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9
Chase Installations
A. Construct the Chase
A chase is a vertical boxlike structure built to enclose the
fireplace and/or its vent system. Vertical chimneys that
run on the outside of a building must be installed inside a
chase.
Construction of the chase may vary with the type of build-
ing. These instructions are not substitutes for the require-
ments of local building codes. Local building codes MUST
be checked.
A chase should be constructed in the manner of all
outside walls of the home to prevent cold air drafting
problems. The chase should not break the outside build-
ing envelope in any manner. All outer walls need to be
insulated.
Building codes require false ceiling and ceiling firestops
at each floor of the chase or every 10 ft (3.05 m) of clear
space to control spread of fire.
Walls, ceiling, base plate and cantilever floor at the first
level of the chase should be insulated. See Figure 9.1.
Vapor and air infiltration barriers should be installed in the
chase as per regional codes for the rest of the home. Ad-
ditionally, Hearth & Home Technologies recommends that
the inside surfaces be sheet rocked and taped (or the use
of an equivalent method) for maximum air tightness.
Round Termination Cap
Metal Chase Top
Ceiling
Firestop
False Ceiling
Attic
Insulation
Tabs
Shield
Ceiling
Firestop
Insulation
Insulation
False Ceiling
False Ceiling
Chimney
Figure 9.1
Chase Assembly
30
Outdoor Lifestyles by Hearth & Home Technologies • 4072-203 Rev E • 11/20
Insulation in the
outside walls
of the chase
Gas line holes and other openings should be caulked with
high temperature caulk or stuffed with unfaced fiberglass
insulation. If the fireplace is being installed on a cement
slab, we recommend that in cold climates, a sheet of
plywood or other raised platform be placed underneath to
prevent conducting cold up into the room.
Three examples of chase applications are shown in Fig-
ure 9.2.
1. Fireplace and chimney enclosed in an exterior chase.
2. Chimney offset through exterior wall and enclosed in chase.
3. Chase constructed on roof.
Note: In cooler climates, all chase walls should be insulated.
1
Figure 9.2
Chase Constructions
WARNING! You must install false ceilings and ceiling
firestops at each floor of the chase or every 10 ft (3.05 m)
to control spread of fire.
WARNING! Risk of Fire! DO NOT seal area between fire
stop opening and chimney pipe except where they enter
the attic or leave the warm air envelope of the home (use
600° F sealant).
WARNING! Risk of Fire!
2 in. (51 mm) air space clearance to insulation and other
materials surrounding the chimney system.
•
Insulation and other materials must be firmly secured to
prevent accidental contact with chimney system.
•
The chase must be properly blocked to prevent blown
insulation or other combustibles from entering and
making contact with fireplace or chimney.
•
Failure to prevent contact between insulation or other
materials and chimney system may cause overheating
and fire.
2
You must maintain a minimum
3
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