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P127003 01
HOMEOWNERS GUIDE FOR YOUR
WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE
Read this manual carefully before using your wood burning
fireplace. Understand and observe all guidelines included in this
manual for safe operation of your wood burning fireplace inside
your home.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Precautions ..............2
Understanding Your Fireplace .............2
Operating Your Fireplace .....................4
Wood Selection ...................................5
Cleaning and Maintenance ..................6
Troubleshooting ..................................7
Fireplace Accessories ..........................9
Customer Service ................................9
20 Year Limited Warranty..................10
KEEP THIS MANUAL. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT HOMEOWNER
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The INNOVATIVE HEARTH PRODUCTS,
LLC (IHP) limited warranty will be voided
by, and IHP will disclaim any responsibility for the following:
1. Improper installation of your IHP
fireplace and IHP component parts.
Consult your installation instructions.
2. Any alteration of IHP fireplace and/or
components.
3. Use of an insert in an IHP fireplace. IHP
does not recommend or authorize the
use of any insert in our fireplaces and
will assume no responsibility for any
damages caused by an insert.
The safety precautions and operating
instructions in this homeowner’s guide
cannot cover all possible situations that
may arise during use. Caution and care
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FIREPLACE
This firebox has been tested to U.L. 127
test standards and is well insulated for
clearances to combustible construction
materials used in building a home. Proper
clearances are outlined on a label on
each component for use by installers and
building inspectors to insure compliance.
Firebox: The firebox is the portion of your
fireplace where the fire is built. It is made
of heavy gauge steel lined with brick patterned refractory material (firebrick) on
back, sides and bottom (hearth). This is
surrounded by another metal enclosure on
top, back and bottom. Air space between
firebox and outer enclosure provides a circulating feature that has been engineered
for a safe and efficient design.
Chimney System: The chimney is also
made of metal extending from top of fireplace through the roof and capped with
a screened termination. Inner liner (flue)
of chimney is made of stainless steel and
provides for exhaust of gases (carbon
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must always be used when operating
fireplace.
1. Never start a fire with a liquid fire
starter such as gasoline, kerosene, or
liquid barbecue starters.
2. Never burn trash or trees (such as
Christmas trees) as they can create
extremely hot fires and cause sparks
that may be hazardous.
3. Never use wood products with synthetic binders. They create creosote
in flue system and termination which
can be hazardous.
4. Keep children and pets away from
hot surfaces to avoid burns. Carefully
supervise children when they are in the
room with the fireplace. Exposed metal
parts and glass doors become very hot.
monoxide) from the fire. Outer liner is
made of galvanized steel and provides
passage for cooling air to keep chimney
safe at labeled clearance to combustible
building materials.
Damper: The damper is the metal disk
found at base of chimney (flue) and has
2 positions, open and closed. Flue gas
damper is located inside firebox, similar
to a conventional masonry fireplace. See
fireplace owner’s manual for operation.
Outside Air Kit Operation: The outside
air damper is located on inside of fireplace. See fireplace owner’s manual for
operation.
Note: Automatic barometric style dampers are installed on some models.
Fan/Blower: The fan system is designed
to enhance the convection principal of
your fireplace and is not designed to be
a blowing system. The switch located on
lower front face of fireplace operates fan.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR FIREPLACE Continued
Fireplace Grate: This unit has been
equipped with a grate designed to keep
operation of fireplace efficient and safe.
Do not alter grate. Size and position
of grate were engineered to give ideal
combustion characteristics for the fire.
By keeping logs within grate and not on
hearth, you will prevent chance of having
a log "spill" or roll out of fireplace. DO NOT
OVERLOAD FIREPLACE. Piling excessive
wood on grate will not increase efficiency
and could possibly cause smoke to enter
your room. When replacing grate, only
replace with a IHP replacement grate for
your fireplace model.
Fireplace Screen: The fireplace screen
prevents sparks and embers from escaping fireplace. Screen should always be
closed when a fire is burning.
CAUTION: Screen handles
will become hot.
Fireplace Glass Doors (If Installed): Glass
doors must be fully opened or fully closed
during operation of your fireplace. Grate
and/or wood should not touch doors.
AIR CIRCULATION
During operation of fireplace, cool air
enters the firebox through lower grills.
Heat rises and is expelled into the room
through top grill. This is called convection heat.
During periods of extremely cold weather,
when fireplace is not being used, the
exact opposite may happen. Warm room
air will enter upper grill due to extreme
cold air near outside of metal firebox. Air
cools, drops and re-enters room through
lower grill.
