10
Summary
6. Fireplace Doors and Screens:
This fireplace has not been tested for use with doors.
To reduce the risk of fire or injury, do not install doors. If
doors are required by the local authority having jurisdiction
then doors must be kept in the fully open position when the
fireplace is in operation. Earthcore does not limit the use of
fireplace screens.
7.
Disposal of Ashes:
It is recommended that the firebox be cleaned of
excessive ashes before each use. It is necessary to remove
ashes from the open front of the fireplace. To do so, proceed
in the following manner:
Allow the fire to go out and the ashes to cool for at
least six to eight hours.
After the cooling period carefully pick up the ashes
from the firebox with a small, metal fireplace shovel or other
metal scoop and place them in a metal container with a tight
fitting lid.
If possible do not sweep the ashes as this will stir
them into the air and disperse them into the room.
The closed container of ashes should be placed on
a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from
all combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the
ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally
dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container
until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
8. Inspection and Cleaning:
At least twice a year in warm climates or monthly
during the heating season in colder climates, thoroughly
inspect the Fire-Lite fireplace and chimney system.
Chimneys must be installed so that access is provided for
inspection and cleaning. The chimney should be inspected
monthly during the heating season.
Inspect the entire flue from the top down for
obstructions such as birds’ nests, leaves, etc. Such
obstructions must be removed.
Check spark arrestor screens for clear flow of
smoke every two to four weeks during the heating season.
Inspect the flue periodically during the heating season for the
presence of soot and creosote build up. If creosote or soot
has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of
chimney fire.
Have your chimney cleaned by a professional
chimney sweep if you have doubts about your ability to do
it. Use a plastic, wood or steel brush to clean the chimney.
Scrub the spark arrestor/chimney cap with a wire brush.
Remove any chimney cap for flue cleaning from the
top. Open the damper in the firebox for cleaning access from
below.
Clean the inner portion of the flue by using a flexible
handled chimney cleaning brush.
For straight run flue the proper size brush can be
pulled up through the flue from the firebox with the damper
open.
If the chimney has an offset chimney section, brush
cleaning from the chimney top down to the offset/return and
then from the firebox up to the offset section is the proper
method.
In either case, cover the fireplace opening with a
damp sheet (sealed to the opening with masking tape) before
brush cleaning. Do not remove sheet until the soot has
settled. It is advised to vacuum loosened soot. Do not sweep
loosened soot as sweeping will disperse soot into the air and
about the room.
WARNING:
Do not use chemical fireplace and chimney
cleaners that are poured on a hot fire. These can be dangerous
and generally work only on the flue section nearest the
fire, leaving the rest of the flue unaffected.
9. Exterior Maintenance:
Annually, at a minimum, check all metal flashings
and weather seals around the exterior chimney where it
penetrates the roof surface; inspect any chimney top spark
arrestors, metal cowlings and weather hoods to make sure
they are secure and weather tight.
Seal any cracks or gaps in chimney-to-roof flashings
to prevent possible roof and chimney chase leaks.
Inspect any cement chimney cap or clay chimney pot
terminations to make sure they are not diverting water into
the structure. Seal any suspected cracks or gaps in these
masonry components.
