Chase Installations; Construct The Chase - Heat & Glo NORTHSTAR-BK Owner's Manual

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Chase Installations

A. Construct the Chase
A chase is a vertical boxlike structure built to enclose the
fireplace and/or its vent system. Vertical chimneys that run
on the outside of a building must be installed inside a chase.
In cold climates, it is recommended that the chase insulated
using batt type insulation between the joists.
Construction of the chase may vary with the type of build-
ing. These instructions are not substitutes for the require-
ments of local building codes. Local building codes MUST
be checked.
Chases should be constructed in the manner of all outside
walls of the home to prevent cold air drafting problems. The
chase should not break the outside building envelope in any
manner. All outer walls need to be insulated.
Building codes require false ceiling and ceiling firestops at
each floor of the chase or every 10 ft (3.05 mm) of clear
space to control spread of fire.
Walls, ceiling, base plate and cantilever floor at the first level
of the chase should be insulated. See Figure 9.1 Vapor and
air infiltration barriers should be installed in the chase as per
regional codes for the rest of the home. Additionally, Hearth
& Home Technologies recommends that the inside surfac-
es be sheet rocked and taped (or the use of an equivalent
method) for maximum air tightness.
Holes and other openings should be caulked with high tem-
perature caulk or stuffed with unfaced fiber glass insulation.
Round Termination Cap
Storm Collar
Metal Chase Top
Ceiling
Firestop
False Ceiling
Attic
Insulation
Tabs
Shield
Ceiling
Firestop
Insulation Insulation
False Ceiling
False Ceiling
Chimney
Figure 9.1 Chase Assembly
4/20/11
Insulation in the
outside walls
of the chase
Heat & Glo • NorthStar EPA Fireplace • 480-1081E
Three examples of chase applications are shown in
Figure 9.2
1. Fireplace and chimney enclosed in an exterior chase.
2. Chimney offset through exterior wall and enclosed in
chase.
3. Chase constructed on roof.
All outside walls should be insulated.
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Figure 9.2 Chase Constructions
WARNING! You must install false ceilings and ceiling
firestops at each floor of the chase or every 10 ft (3.05 m)
to control spread of fire.
WARNING! Risk of Fire! DO NOT seal area between fire
stop opening and chimney pipe except where they enter
the attic or leave the warm air envelope of the home (use
600° F sealant).
WARNING! Risk of Fire! You must maintain a minimum
2 in. (51 mm) air space clearance to insulation and other
materials surrounding the chimney system.
• Insulation and other materials must be firmly secured to
prevent accidental contact with chimney system.
• The chase must be properly blocked to prevent blown
insulation or other combustibles from entering and
making contact with fireplace or chimney.
• Failure to prevent contact between insulation or other
materials and chimney system may cause overheating
and fire.
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