Heat & Glo SLR-D Owner's Manual page 53

FIREPLACE OPENING
15-7/8 IN. TO 16-1/8 IN.
Figure 13.4. Required Fireplace Opening Height
Verify that the lower cover panel is installed correctly, and
that the fireplace opening height is between 15-7/8 in.
and 16-1/8 in. See Figure 13.4.
Note: The lower cover panel must be pushed all the way
down. The fireplace opening must be between 15-7/8 in.
and 16-1/8 in. for the decorative fronts to fit correctly. See
Figure 13.4.
Finish and Sealing Joints
All joints between the finished wall sheating and the
appliance must be sealed with non-combustible materials.
Sealants, such as caulk or mastic used to seal the gap
between the wall and the fireplace, should be rated at
a minimum continuous exposure to 300°F. Wall board
joints can be taped and sealed with combustible drywall
tape.
Finishing Around Opening with Gypsum Wallboard
Gypsum wallboard (drywall) joints adjacent to the fireplace
opening require special attention to minimize potential
development of cracking. Hearth and Home Technologies
recommends the following steps to minimize potential
cracks in the finished drywall around the fireplace opening:
• When installing gypsum wallboard around the fireplace,
install the hole for the fireplace opening in a single
wallboard sheet, if possible. This will minimize the joints
adjacent to the fireplace opening.
• The factory-supplied non-combustible board and the
gypsum wallboard must join on the structural framing,
where applicable. Wallboard and non-combustible board
should be fastened to the framing with at least 1-1/4 in.
long screw fasteners, located within 1-1/2 in. from each
corner, and at no more than 12 inch intervals along the
joint length.
Heat & Glo • SLR-D • 2333-900 Rev. F • 9/17
• The wall-board joints should be finished with a Taping
Coat, followed by at least two subsequent Finish Coats
of joint compound.
• For the initial Taping Coat, it is critical that a general-
purpose chemically hardening joint compound, such as
SHEETROCK™ Brand Durabond™ Setting-Type Joint
Compound, be used to fill the joint and embed the mesh
tape. Fiberglass-mesh tape is recommended because it
will provide a more crack-resistant joint than one finished
with paper tape. Let the Taping Coat properly cure before
applying subsequent Finish Coats.
• For the second and third finishing coats, it is acceptable
to use a light-weight joint compound and standard
application, curing and sanding methods.
• Do not operate the fireplace during the drywall finishing
process. Allow the finish coat to cure for at least 24
hours prior to using the appliance.
Painting
If desired finishing includes a painted wall, 100%
acrylic latex with compatible primer is recommend
around the appliance.
acrylic paints may discolor due to heat exposure.
Wallboard Joint-Crack Prevention and Repair
Wallboard joints around the fireplace will be affected
by exposure to elevated temperatures, along with
other environmental and structural factors. The specific
methods presented in the previous section will help
prevent or minimize development of cracks.
If a crack does emerge adjacent the fireplace, it can be
permanently repaired by filling it with spackling paste or
paintable latex caulk, followed by repainting.
Oil-based or standard
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