This may be an indication the cold climate
installation procedure was not used.
WARNING: Never block a
vent or grill of the fireplace.
This is important to the cooling
of the fireplace and assures a
safe and proper operation as
designed.
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OPERATING YOUR FIREPLACE
1. Keep grate in brackets provided.
2. Open flue damper. During operation
damper must be in FULLY OPENED
POSITION. In cold weather, to assure proper draw, preheat flue by
burning a crumpled newspaper in
damper area after damper has been
fully opened.
3. Open combustion air damper (automatic on some models).
4. Build a fire using the following
method:
•Use seasoned dry wood (should be
seasoned at least 1 year)
•Crisscross small pieces of wood and
place crumpled newspaper under it
•Place 3 logs on grate. DO NOT
OVERLOAD FIREPLACE. Piling excessive wood on the grate will not
increase efficiency and could cause
smoke spillage.
•Light newspaper
5. Fireplace glass doors, if installed,
must be in fully opened or fully
closed position during operation of
fireplace.
CAUTION: Close screen
before closing glass doors.
WARNING: Fireplaces
equipped with glass doors
should be operated only with
doors fully opened or doors fully closed. Doors, if left partly
open, may draw gas and flame
out of the fireplace opening
creating risks of both fire and
smoke. Doors should warm
gradually to prevent breakage.
6. After fire has burned out, do not
close damper until embers and
ashes have had a chance to completely cool and you are certain there
are no warm embers.
7. Dispose of ashes by using a metal
container with a tight lid. Do not
remove ashes until you are certain
they are burned out and have cooled
completely.
This fireplace is not intended
to be used as a substitute for
a furnace to heat an entire
home. Use for supplementary
heat only.
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WOOD SELECTION
Selecting the right wood depends on your
preference for comfort, aroma and visual
image. If you want a constant heat output,
a short flame with a glowing coals type
of fire, select a hardwood. If you want a
short hot fire for damp and chilly mornings, select a softer wood. The following
chart is a guide to aide in wood selection.
Woods at the top of chart are harder woods
and those at bottom of chart are softer.
Aromatic woods are best from nut and
fruit trees such as hickory, apple, cherry,
beech, etc. Heat value from harder woods
is better than from softer. It is important
to burn wood that has been seasoned.
Seasoning reduces moisture content for
a good steady fire and less creosote output. The recommended length of time for
proper seasoning is about 1 year.
Never burn trash, plastics, gasoline,
rubber, industrial solvents, flammable
liquids, naptha, household garbage,
material treated with petroleum products,
leaves, paper products, cardboard or salt
driftwood.
Wood Type Density
Dogwood 0.70 - 0.79
Hickory 0.70 - 0.74
Oak 0.60 - 0.73
Beech 0.64 - 0.66
Hard Maple 0.58 - 0.65
Birch 0.55 - 0.64
Mulberry 0.59 - 0.63
Apple 0.58 - 0.62
Ash 0.57 - 0.61
Southern Pine 0.51 - 0.60
Elm 0.50 - 0.59
Walnut 0.52 - 0.55
Soft Maple 0.47 - 0.54
Cherry 0.50 - 0.52
Sycamore 0.49 - 0.52
Douglas Fur 0.45 - 0.51
Chestnut 0.42 - 0.44
Spruce 0.41 - 0.44
Hemlock 0.40 - 0.42
Redwood 0.33 - 0.40
Aspen 0.37 - 0.39
White Pine 0.35 - 0.37
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CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
CREOSOTE
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar
and other organic vapors which, when
combined with expelled moisture, forms
creosote. Creosote vapors condense in
relatively cool chimney flue of a slow
burning fire.
As a result, creosote residue accumulates
on flue lining. When ignited, this creosote
makes an extremely hot fire. Chimney
should be inspected at least twice a year
during heating season to determine
if creosote build-up has occurred. If
creosote has accumulated, it should be
removed to reduce risk of chimney fire.
It is recommended that you use a professional chimney sweep.
Removing Creosote
In order to remove creosote from flue,
termination cap must be removed.
1. Close damper before cleaning flue as
fine soot can become airborne in the
home.
2. If termination is round top (3 feet of
exposed pipe with round cap) remove
3 sheet metal screws that secure termination to last section of pipe and lift
off cap.
3. For square chase termination with
pyramid cap, remove screws that
secure top at four corners.
