HOMEOWNER'S CARE AND
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES
MODEL CST38MH
36" Multi-View Wood Burning Fireplaces
P/N 725,036M REV. B 03/2006
MODELS
CST38MH
The information contained in this manual applies to all model fireplaces
identified on this page. This information will help you obtain safe and
dependable service from your fireplace system. Keep this document in
a safe place for future reference.
Before you start your first fire, read this Care and Operations Manual
carefully to be sure you understand your fireplace system completely.
Failure to follow these suggestions could result in hazardous operation
or fireplace malfunction, creating a serious potential for personal injury
and/or property damage.
If you have any questions regarding the safe use or operation of your
fireplace, contact your local distributor or your contractor/builder.
Most chimney systems will require onsite completion after placement of
the manufactured home.
RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
OTL Report No.
116-F-20-4
7. Remember, your fireplace is not intended to
heatyourentirehome. Theiruniquedesigns
areintendedforarchitectural,decoratingand
aestheticconsiderations.Usingthisfireplace
toheatlargeareasmayleadtooverfiringand
void your warranty.
b.Stackwoodlooselytoallowaircirculation.
c. Store wood where it will not be exces-
sively exposed to weather, such as under a
tarp or under a roof.
d. Do not stack wood directly against the
walls of your home.
Thelaststatementmeansthatonebiglogweigh-
ing 10 pounds has as much heating potential
as 10 pounds of twigs. However, air cannot get
at the solid log to feed the fire so the solid log
will burn slowly. While you would get the same
amount of heat out of either fire, the smaller the
pieces of wood and the more air space around
them, the faster the fire will burn.
8. Be a knowledgeable wood buyer.
FUELS
• There is a difference in cord sizes. A
standard cord stack of logs is 4 ft. high by
8 ft. long by 4 ft. deep or the equivalent of
this cubic footage. A face cord is the same
height and length as a standard cord but the
depth is only the length of the logs (12, 18
or 24 inches). A face cord can contain as
littleas25%ofthewoodfoundinastandard
cord.
• If you buy by the ton, remember that wood
becomes lighter as it dries. When buying
green or wet wood, ask for some extra
poundage to allow for the extra water you
will be getting.
Never Use Coal in Your Fireplace
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Your fireplace system is not designed to be
used with coal derivative products. The com-
bustion process of certain types of coal can
deposit corrosive materials in the fireplace and
chimney system which can lead to premature
product failure. Never use coal as a fuel in this
fireplace system.
Ashesshouldbeplacedinametalcontainerwith
a tight fitting lid. The closed container of ashes
should be placed on a non-combustible floor or
on the ground, well away from all combustible
materials, pending final disposal. If the ashes
are to be disposed of by burial in soil or other
wise locally dispersed, they should be retained
in the closed container until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled.
DECORATIVE GAS LOG SETS
If your fireplace system was installed with a gas
lineandyouwishtoinstalladecorativegasappli-
ance (gas log set), it must contain an automatic
shut-offdeviceandbeinstalledinaccordancewith
SOFTWOOD VS HARDWOOD
9. When comparing woods of the same mois-
ture content and same species, we find
most woods have approximately the same
heating potential per pound. However, most
wood is sold by volume, not by weight. To
determine the best heating source, look at
the density of various wood types. (Density
is the weight for a given size). The higher
the density, the more potential heat output.
A standard cord has a volume of 128 cubic
feet. This figure also includes the air space
between and around the wood. The actual
volumeinastandardcordisbetween60and
100 cubic feet; depending on how tightly
the wood is packed. Assuming that you are
comparing two standard cords of different
species but the same volume and moisture
content,thedenserspecieswillprovidemore
BTU’s. The table of wood species/densities
reveals more helpful guidelines.
Softwoods contain about 15 percent highly
flammableresinwhichgeneratescreosotesoot
in the chimney flue. Burning softwood exclu-
sively may not be as desirable nor as safe as
burning denser hardwoods. Many experienced
fire-builders use small amounts of softwood
kindling and newspaper in conjunction with
starting a fire with split hardwood logs. Here
are some guidelines to remember:
CAUTION
When using the decorative gas
appliance, the fireplace damper
must be set in the fully open
position.
1.Softwoodsproducefastwarmingandshorter
fires. Hardwoods burn less vigorously,
have shorter flames and produce steady,
glowing coals.
2.Asageneralrule,denserwoodscontainmore
potential heat per pound. Most softwoods
offer moderate heat value per pound.
3.Differentwoodsvarywidelyinflameheights,
flame intensities, smoke characteristics
and in sparking. Most hardwoods do not
spark.
4. Most freshly cut “green” wood will not burn
wellandwillsmoke.Greenwoodcanbefrom
10 to 40 percent less efficient than air-dried
seasoned wood.
5. Moistureandresinfoundinsideunseasoned
wood cells will build up pressure under heat
and explode as sparks.
