Isokern FIRE-LITE series, Owner'S Manual

57

Summary

WARNING:

Never use gasoline, gasoline type lantern fuel, kero-

sene, charcoal lighter fluid or other similar liquids to start or 

“freshen up” the fire in this fireplace or in any fireplace.

WARNING:

If processed solid fuel firelogs are used: Do not poke 

or stir the logs while they are burning. Use only firelogs that 

have been evaluated for the application in fireplace and refer 

to firelog warnings and caution markings on packaging prior 

to use.

5. Avoid over-firing this fireplace. Some examples of over-

firing are:

a. Burning of scrap lumber, construction debris, pine branches 

and brush or cardboard boxes;

b. Burning small diameter twigs, branches or any

other small sized combustible materials in quantities which 
exceed the volume of the normal log fire;

c. Use of artificial wax base logs, trash or other chemicals or 

chemically treated combustibles.

WARNING:

   Over-firing can permanently damage this 

fireplace system.

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. Isokern does not limit the use of 

fireplace screens. 

7.

Disposal of Ashes:

It is recommended that the firebox be cleaned of ex

-

cessive 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 cin-
ders 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 obstruc

-

tions 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 chim-

ney 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.