4. Place termination top aside.
5. After cleaning is completed open
damper and collect debris in trash
container. A professional chimney
sweep has all tools and experience
necessary to complete this job.
6. Be certain to clean all loose debris
from termination before replacing.
7. Before installing a vented or vent-free
gas log set in a solid fuel burning
fireplace, chimney flue and firebox
must be cleaned of soot, creosote,
ashes and loose paint by a qualified
chimney cleaner. Creosote will ignite
if highly heated. Inspect chimney
flue for damage. If damaged, operate vent-free gas log heater with flue
damper closed.
8. Replace termination cap with screws.
REFRACTORY
The brick refractory on the interior of
your fireplace (sides, back and bottom) is
manufactured with a high quality cement
mixture and reinforced with a wire mesh.
In a new fireplace or one with new refractory, allow refractory to cure for 24 hours.
When building a fire, build a small one
for the first 3 or 4 fires. The refractory is
subjected to expansion and contraction
from the heating and cooling of firebox
during operation. It is acceptable to operate the fireplace with cracks of 1/64" wide.
If a crack should develop that is larger
than the hairline crack described, take the
following corrective measures:
1. Patch crack with a refractory patching
cement available at fireplace shops or
hardware stores. The refractory must
still be in one piece to patch.
2. Replace refractory panel (see fireplace owner’s manual). DO NOT
continue to use your fireplace if your
refractory has a crack that exceeds
1/64".
Refractories are available through your
service dealer.
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CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE Continued
GRATE
If grate deteriorates or is distorted, replace with an IHP grate designed for your
fireplace (see fireplace owner’s manual).
TROUBLESHOOTING
SMOKE
This fireplace has been designed to operate without smoke spillage into the room
when installed and operated properly. In
the event a smoking problem does occur,
check for one of the following conditions:
1. Outside environmental conditions
adversely affecting draft.
2. Lack of ventilation due to a tightly
insulated house could prevent the
fireplace from drawing properly. If
this happens, open a window a small
amount while operating fireplace.
3. Other appliances competing for
available air in a tightly sealed home.
These could be heating appliances,
kitchen exhaust fans and bathroom
exhaust fans.
4. Relationship of your house to hills,
trees and nearby taller buildings can
affect wind conditions which can
have a direct effect on your fireplace
operation.
5, Chimney termination not installed to
proper height.
6. Blockage of flue or termination cap.
7. Flue and termination caked with creosote buildup.
8. Grate too close to front of fireplace,
not positioned behind smoke shelf.
Position grate in designated area on
brackets.
GLASS DOORS
Clean glass with any commercial glass
cleaner or soap and water. Do not use any
abrasive material to clean glass. Do not
clean glass with cool water if glass is still
hot from use. Let doors dry completely
before bulding the next fire.
9. Damper not in fully opened position.
10. Outside air damper not in opened
position.
11. Operating fireplace with partially
opened doors.
12. Additional chimney pipe(s) may be
necessary under certain conditions.
(Additional chimney pipe available as
accessory item.)
IMPORTANT: For see-through and peninsula models, air currents in the room
can cause some smoke spillage.
COLD AIR DRAFTS
In cold areas you must take special
precautions and follow COLD CLIMATE
installation instructions in your owner’s
manual.
If cold air drafts are present when your
fireplace is not in operation check the
following:
1. Air coming out of fireplace opening.
Close damper.
2. Air near sides of firebox interior. Close
outside combustion air damper.
3. Air coming in around sides of fireplace, between fireplace and wall.
Make sure fireplace frame has been
caulked to enclosure of frame.
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TROUBLESHOOTING Continued
4. Air from bottom grill (circulating units
only). Make sure fireplace enclosure
and base have been insulated according to cold climate installation
instructions in owner’s manual.
Note: After all measures to avoid cold air
drafts have been taken, there may still be
a slight cold air draft coming through the
louver and other areas. This may be due
to circumstances beyond the manufacturer’s control, such as airflow around
the structure and tightness of the home
(creating negative pressure), etc.
ASH DISPOSAL
Ashes should be placed in a metal
container with a tight fitting lid. Closed
container of ashes should be placed on a
noncombustible floor or on the ground.
The container should be kept well away
from all combustible materials pending
final disposal. If ashes are disposed of
by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in closed
container until cinders have thoroughly
cooled.
