There are many ways to enhance the outdoor space of a residential property.
It's fairly common to see paver patios, outdoor kitchens, water features, landscape lighting,
even entertainment systems.
Fire features are another enhancement that have become more and more popular over the
years.
Today these fire features can be added more easily and affordably using RTF ready to finish
products, like the 36 and 42 inch modular outdoor fireplace kits.
Recently we spoke to our resident RTF expert, Bryan Hensley, to learn more about the product.
One of the benefits of the RTF fireplace kit is it's fully welded construction broke up
into modules.
The entire unit shows up on two pallets that are already assembled into four core units
and four additional add on units.
The only tools that are required to assemble this is a drill, a level, and a number two
Phillips bit.
Because of the materials used in this kit, the product's very safe.
It is one hundred percent class A noncombustible materials.
Starting with a 16 gauge galvanized steel sub frame and clad with a ceramic cement board
exterior.
That ceramic cement board is tested at 62 hundred degrees Fahrenheit with an acetylene
torch.
RTF literally stands for ready to finish, meaning that it's going to allow you the flexibility
you need to match any of your finish materials to those found on the job site.
This may include stucco, natural stone, or manufactured stone.
The real benefit of the RTF system is its time in construction.
You can have this unit ready for veneer in less than an hour, as opposed to days if not
weeks using traditional construction methods.
You can imagine the labor savings alone.
As you heard from Bryan the RTF outdoor modular fireplace kits are relatively simple to construct
compared to traditional methods.
After marking off the location for the fireplace on a solid level foundation you'll start the
assembly process by removing the insert from the firebox.
To do this remove the screws attaching the three panels that surround the insert and
set the panels out of the way.
Be sure to save the screws for later use.
Next, remove the screws from the tabs securing the insert to the sub frame.
Once this is done you can slide the insert out and set it to the side.
The insert is fairly heavy, so be careful when removing it.
The four components of the traditional RTF fireplace kit are simply stacked then secured
to each adjoining section using the included screws.
Begin by setting the hearth into place and use composite shims to level it if necessary.
This is followed by placing the firebox on top of the hearth, making sure that the base
is fitted into the cut-out on the top side of the hearth.
Secure the two sections together with the self tapping screws.
The sweep can then be assembled next in the same fashion.
The chimney will be installed at a later time.
Now you can reinstall the insert and secure it to the frame.
Do not replace the surrounding masonry boards at this time.
Each kit comes with two sets of flue pipes, one set longer than the other.
Each set has a small and large diameter pipe.
Install the long, small diameter pipe first by dropping it down through the hole at the
top of the sweep.
The end with the locking tabs should be at the top.
Press the bottom end securely into the flue at the top of the fire insert.
Install the large diameter section in the same manner, except that the end with the
locking tabs should be at the bottom.
The chimney section can now be attached to the top of the sweep.
This section is slightly rectangular so make sure you have it positioned correctly.
Once the chimney is in place you can install the last sections of the flue pipe in the
same manner as the longer set.
The short sections will snap onto the top of each longer section.
Once the flue pipes are in place you can then replace the cement boards that surround the
fire insert.
The screws used for the ceramic cement board panels are different from the shorter stainless
screws for the sub frame so be sure to use the correct ones.
If you are using the optional wood boxes be sure that they are plumb and level with the
hearth and firebox.
They will be secured to the main fireplace by mortar or stucco during the finishing process.
At this point the RTF fireplace is ready to finish with the veneer of choice.
Once the finish has been applied the last component to be added is the exhaust cap to
the top of the flue pipe.
Finally, in order to provide the needed flow of air to move smoke up through the flue the
fire insert manufacturer recommends installing ventilation just above the hearth on the back
side of the firebox.
Vents are included in the kit with detailed instructions for installation.
The RTF modular outdoor fireplace kit is an easy and affordable way to enhance any outdoor
space.
Best of all, it can be done in a fraction of the time of traditional block construction
methods.
To learn more stop into your local Ewing branch or visit us online at ewingirrigation.com.