Fireplace Maintenance; Glass Door Maintenance - Vermont Castings SB38 Nstallation, Operation And Maintenance Manual

maiNteNaNce and Safety

fireplace maiNteNaNce

At the end of each heating season or when the fireplace
will not be in use for an extended time, the ashes should
be removed and the hearth area should be swept as clean
as is practical. The slow absorption of moisture into the
ashes over a long period of time could cause a condition
which would be corrosive to the metal fireplace parts.
At the beginning of each heating season, always operate
the flue damper and make sure it has not become stuck
from soot, creosote, etc., during the period of inactivity.
Keep the lower and upper grille panels clean and free from
dirt and lint accumulation at all times to get the maximum
efficiency from your fireplace.
As you use the fireplace, expansion and contraction
will cause minor cracking of the hearth, back, and side
refractory materials. This is normal and unavoidable. If the
cracks become large enough or parts dislodge and metal
behind the refractory is exposed, the refractory panels
should be replaced with new panels that can be obtained
from you fireplace dealer.

glaSS door maiNteNaNce

For glass door maintenance, see instructions provided with
the glass doors.
checkliSt of do'S aNd doN'tS
DO'S
1. Do check with local building officials to be sure the
installation of the fireplace complies with all building
codes and requirements and obtain required building
permits. Do plan your installation with safety as you
primary consideration.
. Do use only the prescribed material and parts for the
installation of the fireplace.
3. Do insulate the exterior walls surrounding the fireplace
to prevent excessive heat loss from the fireplace.
4. Do trim the face of the fireplace only with noncombustible
materials.
5. Do attach the noncombustible face trim material firmly
to the face of the fireplace.
6. Do block in or fasten the fireplace to prevent the
possibility of the fireplace shifting out of position.
7. Do enclose the chimney where it passes through living
spaces or spaces accessible for storage purposes
to prevent contact with and possible damage to the
chimney.
8. Do install firestop spacers at each ceiling level when
the chimney is installed in a multistory building.
9. Do install the proper chimney cap or chimney housing
on the chimney to prevent rain and debris from entering
the chimney.
87D0057
SB38 / SB44 Series Woodburning Fireplace
10. Do keep all flammable liquids, gases and pressurized
containers away form the fireplace.
11. Do check the fireplace for proper adjustment and
operation before leaving it unattended for long periods
of time.
1. Do inspect and clean the fireplace chimney regularly.
13. Do keep the fire screens closed when the fireplace
is left unattended to minimize the danger of sparks
popping out of the fireplace.
14. Do use the grate furnished with and for this fireplace.
15. Do start a fire only with paper, kindling or solid
composition fire starters specifically designed for
starting a fire. The use of liquid fire starter can cause
an explosion within the fireplace.
16. Do place all ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting
lid and place them on a
away from other combustible materials until they
have completely cooled.
17. Do store your fuel supply at a distance equal to or
greater than the spacing recommended for combustible
materials from the fireplace.
18. Do build fires of moderate intensity in the fireplace for
the first three fires to allow materials to adjust and cure
before being subjected to the intense heat of a large
fire.
DON'TS
1. Don't allow other installations or operation considerations
to take priority over safety considerations.
. Don't attempt to use the fireplace until the installation
is complete.
3. Don't use unlisted parts and accessories with the
fireplace except for special flashings that may be
fabricated locally.
4. Don't use damaged parts or accessories with this
fireplace.
5. Don't install the fireplace in an exposed or non-
insulated area.
6. Don't install the fireplace over carpeting.
7. Don't install the fireplace on a poorly constructed base
or fail to fasten down or attach the fireplace to prevent
it from shifting out of position.
8. Don't create or allow a crack to develop between the
metal face of the fireplace and noncombustible trim.
9. Don't install the fireplace where flammable or explosive
liquids or vapors are likely to be present.
10. Don't neglect all the considerations mentioned in
this manual concerning clearances to combustibles,
spacing from obstructions and proper chimney
height when selecting the location and installing the
chimney.
noncombustible surface well
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