FMI VENT FREE UNIVERSAL MASONRY FIREBOX MM39/44/49VF - Manual (Page 13)

12
Important Pre-installation Information
Overview
You will find that the Grand Meridian Fireplace is designed for
complete assembly at your construction site with all necessary
items delivered consisting of interlocking precast parts, 50 lbs.
of mortar and rebar.
The parts of the fireplace are made of incredibly strong blend of
specialty cement and a lightweight aggregate.
The design of the fireplace calls for the installation of a refractory
fire brick liner. This should be a minimum of 1-1/8” thick. The
liner will be applied within the walls of the firebox. Modular
firebrick panels are also available from FMI PRODUCTS, LLC.
Additional Materials Required:
1) Ready-Mix concrete - 2 cu.ft.
SURFACE CRACKS - The Grand Meridian FIREPLACES are
manufactured using high quality materials. During the drying
process, surface cracking may occur. These small cracks (under
1/16” will not affect the fireplace safety or performance). During
the assembly process, fill surface cracks with thin-set mortar
and brush when drying for a smooth surface finish.
Leveling and Aligning Components:
It is important to assemble all Vent-Free fireplace components
flush, level and square. Since it is not intended that mortar
be used to lay a mortar joint of any measurable thickness as
is typical when laying brick or concrete block, adjustments in
component height and level alignments are accomplished with
the use of small shims. These shims can be tapped into place to
level and align components. Once the Mortar is set, the shims
must be removed completely.
Be sure to re-grout any and all gaps where shims have been
inserted and then removed or where contact surfaces have
been separated by shim leveling.
Field Assembly Procedures
1) Mixing the mortar – You will require a 50 lb. bucket of mortar
which will be more than enough to adequately affix all the
fireplace components, one to the next. The mortar is premixed
and dry and is to be used to adhere all the fireplace components.
Be sure to use clean water and work it up into a mixture that
is pasty but not lumpy. If it is too thin, the components will
not adhere. Some trial and error may be necessary. You will
want to apply the mixture with a standard grout bag.
2) Moisten all surfaces which will have grout applied prior
to assembly. This will minimize shrinkage and cracks
developing in the joint areas. Best way to accomplish this is
with a bucket of water and a large sponge. Dip sponge into
water and apply a liberal amount of water to the grout joint
surface several minutes before the part is to be assembled.
The water will absorb into the surface allowing the grout to
properly cure.
3) Assembly of the Components – Once you have found the
proper consistency of the mixture, load it into the grout bag
and then place the components together applying the mixture
directly to the components where they come together. As a
rule, you can figure that you should lay down about ½” (one-
half inch) of a thread of mortar. The line of mortar should be
approximately ½” (one-half inch) away from all the edges of
each separate component.
The mortar has a considerable amount of holding power so
do not overload the components with too much mortar.
4) You will notice that some mortar will “ooze out” when you
place the next component on top of or next to the component
you previously place. This is to be expected – it means the
two pieces have properly bonded -- and you will want to
swipe the excess away with a trowel. It is never intended
that the surfaces of the components are to be completely
covered with mortar.
5) Do not apply the mortar in thick bands even if the component
you are working with is larger than the rest. You will want to
apply “stripes” of mortar in these situations.
6) Making Sure Components Are Level – It is extremely
important that you pay careful attention to how you are
assembling the fireplace. Since every component builds
on the next, it is critical, that from the beginning, you are
checking that the components are fitting together to be level
and flush. If you have to make any kind of an adjustment,
do not try to do it “by loading an opening” with mortar. That
is completely unacceptable, resulting in a fireplace that will
not be plumb or level. What you are advised to do is make
use of shims. You will find these supplied with the fireplace
and you can nudge them in between openings to achieve
the precision you need in making component adjustments.
7) Once you have removed the shims, you will want to cover
any gaps that may have resulted with the grout.
Warning: All surfaces where grout is applied must
have water sponged on several minutes prior to
assembly. This will minimize cracking of grout joint
and provide maximum strength.