WARNING
This fireplace has NOT been
tested with an unvented gas log
set. To reduce risk of fire or
injury, donotinstallanunvented
gas log set into this fireplace.
Wood Fuel Pointers
Wood is a wonderful renewable fuel source.
Normallyitburnsclean,leavingonlyaminimum
of waste ash, provides comforting heat and can
provide a variety of aromas and visual images.
Standard
Cord of
Wood
8'
You will want to know which woods are best for
use.Sometimesyoumaywantaquick,shortfire
to offset a morning chill. Soft woods are prefer-
able in this case. Other times you would want
more slow burning and a uniform heat output.
Hardwoods are preferable for this use.
6. Most wood needs to be seasoned 9 to 12
months to reduce the moisture content and
produce good steady fires. When moisture
content is reduced from 60 to 20%, the gain
in heat potential is nearly 7%.
4'
7. Proper storage of wood, especially during
seasoning, is essential. We recommend
that you:
4'
The amount of heat available from the logs will
beaboutequalonaweightbasis. However, logs
aregenerallynotweighedsotheamountofheat
will depend on:
Figure 1
a. Never store wood on the ground. This will
cause rotting and insect infiltration. Raise
wood on flat rock or scrap wood.
1. The type of wood used.
2. How dry it is.
3. How many logs you put in.
4. The size of the logs.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE
3
3. Build a pyramid of three split logs (split will
startmuchfaster).Arrangetheunevenwood
to provide plenty of air space between.
4. Now, light the paper at both sides of the
firebox.
HARDWOODS
DENSITY
Spring Clip
Upper Door
Guide Track
Alser, Red
Ash
Aspen
Basswood, American
Beech, American
Birch
.41
.49-.60
.38-.39
.37
.64
.55-.65
.38
Roller
Pin
Pivot Pin
5. Close the screens to prevent the escape of
sparks and embers.
6. Close the damper only when your fire is
completely out and ashes are cold. Keep
closedwhenfireplaceisnotinusetoprevent
unnecessary loss of heated or cooled air.
Butternut
Cherry, Black
Chestnut, American
Cottonwood
Elm
Hackberry
Hickory, Pecan
Hickory, True
Honey locust
Locust, Black
Magnolia
Maple
Oak, Red
Oak, White
Poplar
Sassafras
.50
.43
.34-.40
.60.63
.53
.60.66
.69-.75
.66 (est.)
.69
.48-.50
.48-.63
.59-.67
.64-.88
.42
.42
.52
.49
.64 (est.)
.50
GLASS DOORS
Figure 2 - Bi-fold Doors
These fireplaces come standard with bi-fold
design glass door enclosures with tempered
glass panes. Removal or modifications to the
standard glass doors may void your warranty
and cause a smoking condition.
CAUTION
If a smoking condition exists,
glass doors should be closed
during fireplace operation.
Both Sets of Glass Doors
Fully Closed
Sweet gum
Sycamore, American
Tanoak
Tupelo
Walnut, Black
Willow, Black
Figure 3 - Bi-fold Doors (top view)
CAUTION
Glass and metal frames get hot
— Always use handles to open
and close the doors.
.55
.39
Care and Cleaning of Your Glass Doors
Never clean the glass when the doors are hot.
Do not use ammonia or ammonia based glass
or household cleaner to clean the glass or the
door frame. An ammonia based cleaner will
damage the finish of your glass door.
SOFTWOODS
DENSITY
Bald cypress
Cedar
Douglas Fir
Fir
Hemlock
Larch, Western
Pine
Redwood
Spruce
.46
.31-.47
.46-.50
.32-.43
.40-.45
.52
.39-.59
.35-.40
.35-.41
.53
WARNING
Be aware that safety glass is
unpredictable when hot and
may break, expelling hot glass
into the room. Advise all family
members to remain well away
from the fireplace when operat-
ingwithdoorsclosedtoavoidany
possible personal injury.
Inmostcases,acleandampenedtowelfollowed
by a dry towel will clean the glass. To remove
any stubborn stains from the glass, use a mild
soap solution and a towel dampened with clean
water and then dry with a clean dry towel.
Tamarack
Glass Door Operating Safety
Precautions and Instructions
STARTING A FIRE
• The fire must always be confined within the
boundaries of the fuel grate.
• Thefireplacescreensmustalwaysbeclosed
whenever the fireplace is operated.
1. To start a fire in your fireplace properly, first
check the operation of the flue damper.
WARNING
To open the damper on the CST fireplaces,
push the center damper handle straight up.
To close pull handle down. See Figure 5
Thesefireplacesshouldbeoper-
atedwithbothsetsofglassdoors
fully closed. If the doors are left
openorpartiallyclosed,gasand
flame may be drawn out of the
fireplaceopening,creatingrisks
of both fire and smoke. Refer
to Figures 2 and 3 for proper
operating conditions.
