January 1979 RAIN Page 7 ,___"""'"'!'____________________~-------------------------------------.... 1. The first step in closing off the face of the fireplace is ' to have a sheet metal shop cut a piece of 16-gauge "black" sheet metal to cover the fireplace front. It should extend two inches past the edge of the opening so that it overlaps the brick face. A slight "kink" should be put in the edge of the metal. , 2. 16-gauge sheet metal is needed for constructing a 1-1/2" sheet 90-degree angle (like angle iron) to be fastened on the inside of the fireplace opening. 3. The angle is fastened to the masonry by drillin;g holes in the brick mortar and using screw or bolt anchors (at least 2) on each side and at the bottom. Usually the bottom angle must be altered to fit the slight angle or height changes where the hearth and fireplace floor meet. The sheet angle, fastened across the top, is held in place by bolts fastened to the steel lintel. If there are no existing threaded holes, you must drill and tap at least two. and exhausted into the fireplace cavity, produced a violent inferno in which the Fisher stove was catapulted into the living room along with the fireplace cover. At the same time, a raging creosite fire was consuming the debris in the fireplace cavity and in the chimney. To enter the chimney above the fireplace opening , simply follow the previous instructions for covering the fireplace front, eliminating instructions 6 and 7. It's now necessary to place a new opening in the chimney. If the brick chimney is exposed with no combustibles nearby, a new connector pipe opening can be achieved with an electric drill, a masonry drill bit and a hammer and chisel. The first step is to outline the proposed opening with a series of s1:p.all holes drilled in the masonry. The next step is to carefully chisel out the center pf the .outline. Using mortar mix, a thimble l • 1/2" sheet angle Smokepipe should extend through cavity and rise above damper or Bolt or screw fasten to anchor in brick m smoke shelf. 2" air clearance required (Metalbestos) Wall spacer Undamaged fireplace face If possible, wire the smokepipe into position so it can facilitate easy removal of the fireplace cover. It's best to have a Cosmetic trim collar Metalbestos insulated chimney section extending minimum 2" into room.· islip joint directly behind the fireplace cover. TurnYoilr fireplace Into an Asset - . - by Bill Day, 4. Fiberglass tape (usually used to insulate pipes or tubing) can be used as an air gasket between the sheet steel fireplace cover and the masonry front. If necessary, small pieces can be stuffed in each mortar joint if the joint is recessed over ?116". 5. Sheet metal screws placed 1" from the corner of the opening and approximately every 6" are used to fasten the cover to the sheet angle. 6. A saber saw with a metal cutting blade is used to cut a hole correctly sized and positioned for your stove's exhaust. Often, it will be necessary to trim out soµ1e of the sheet angle fastened to the lintel to allow clearance for your stovepipe. 7. When inserting the smokepipe, be sure it extends through the fireplace cavity and up past the smokeshelf or damper. Usually squeezing the round pipe to an oval will allow it to pass a narrow damper opening. Creosote dep,osits in the fireplace cavity result from not following this final instruction. More dangerous problems could result from a suddenly ignited accumulation of volatile gases in the fireplace cavity. Lyle Lamont, former building official in Eugene, Oregon, recently explained how a Fisher stove, .combined wit:h a fireplace cover can theµ be inserted and cemented iri place to provide a smooth , ~eceptacle for the single wall connector pipe. A chimney conceakd behind lath and plaster, sheetrock, paneling, or a 4" wall partition will require extra work. I recommend using a piece of insulated (not triple wall) chimney material to provide adequate protection from comb~stibles. (Verify your ~ocal code requirements before beginning your project.) Instead of a thimble embedded in the chimney, the insulated connector is positioned so that the inside edge is flush with the inside of the chimney flue and extends at least two inches past the wall or partition into the room. The air space clearances suggested by the' chimney manufacturer should be rigidly maintained. A wall spacer is used to provide extra support and' seal off the wall opening. T-rim pieces are availab,le for cosmetic trim. &,emember that the diameter of insulated chimney is larger than the corresponding size of single wall connector pipe and will require a larger·hole i'n the masonry.. Please check with your local Fire Department or building qfficials to determine if your plans have their approval.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz