installation on raised base
Figure 3
Ceiling clearance requirements

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1.3.5 Heart Extension Requirements
The hearth extension floor area (see (A), Figure 4) must extend at least 20" (50 cm) in front
and at least 12" (30 cm) on each side of the door opening (see Figures 5 and 6). The joint
between the hearth extension and the fireplace hearth needs to be made of non-combustible
material such as sheet metal or sand-cement grout (not included) as shown on Figure 6.
WARNING: THE HEARTH EXTENSION IS TO BE INSTALLED ONLY AS
ILLUSTRATED (see Figures 5 and 6.)
Figure 4

12
Figure 5

13
Figure 6

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1.3.6 Framing, Facing, Mantel, and Combustible Shelf
1.3.6.1 Framing
The construction of the framing, facing, and mantel must be in accordance with the standards
and the following illustrations (Figures 7 à 14):
A. Frame the fireplace using 2" × 3" (5 cm x 8 cm) or heavier lumber.
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE FRAMING MATERIAL CANNOT BE USED IN THE
SPACE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE FIREPLACE, EXCEPT FOR THE
STUDS ABOVE THE FACING THAT SUPPORT THE FACING
MATERIAL AND MANTEL. THIS AREA MUST REMAIN EMPTY
FOR A HEIGHT OF 7′(2,15 M) MEASURED FROM THE BASE OF
THE APPLIANCE.
B. Frame the fireplace with vertical studs on each side of the fireplace running from floor to
ceiling (see Figure 11). Position the studs back from the front edge of the fireplace,
leaving a space the thickness of the facing material so that the facing can be installed flush
with the fireplace facing (within limitations of Figure 12). Frame headers between the
vertical studs only as follows:
Place 2" x 3" (5 cm x 8 cm) or 2" x 4" (5 cm x 10 cm headers, only along the upper
part of the front, side and back faces. Do not put wood or any combustible material
within the area above the fireplace except on the front facing.
Place headers only as required to support the facing and mantel.
WARNING: DO NOT PACK REQUIRED AIR SPACES WITH INSULATION OR
OTHER MATERIAL.
WARNING: THE FIREPLACE MUST NOT BE IN CONTACT WITH ANY
INSULATION OR LOOSE FILLING MATERIAL. COVER THE
INSULATION WITH DRYWALL PANELS AROUND THE
FIREPLACE.

15
Figure 7

Figure 8

16
Figure 9
Figure 10

17
Figure 11

18
Figure 12

19
Figure 13

20
Figure 14
Chase construction
Spacers must be installed