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Venting Installation Instructions
CAUTION: Each installation must conform to all local, state and national codes. Refer to the national fuel gas code and
local zoning and code authorities for details on installation requirements. The Mendota Inserts must be vented to the
outside in accordance with the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code. In the absence of local codes, the
installation must conform with National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1 (NFPA 54), or Canadian Code CAN1-B149 or most
current edition, also known as NFPA 54. Do not connect this Insert to a chimney flue serving a separate solid fuel or gas-
burning appliance.
1. Remove glass doors, metal fire screens, etc. from existing fireplace. Be sure there is 12" minimum distance
from top of upper grill to bottom of mantel and a 16" minimum non-combustible hearth extension in front of the
glass surface if a raised hearth is not supplied..
2. Remove any additional framework or other obstructions in the existing fireplace opening and burning area.
Also remove any chimney cap from top of chimney so that vent liner can be installed freely.
3. Before Insert is installed, have gas supplier or contractor run gas line to the existing fireplace. Be sure gas
plumbing instructions are carefully followed. Gas supply may enter fireplace on the left side or back left side of
fireplace, whichever is most convenient and accessible. Electrical service (120 volt) should also be supplied to
the right side of the appliance.
4. The entire chimney should be swept to remove creosote, soot and any obstructions (bird nests, etc.).
5. Open fireplace damper. If damper opening is large enough to accept the 4" and 3" flue liners, permanently
secure damper in "open" position. NOTE: Massachusetts requires that the flue damper must be removed or
permanently welded in the "open" position.
6. If damper opening is too small for the 4" & 3" flue liners, it will be necessary to remove the damper handle and the
damper plate. Some damper plates are held in place by a pinned hinge that can be released easily by tapping
out the pin with a hammer and punch. Others may be held in place by a screw or bolt, or pivots may be cast into
the damper housing. The latter types may be harder to get out and may require sawing or breaking out. [NOTE:
if flue size is 6" (127 mm) or less, or if severe offsets occur, or a significant mortar slop is evident between the
liners, try to snake liner down the chimney to the top of the damper housing before breaking out damper plate and
housing.]
CAUTION: If the 4" & 3" flue liners cannot be installed in an extremely tight chimney DO NOT proceed with
installation.
7. If damper opening is narrower than 4-1/2" to 5" (114 mm to 127 mm) and if local code authorities allow, loosen
and remove mortar behind back side of damper housing in the center of the opening enough to get the gripping
teeth of a pipe wrench over the flange of the damper housing ( for cast iron housings). Tighten the wrench
snugly, and kick down on the wrench handle to break out a half moon shaped piece of the damper housing,
enough to easily fit the flex liner through it. If the opening is wide enough, the break out is not necessary.
8. Install Insert only in chimney heights of 10' (minimum) to 70' (maximum) -- as measured in step 9, see next
page.
9. Measure the chimney height from the top of the chimney (or the existing flue liner) to a point 24" (610 mm) above
the floor of the fireplace hearth. It may be necessary to drop a rope and measure the rope itself. Be sure to allow
for all offsets in existing chimney. Cut the 4" diameter flex liner (s) to this measured length.
10. Attach a sheet metal strap loop to the flex end of the liner(s) and tie a rope to it. Two installers should proceed to
the roof and drop the rope (with weight on the end to make sure it goes all the way down) and insert the 4"
liner(s) past the flexible portion, into the existing chimney – SEE NEXT PAGE:
11. One installer should then return to the fireplace opening and pull the rope to guide the liner(s) into place through
the smoke shelf and the damper opening to a point 22" (560 mm) above the fireplace hearth. The person below
should wear leather gloves and Safety Glasses during this process to avoid being cut and to safeguard eyes from
flying debris.
CAUTI ON: WHEN USING FLEX ALUMINUM LINER, USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN STRETCHING LINER
AROUNDOFFSETS SO AS NOT TO RUPTURE LINER.
PAGE 15
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