Pre-Installation Requirements - C Thru

Proper preparation prior to installing the Contempo Fireplace is VERY IMPORTANT and will eliminate costly delays by call-back inspections, re-framing or removing framing to meet clearance requirements, as well as additional trips and charges by the installer.

Wood Floor Installation

If the fireplace is being set on a wood floor a heat barrier is required. The fireplace must be set on a minimum of two 1 1/4" thick masonry bricks high with a piece of galvanized metal sandwiched in between. If 8" tall blocks or larger are used, the galvanized metal sheet (heat barrier) is not required.

Minimum opening height if heat barrier is used: 7 1/2"

Minimum opening height if 8" masonry blocks are used: 13"

Concrete Floor Installation

When the fireplace is set on a concrete floor, a heat barrier is not required. Therefore, the Contempo Fireplace can be set at any desired height, including flush flush floor installation. When installing the fireplace flush with the floor, the base section of the fireplace is not used. Instead, split firebrick is adhered to the floor, on which the rest of the fireplace will sit.

Minimum opening height for flush floor* installation: 1 1/4"

Firebox Chase Requirements

A framed or masonry chase is required for all Contempo Fireplaces. Wherever carpeting and padding are present, they should be removed (including the total area of the hearth extension).

  Chimney Requirements

A 2" minimum clearance from combustibles is required from the outer edge (O.D.) of the chimney pipe for wood burning, and a 1" minimum clearance is required for gas burning chimney pipe. Fire-blocking is required between the joists in which the flue will be installed. An enclosed chase should be constructed with an open clear space in attic, closet, or above the roof, as indicated in the chart below.

A 1/2" plywood or wafer board should cap the chase in which a circle, 2" larger in radius than the chimney pipe, should be removed. The roof flashing should then be centered over this hole and mounted.