Builder Manual
Through years of serving builders of all types and sizes we have found that the methods described in this manual represent the most natural flow, are the most cost effective to all parties and provide for the best and safest fireplace installation.
ROUGH FRAME Stage
When: The
job supervisor should schedule the rough frame fireplace
installation to align when the tarpaper has just been applied to the
roof. It is highly
desirable to have the fireplace installed
before any other
utilities trades have been into the building.
The latest the fireplace can be installed without incurring additional costs, from a practical point, is just before drywall and exterior wall covering(s).
Who:
Responsibilities are broken down as detailed below.
|
FlameWorks - High
Efficiency Hearth |
Builder, General
Contactor |
|
q Fireplace Delivery |
q Fireplace Framing / Opening |
|
q Fireplace Installation, rough level & plumb. Centered to mark/between objects |
q Fireplace Platform, Center line mark |
|
q Fireplace Insulation (depending on contract) |
q Workable environment (clear work area) |
|
q Fireplace Flue Run & Metal Fire-stopping |
q Wood Fire-stopping at each level |
|
q Fireplace Flue Termination & Flashing |
q Chase construction & framing |
|
q Fireplace Control (low-volt) wire & junction box |
q Waterproofing if FP ordered post shingle stage |
|
q Fireplace face protection – cardboard cover |
q Fireplace Protection & Security |
Why: Why before other trades?
1. Reduces interference and chances for damage.
2. Typically costs the builder less because plumbers and electricians need fewer trips to complete their work.
Why is the builder be responsible for water tightness in some circumstances?
1. IF the fireplace, with a vertical termination, is ordered after the finial roof covering is in place we make every effort to ensure water tightness, however, we are not roofers and recommend that the builder have his roofing contractor review the work
Where: Where do mechanical trades make the connections to the fireplace once it is installed?
All the standard fireplaces that we offer clearly designate where gas and electrical lines are to penetrate the fireplace box and nearly all units are configured in the same design; gas on left, electric on right. Connections are below the main fireplace
Where is the default location FlameWorks - High
Efficiency Hearth uses for the low voltage switch boxes?
Unless otherwise specified (marked on the wall at the site) the
junction box and low voltage wire are placed outside of the mantel
shadow on the right side of the fireplace.
The height is apx. 60”, higher than standard switch height,
in order to reduce the chance that children will active the
fireplace. There is
extra wire (usually a total of 20’ +/- from the inside of the
fireplace) rolled into the junction box so that the builder or
electrician could relocate the junction box if another position is
desired.
Considerations:
q Changes – Are they communicated to all applicable trades in a timely manor?
q Gas Type – LP (Propane) OR Natural Gas?
q Exterior Wall Coverings – Are they to be brick, stone or any other deep dimension covering? Let your coordinator know when you place the order so that the termination can be held off the wall sheathing to accommodate the extra thickness.