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RHW-44 WOODBURNING FIREPLACE
G. CONSTRUCTING A CHASE
A chase is a vertical box-like enclosure built around
the chimney and firebox. A chase may be constructed
for the fireplace and chimney or for the chimney only.
It is most commonly constructed on an outside wall.
In cold climates, it is recommended that the chase
floor be insulated using batt type insulation between
the floor joists.
Three examples of chase applications are shown in
Figure 22.
Figure 22
Chase Constructions
a.
Fireplace and chimney enclosed in an exterior
chase.
b.
Chimney offset through exterior wall and
enclosed in chase.
c.
Chase constructed on roof.
1. Materials for the Chase
The chase is constructed using framing materials
much the same as the walls in your home. A variety
of materials may be used including brick, stone,
veneer brick, or standard siding materials.
In constructing the chase, several factors must be
considered.
a.
Maintain an 1/2" minimum air space around the
firebox.
b.
Maintain a 2" air space around the chimney.
c.
The chase top must be constructed of a non-
combustible material.
3-00
d.
In cold climates a firestop spacer should be
installed in an insulated false ceiling at the 8 foot
level above the firebox assembly. This prevents
heat loss through the fireplace.
e.
In cold climates, the walls of the chase should
be insulated to the level of the false ceiling as
shown in Figure 23. This will help prevent heat
loss from the home around and through the fire-
place.
Figure 23 - Chase Assembly
WARNING!
DETAIL INSTRUCTIONS FOR
INSTALLATION OF THE CHASE
TOP, STORM COLLAR AND TER-
MINAL CAP ARE PACKAGED
WITH THESE PARTS. TO AVOID
DANGER OF FIRE, ALL INSTRUC-
TIONS MUST BE STRICTLY FOL-
LOWED, INCLUDING THE PROVI-
SION OF AIR SPACE CLEARANCE
BETWEEN CHIMNEY SYSTEM
AND ENCLOSURE. TO PROTECT
AGAINST EFFECTS OF CORRO-
SION ON THOSE PARTS
EXPOSED TO THE WEATHER, WE
RECOMMEND THAT THE CHASE
TOP AND TERMINAL CAP BE
PAINTED WITH A RUST RESIS-
TANT PAINT.
19
33147A
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