Mendota FV44i - Smooth Wall; Ceramic or Porcelain Tile; Marble, Granite and Natural Stones

85-03-01060-M FV44i Décor Gen 3 Page 32
3.2.16.2 Smooth Wall
When creating a smooth wall finish around the insert the correct materials and installation method must be followed to minimize
the risk of cracks forming on the wall. Promat Promafour and SkamoEnclosure Board are two of the best options when creating a
smooth wall finish. These boards have been designed to create a smooth wall finish around a fireplace. These materials can be
hard to source and may not be available in all areas.
3.2.16.3 Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Use of ceramic or porcelain tiles around the insert is approved. If selecting a mosaic tile where tiles are held together with a
webbing, ensure the webbing is a non-combustible material like fiberglass. Also ensure that the tiles are not attached to the
webbing with a glue or epoxy that will off gas and smell when heated.
Use caution when selecting tile adhesives. Avoid polymer-modified mortars. These mortars will off-gas and smell when heated.
Use unmodified dry-set mortar. A non-combustible backer board must be used when installing tile in a non-combustible zone
around the insert.
3.2.16.4 Marble, Granite and Natural Stones
Marble, granite, and other natural stone products are approved for use as mantel, facing and hearth pad materials with the
following limitations and understanding of these cautionary statements:
Never use a one-piece marble, granite or natural stone that is water jet or mechanically cut in a U-shape as
facing material to cover the sides and top areas around this product. Doing so can lead to crack formation
at the inner corners of the U shape due to thermal expansion.
Three Piece Stone
Most marble slabs and marble tiles contain a polyester resin coating while most granite slabs and granite tiles contain epoxy
resin coatings. The polyester resin coatings and the epoxy resin coatings provide structural strength to the stone slabs and
prevent cracking, chipping and breakage during shipping and handling. These coatings also provide a glossy or satin surface finish
and help seal the stone surface.
The polyester resin used on marble slabs can discolor when exposed to temperatures greater than 150
o
F and
will structurally fail at temperatures above 230
o
F. The epoxy resin coating used on granite slabs are resistant
to discoloring and structural failures up to 350
o
F. Mendota does not assume any liability for discoloring,
flaking, or cracking of marble or granite.