GLASS DOORS
Glass doors used by IHP are tempered
(safety) glass and have been tested to
national standards. When glass breaks
during use it could be for the following
reasons:
1. Fire is too large
2. Logs are too close to glass. Logs and
any burning material should not touch
glass. This may cause glass to break.
3. Heat has built up too fast.
Continued operation at excessively high
temperatures may cause glass to partially
lose it's temper and break.
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FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES
GLASS DOORS
Bifold glass doors are optional with
IHP fireplace. For replacement, refer to
fireplace installation instructions in your
owner’s manual.
Note: Use of glass doors other than those
manufactured by IHP voids warranty
and may create a potentially hazardous
condition.
Refer to installation instructions that
come with door kit for installation details. Glass door kits can be installed
before, during or after fireplace has been
installed.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
GAS LOGS
A full line of vented and vent-free IHP
gas logs is available. See your dealer
or distributor for details or visit www.
Superiorfireplaces.US.com.
FANS/BLOWERS
This accessory is designed to enhance
the convection principle (see Air Circulation, page 3). It is not designed as a
blowing system.
You may have further questions about
installation, operation, or troubleshooting. Please contact your IHP dealer for
any questions or concerns. When calling
your dealer please have your model and
serial numbers of your fireplace ready.
You can also visit our web site at www.
Superiorfireplaces.US.com.
Note: The serial number and other pertinent information can be found on the
rating plate located behind the screen
near upper right corner of firebox. In
some models it may be located vertically
on side panel.
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Innovative Hearth Products
Superior™ Brand Wood-Burning Fireplace
20 Year Limited Warranty
THE WARRANTY
Innovative Hearth Products ("IHP") 20 Year Limited Warranty warrants your Superior™ Brand wood burning
fireplace ("Product") to be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the time of manufacture. The
Product body, firebox and ceramic glass carry the 20 Year Limited Warranty. Ceramic glass carries the 20
Year Limited Warranty against thermal breakage only. After installation, if covered components manufactured
by IHP are found to be defective in materials or workmanship during the 20 Year Limited Warranty period and
while the Product remains at the site of the original installation, IHP will, at its option, repair or replace the
covered components. If repair or replacement is not commercially practical, IHP will, at its option, refund the
purchase price or wholesale price of the IHP product, whichever is applicable. IHP will also pay IHP prevailing
labor rates, as determined in its sole discretion, incurred in repairing or replacing such components for up to
five years. THERE ARE EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS to this 20 Year Limited Warranty as described herein.
COVERAGE COMMENCEMENT DATE
Warranty coverage begins on the date of installation. In the case of new home construction, warranty coverage begins on the date of first occupancy of the dwelling or six months after the sale of the Product by an
independent IHP dealer/distributor, whichever occurs earlier. The warranty shall commence no later than 24
months following the date of product shipment from IHP, regardless of the installation or occupancy date.
EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
This 20 Year Limited Warranty applies only if the Product is installed in the United States or Canada and only
if operated and maintained in accordance with the printed instructions accompanying the Product and in
compliance with all applicable installation and building codes and good trade practices.
This warranty is non-transferable and extends to the original owner only. The Product must be purchased
through a listed supplier of IHP and proof of purchase must be provided. The Product body and firebox carry
the 20 Year Limited Warranty from the date of installation. Vent components, trim components, paint and
applied stains are excluded from this 20 Year Limited Warranty. The following do not carry a 20 Year Limited
Warranty but are warranted as follows:
Air tubes, baffles and brick retainer s – Repair or replacement for one year from the date of installation
Cast iron parts – Replacement for one year from date of installation
Catalyst – Carries a separate warranty. Refer to the warranty certificate provided for that part
Electrical components – Repair or replacement for one year from the date of installation
Fireplace screens, refractory and side shields (metal or refractory) - Repair or replacement for
two years from date of installation. Excludes hairline cracks
Fuel grates – These parts are considered consumable accessories and therefore are not warranted,
with the exception of defects in material or workmanship which are covered for 90 days from the
date of installation
Gaskets – Replacement for one year from date of installation
Gold & nickel plating – Replacement for two years from date of installation. Excludes tarnishing
Optional glass doors – Repair or replacement for 90 days from the date of installation
Refractory & screens – Replacement for two years from date of installation. Excludes hairline cracks
Removable air tubes - Repair or replacement for seven years from date of installation. IHP prevailing
labor rates for years one through five.
Labor coverage - Prevailing IHP labor rates apply for the warranty period of the component.
