Osburn OB01151 User Manual

Page 5

Section 1.0 Pre-Installation Requirements

1.1 Masonry & Zero Clearance Requirements

We recommend that our woodburning hearth products be installed and serviced by professionals who
are certified in the United States by NFI (National Fireplace Institute®) or in Canada by WETT (Wood
Energy Technical Training) or in Quebec by APC (Association des Professionnels du Chauffage).

The masonry fireplace must meet the minimum code requirements, or NFPA 211 or the equivalent for a
safe installation. Contact your local Building Inspector for requirements in your area. An inspection of
the fireplace should include the following:

1. CONDITION OF THE FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY: Examine the masonry fireplace and

chimney prior to installation to determine that they are free from cracks, loose mortar, creosote
deposits, blockage, or other signs of deterioration. If evidence of deterioration is noted, the
fireplace or chimney should be upgraded prior to installation.

2. ZERO CLEARANCE OR METAL HEATFORM FIREPLACE: These fireplaces and

chimneys must meet the conditions above, and the factory built zero clearance fireplace must be
listed. They must be suitable for use with solid fuel. The chimney must be at least 1" (25mm)
larger in diameter to accommodate a required continuous stainless steel liner running from the
flue collar to the top of the chimney termination.

Only readily detachable parts that are easily replaced, such as damper parts, screens, doors, and
side and back refractory panels, are to be removed from the fireplace. These parts must be stored
nearby and available for retrofit if the insert is ever removed. Removal of any parts which render
the fireplace unfit for use with solid fuel requires the fireplace to be permanently labeled by the
installer as being no longer suitable for solid fuel until the removed parts are replaced and the
fireplace is restored to its original certified condition.

3. CHIMNEY CAPS: Mesh type chimney caps must have provision for regular cleaning, or the

mesh should be removed to eliminate the potential of plugging.

LINER: The chimney must have an acceptable masonry liner suitable for solid fuel; otherwise a
continuous stainless steel liner must be installed.

ADJACENT COMBUSTIBLES: The fireplace should be inspected to make sure that there is
adequate clearance to combustibles, both exposed combustibles to the top, side, and front as well
as concealed combustibles, in the chimney and mantel area. Your local inspector should have
information on whether older fireplaces are of adequate construction.

6. OPENING SIZE: Refer to “Suitable Fireplace Dimensions” (Sec. 2.2) for suitable size

fireplace

openings.