Fireplace And Chimney Cleaning Requirements; Types Of Chimney Flues - Mendota AA-11-02969 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

3.2.18.5 Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning Requirements

The plan to install a gas fireplace Insert must include inspection and cleaning of the fireplace cavity and the entire chimney
system. The chimney top, especially masonry chimneys and wood framed chimney tops must be inspected, and the top surface
must be repaired or replaced, if necessary. Unlined chimney flues are the most vulnerable to mortar corrosion and damage.
These flues must be inspected, and repair must be done before dropping the flex vent liner for this Insert.
If you encounter a badly deteriorated or completely damaged firebox, do not proceed. These damaged structures must be
reviewed by structural Engineers and Local Building Code officials must approve the repair work prior to this Insert being
installed in such a damaged cavity.
Mendota requires that the fireplace cavity and chimney system be cleaned per the Chimney Safety
Institute of America recommendation prior to installation of a Mendota gas fired Insert. The Chimney
Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be swept at 1/8" of sooty
buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. This is enough fuel buildup to cause a
chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home. Factory-built fireplaces should be
swept when any appreciable buildup occurs. The logic is that the deposit is quite acidic and can shorten the
life of the fireplace.
Damaged Chimney Cap
WARNING: Failure to inspect and repair or replace damaged or dilapidated chimney flue, firebox or
chimney top caps can lead to odor emissions, water penetration and damage to electronic components of
this gas Insert or damage to other home structures. This omission to inspect, repair or replace as necessary
will void all applicable warranties on this product.

3.2.18.6 Types of Chimney Flues

Chimney flues can vary in shape, size, and type. During inspection, make note of the type of the flue system used. Professionally
clean and make any repairs before installing a Mendota gas Insert. Especially, pay attention to unlined flues which may have
missing or severely damaged mortar joints.
Clay Tile Liner Flue
85-03-01060-M
Unlined Flue
FV44i Décor Gen 3
Badly Deteriorated Firebox
Unlined Flue
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