Fireplace Cavity (Chase) Construction - ORTAL 40 Series Installation And Operation Manual

Fireplace Cavity (Chase) Construction

The process of building the chase can be divided into four main phases:
IMPORTANT – Review "Clearance & Finish Diagrams" section prior to framing to ensure all clearances are
followed.
PHASE 1: BUILD BACK AND SIDE WALLS
•
Frame the back and side walls. (See "Building Back and Side Walls" section below for details.)
o
If using wood framing or plan on putting a TV or artwork above the fireplace, cover the inside of the
walls (the side facing towards the cavity) with 5/8" Type X Drywall or equivalent and level 1 finish.
o
If using metal framing and there is no TV or artwork, inside layer of 5/8" Type X Drywall or equivalent is
not required.
•
Build the platform (if necessary) to the desired height and install inside fireplace cavity. Platform must be stable
and able to bear the full weight of the fireplace. Platform can be constructed out of wood, concrete, metal or any
other solid materials. Material does not have to be non-combustible.
PHASE 2: INSTALL FIREPLACE & VENTING, RUN GAS & ELECTRICAL
•
Install the fireplace. This can only be completed by an authorized Ortal dealer (unless otherwise authorized by
Ortal with written approval). See the "Fireplace Installation Instructions" section for details.
•
Install pipe/venting. See the "Fireplace Installation Instructions" section for details.
•
Move the gas valve & receiver unit to the designated access panel location. If the fireplace will not have an
access panel, keep gas valve & receiver unit directly underneath the firebox.
•
Run gas and electric to the gas valve & receiver unit location.
PHASE 3: BUILD FRONT WALL
•
Build front cavity wall (aka infill panel):
For Metal/Non-Combustible Framing:
o
Build the front wall using metal studs.
o
Stand up the front wall and move into place.
o
Secure front wall to the rest of the cavity structure.
For Wood/Combustible Framing:
o
Build the front wall using wood studs (leaving room for min. 18" non-combustible/metal insert directly
above the fireplace opening).
o
Cover the inside portion of the wall with 5/8" Type X Drywall or equivalent and level 1 finish.
o
Stand up front wall and move into place.
o
Secure front wall to the rest of the cavity structure.
o
Build & install min. 18" non-combustible metal insert (see "Framing Requirements & Diagrams" section
for details).
•
Cover the exterior of each wall (sides and front, and back if applicable depending on your design) with
5/8" Type X Drywall or equivalent and level 1 finish.
PHASE 4: APPLY FINISHES
•
Apply finishes and install accessories. Make sure to follow all clearances as outlined in the "Clearance & Finish
Diagrams" section.
•
Turn the project over to the customer. See "Turning Project Over to End User" section for details.
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