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Direct Vent Gas Fireplace: Setting in the Hearth Support

From "Weekend Handyman"
episode WKH-212

In this episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan will show you how to install a direct-vent gas fireplace that needs no chimney, has a high-tech vent that sends the hot gases out and keeps the warm air in--and works as a heater as well.

Here's a close-up of the fireplace. Note the tile surround.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Time: 14 hours over two days.

Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 3 on the Weekend Handyman scale.

Materials:

Vent cap and interior fire stop
90-degree elbow and pipe extension
Stove cement
High temperature caulk
Regular silicone caulk
Dimensional lumber
Fireplace kit
Mantle kit
Sponge
Small bucket

Tools:

Grinder with segmented blade
Reciprocating saw
Circular saw
Long 3/4" spade bit
Wrenches
Tin snips
Chisels
Rubber float

Day One

Notes:

Check to see what building permits you need and follow accordingly.
This project requires both gas and electrical supply lines, so we strongly recommend you have professionals do the hookups before you begin. Once the fireplace is in place, have them return and finish the job.
Select fireplace and mantle kit, and determine location in room. On the show, a unit (figure A) was installed that is "heater" rated, which means you can use it to heat a couple of good-sized rooms. It comes with a remote control thermostat that will control the temperature in the room without wiring in the walls. The mantle kit included a mantle, surround and hearth extension.
Gather your tools and materials.
Clear out the room.
Make sure you are familiar with the manual and if you have any questions call your local dealer.

Setting in the Hearth Support

Get the fireplace aligned correctly by finding the center point and making a mark.
Use a level and transfer the center mark to the floor.
Temporarily set the two legs into place. Special cleats hold the legs to the hearth support (figure B).
Set the mantle header into place. Cleats on the header fit over the top of the legs.
With the mantle temporarily set up for alignment, you can see exactly where to make the cuts for the baseboard.
Mark a line across the top (figure C) so you will know where the wall cleat should go.
Cut the baseboard away. You can use a reciprocating saw, but a grinder with a segmented blade is a little easier for this task.
Set the hearth support back into place making sure it is centered. Re-mark the center line on the wall.
Center the fire box on the support (figure D).
Figure out where to make the hole for the vent.
Expert Tip: The system is sealed so it is energy efficient because it's not drawing air from in the home and it doesn't affect the air quality in the home.
Once the elbow is in position, mark the wall to indicate where you need to cut the hole to the outside.
Move the unit out of the way and make a 10" square mark. The fire stop goes through and will give you plenty of clearance for the vent pipe (figure E).

In the next segment, Ryan will insert the vent.

RESOURCES :
Fireplace (Heat-N-Glo)
Model Number: SL-550TRS-C
Availability phone: 888-427-3973
To find a local dealer, click here.