Avoiding Cracking Wall Finishes - Valor 1500KN Installation Manual

Installation Planning

Avoiding Cracking Wall Finishes

We recommend installing the optional LDK HeatShift
Duct Kit to reduce the wall temperatures and
minimize the possibility of cracking wall fi nishes.
WARNING
HeatShift System MUST be installed on
this appliance when using 1530CIK—Clean
Installation Kit.
If a clean fi nish with no tile, etc. is desired, joints in the
cement board and the transition to gypsum board
will require special attention if future cracking is to be
controlled. Be aware that temperatures on the non-
combustible wall surface above the appliance can
exceed 200°F (93°C).
Below are some tips on how to best avoid any cracking:
• Allow materials to dry thoroughly before fi nishing the
wall. Cement board has the ability to absorb up to 30
percent of its weight in water and may shrink as much
as 1/8" over a 48" length when drying from a satu-
rated condition. Running the fi replace for an extended
period before fi nal fi nishing will help drive out mois-
ture.
• Always pre-drill screw holes through cement board
and use screws with self-milling head.
• Always use mesh tape over joints.
• Always stagger joints in wall board.
• Behind joints, double up studs or use studs "on the
fl at" to add extra support to the joint. Adhesive on
the backside of wall board behind any joints can help
control diff erential movement.
• Use multiple, thinner coats of joint compound and al-
low to dry thoroughly between coats.
• Ensure framing materials are dry.
• After fi nishing the wall, introduce heat gradually to
slowly dry any excess moisture rather than drying too
fast.
• Avoid notching cement board or tiles around corners
of window opening and instead provide a joint that
intersects the corner.
• Avoid using lage one-piece slab of material with a
cut-out in the middle as a surround for the fi replace.
Expansion above the opening will cause cracking at
inside corners. Provide a joint that intersects the inside
corner to avoid cracking.
Crack
Wall Finish
Provide joints
either here or
here
19