Monessen Hearth M400BFC User Manual

8

The chimney system is supported by the fireplace for 
vertical chimney heights less than 30’ (9 m) above the 
hearth. Chimney supports are required if the vertical 
height exceeds 30’ (9 m).  Locate chimney supports 
at ceiling holes or other structural framing at 30’ (9 m) 
heights. Spacing between chimney supports must 
not exceed 30’ (9 m).  Use Chimney Support Model 
TCS8A.  (NOTE:  The TCS8A cannot be mounted 
directly to the fireplace.)  Support provided by elbow 
straps fulfills the support requirement only if they are 
spaced as previously described. (A chimney support is 
2Z\x" (64 mm) long when installed.)
Angled chimney runs require a support every 6’ 1.8 m) 
in addition to the elbow straps. Chimney supports are 
used for this function. (Fig. 6) 

FP284a
TCS8A
8/21/00 

Chimney Sup-

port Strap

TCS8A

FP284a

Fig. 6  Chimney support installation.

A chase is a vertical box-like structure which encloses 
the fireplace and/or chimney. Chases are typically built 
on the outside of the house with fireplace opening cut 
into the outer wall of a room.  (Page 4, Fig. 2)
If you need help in determining fireplace location or 
how the chimney system should be run, contact your 
Monessen dealer for assistance.

If you live in a cold climate, it is not required but 
highly recommended that you insulate fireplace 
enclosure to eliminate cold air penetration as much 
as possible.
Insulate base of fireplace with a noncombustible 
insulation rated for a minimum of 300°F.  Insulating 
is very important for outside wall installations over 
a concrete slab. If fireplace is installed on a platform, 
insulation should be placed on top of the platform 
before fireplace is set. (Fig. 7)
When a fireplace is installed in a chase or on a 
outside wall, enclosure should be treated like any 
outside wall in a home. Insulation should be installed 
on the inside wall as well as the outside wall(s). In 
a chase, it is also a good idea to install a firestop at 
the first ceiling level above the fireplace and enclose 
the chase with sheeting material. Insulation may 
then be installed above sheeting material to assure 
the space around the fireplace is totally protected. 
(Fig. 2)
When installing the chimney, DO NOT caulk be-
tween outer pipe and firestop. It is vital that some air 
be allowed to flow through this very thin gap.
CAUTION:  When installing a fireplace in an insu-
lated enclosure, be sure all required air spaces 
are maintained. (Page 13, Fig. 17)