Figure - Mendota D30 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

Fireplace insert and Chimney Cleaning Requirements
The plan to install a gas fireplace Insert must include inspection and cleaning of the fireplace insert cavity and the entire
chimney system. The chimney top, especially masonry chimneys and wood framed chimney tops must be inspected and the top
surface must be repaired or replaced, if necessary. Unlined chimney flues are the most vulnerable to mortar corrosion and
damage. These flues must be inspected and repair must be done before dropping the flex vent liner for this Insert.
If you encounter a badly deteriorated or completely damaged firebox, do not proceed. These damaged structures must be
reviewed by structural Engineers and Local Building Code officials must approve the repair work prior to this Insert being
installed in such a damaged cavity.
Mendota requires that the fireplace insert cavity and chimney system be cleaned per the Chimney Safety
Institute of America recommendation prior to installation of a Mendota gas fired Insert. The Chimney
Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplace inserts should be swept at 1/8" of
sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. This is considered to be enough fuel
buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home. Factory -built
fireplace inserts should be swept when any appreciable buildup occurs. The logic is that the deposit is quite
acidic and can shorten the life of the fireplace insert.
Figure 3-21 Damaged Chimney Cap
WARNING: Failure to inspect and repair or replace damaged or dilapidated chimney flue, firebox or
chimney top caps can lead to odor emissions, water penetration and damage to electronic components of
this gas Insert or damage to other home structures. This omission to inspect, repair or replace as
necessary will void all applicable warranties on this product.
Types of Chimney Flues
Chimney flues can vary in shape, size and type. During inspection, make note of the type of the flue system used. Professionally
clean and make any repairs before installing a Mendota gas Insert. Especially, pay attention to unlined flues which may have
missing or severely damaged mortar joints.
Figure 3-24 Clay Tile Liner Flue
85-03-01071
Figure 3-22 Unlined Flue
D30 DEEP TIMBER
Figure 3-23 Badly Deteriorated
Firebox
Figure 3-25 Unlined Flue
Page 30