Parts not otherwise listed carry a 90 day warranty from the date of installation.
Whenever practicable, IHP will provide replacement parts, if available, for a period of 10 years from the
last date of manufacture of the Product.
IHP will not be responsible for: (a) damages caused by normal wear and tear, accident, riot, fire, flood or acts
of God; (b) damages caused by abuse, negligence, misuse, or unauthorized alteration or repair of the Product
affecting its stability or performance. (The Product must be subject to normal use with approved fuels listed
in the Operation Manual provided with the product. This includes burning such fireplace fuels as wood and
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127003-01A10
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natural or propane gas. Fuel products with abnormal burning characteristics, including but not limited to fuel
such as driftwood, coal or plywood and wood products using a binder may burn at excessive temperatures
and may cause damage to the Product or may cause it to function improperly.); (c) damages caused by
failing to provide proper maintenance and service in accordance with the instructions provided with the
Product; (d) damages, repairs or inefficiency resulting from faulty installation or application of the Product.
Coverage of this 20 Year Limited Warranty is conditional upon use of an adequate fuel grate on factory-built
fireplaces only, when applicable. IHP is not responsible for inadequate fireplace system draft caused by
air conditioning and heating systems, mechanical ventilation systems, or general construction conditions
which may generate negative air pressure in the room in which the appliance is installed. Additionally IHP
assumes no responsibility for smoking conditions caused by inadequate chimney height, adjoining trees or
buildings, adverse wind conditions or unusual environmental factors and conditions. Certain IHP Products
are listed for use with Security Chimneys International, Ltd. or IHP chimney systems only. Use of chimney
components other than that specified in the Product manual will void the Product warranty.
This 20 Year Limited Warranty covers only parts and labor as provided herein. In no case shall IHP be
responsible for materials, components or construction which are not manufactured or supplied by IHP or
for the labor necessary to install, repair or remove such materials, components or construction. Additional
utility bills incurred due to any malfunction or defect in equipment are not covered by this 20 Year Limited
Warranty. All replacement or repair components will be shipped F.O.B. from the nearest stocking IHP factory.
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY
It is expressly agreed and understood that IHP’s sole obligation and the purchaser’s exclusive remedy under
this warranty, under any other warranty, expressed or implied, or in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be
limited to replacement, repair, or refund, as specified herein.
In no event shall IHP be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by defects in the Product,
whether such damage occurs or is discovered before or after replacement or repair, and whether such damage
is caused by IHP’s negligence. IHP has not made and does not make any representation or warranty of fitness
for a particular use or purpose, and there is no implied condition of fitness for a particular use or purpose.
IHP makes no expressed warranties except as stated in this 20 Year Limited Warranty. The duration of any
implied warranty is limited to the duration of this expressed warranty.
No one is authorized to change this 20 Year Limited Warranty or to create for IHP any other obligation or
liability in connection with the Product. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. The
provisions of this 20 Year Limited Warranty are in addition to and not a modification of or subtraction from
any statutory warranties and other rights and remedies provided by law.
INVESTIGATION OF CLAIMS AGAINST WARRANTY
IHP reserves the right to investigate any and all claims against this 20 Year Limited Warranty and to decide,
in its sole discretion, upon the method of settlement.
To receive the benefits and advantages described in this Limited Lifetime Warranty, the appliance must be
installed and repaired by a licensed contractor approved by IHP.
Contact IHP at the address provided herein to obtain a listing of approved dealers/distributors. IHP shall
in no event be responsible for any warranty work done by a contractor that is not approved without first
obtaining IHP's prior written consent.
HOW TO REGISTER A CLAIM AGAINST WARRANTY
In order for any claim under this warranty to be valid, you must contact the IHP dealer/distributor from
which you purchased the product. If you cannot locate the dealer/ distributor, then you must notify IHP in
writing. IHP must be notified of the claimed defect in writing within 90 days of the date of failure. Notices
should be directed to the IHP Warranty Department at 1508 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 108; Nashville, TN 37210
or visit our website at WWW.SUPERIORFIREPLACES.US.COM.
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IHP reserves the right to make changes at any time, without
notice, in design, materials, specifications, prices and also
to discontinue colors, styles and products. Consult your
local distributor for fireplace code information.
Printed in U.S.A. © 2013 IHP LLC
P/N 127003-01 Rev. A 12/2013.
P127003 01
1508ElmHillPike,Suite108•Nashville,
TN 37210.
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