•
Never slam the glass door since it could
cause the glass to break.
Do not build excessively large or hot fires.
Scorching or discoloring of the solid brass
or plated brass trim could result.
•
2. The grate in the firebox should be centered
on or over the bottom hearth so your fire
can breath properly. Crumble and twist
plenty of newspapers UNDER the grate
and criss-cross some small dry kindling
sticks on top of the paper or on the bottom
of the grate.
• Extreme temperature changes can cause
glass breakage — do not build a hot fire and
close the glass doors if the doors are cold.
•
If the tempered glass pane becomes
scratched or chipped, it creates a weakness
in the glass which can cause the glass to
break when heated. Replace the pane of
glass by contacting your nearest dealer or
distributor.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE
4
COMBUSTION AIR
WARNING
Aproperamountofcombustionairisimportant
for your fireplace. Fireplaces consume large
amounts of oxygen. It is important to allow an
adequate supply of air. If the fireplace is not
equipped with an outside air kit, it may not
obtain sufficient amounts of combustion air
from inside the house or structure in which it
is installed. Therefore, the fire may draw from
an outside air source and pull air in through
the chimney. This may cause smoke spillage
into the room.
Thesefireplacesshouldbeoper-
ated only with the doors fully
closed (Figure 3).
CAUTION
Do not touch the doors with your
hands while the fireplace is in
use. Always use door handles.
Doorswillbecomeveryhotwhen
fireplace is in use.
Figure 4
Smoke spillage often occurs when a fire is first
started, until the fireplace and the chimney has
hadtheopportunityto“comeuptotemperature”
and to begin to function normally. If smoke
spillage problems persist, a window may be
opened just a crack to allow the proper flow of
combustion air to the fireplace.
The outside air damper should be kept closed
on all fireplaces except when the fireplace is
in operation. If there is no heat present in the
firebox,theairdampershouldbeclosedatnight
before retiring to prevent intrusion of outside
air into the home.
IMPORTANT
Plated polished brass glass
doors may have a plastic cov-
ering over all brass pieces for
protection during shipping and
handling. The plastic covering
should be removed after instal-
lation of the fireplace before its
use. Under the plastic covering
is a protective lacquer coating
whichshouldnotberemoved. In
someinstances,ifitisremoved,
irreversibledamagetothebrass
finish could occur. Refer to the
followingforspecificinformation
onplatedpolishedbrass. Please
understand that the heat of the
fire will cause the protective
lacquer finish to slightly change
to a light caramel color. Do not
be alarmed as this is a normal
occurrence.
If your fireplace is equipped with an outside
combustion air kit, keep open at all times when
fire is burning and close when fire is out to
prevent cold air intrusion.
DAMPER OPERATION
The damper is controlled through the use of a
control lever located within the firebox opening
at the top center just behind the firebox lintel
(Figure 5). The control lever snaps into place
at the extreme range of motion, up and back in
the closed position. When pulled forward and
down, the damper is open.
Combustion Air Control
The operation and location of the outside air
control lever varies to some extent on different
fireplace models.
On the Custom Series fireplaces, the control
lever that operates the outside combustion air
valve is located on one lower side behind the
screen panel. Push the lever all the way in to
close the air valve and pull the lever all the way
out to open the air valve (Figure 4).
Damper
Closed
Damper
Open
Lintel
Figure 5
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE
5
Proper care and “burn-in” of the firebox will
prolong the period of enjoyment without
extensive maintenance. For the first few uses,
build small fires – not roaring infernos. The
materials used in the refractories contain and
absorb moisture. It is important to “cure” the
refractories by building only modest fires.
LINTEL EXTENSION
Twice A Year Check-Up
These Custom Multi-Open Factory-Built
Fireplaces were designed, tested and listed
with an 18" (457 mm) high viewing area, floor
to lintel. However, varying conditions such as
altitude, climate, wood type, moisture content
of fuel, dwelling design peculiarities, average
ambient air pressure and humidity may effect
the performance of this fireplace. If an unac-
ceptable amount of smoking occurs while the
doors are open, the adjustable lintel can be
moved to correct the smoking condition.
Normally, twice a year, you should inspect your
fireplace following this list:
1. Inspect the opening in your chimney top
and remove any debris that could clog it.
The cap is usually held in place by four (4)
screws, which remove easily for checking
or cleaning the full length of the flue from
above. Removethechimneytopwhilewear-
ing gloves to guard against any sharp metal
edges.
Under normal usage, it is expected that hairline
cracks will appear in the refractory surface.
These hairline cracks do not affect the safe
operation of the fireplace.
Refractories should be replaced when:
2. Inspect the entire flue from the top down for
obstructionssuchasbirdsnests,leaves,etc.
Thismaybedonebyusingaflexiblehandled
chimney cleaning brush. If the chimney
contains offset/return elbows; a soft brush
cleaningfromthetopdowntoanyelbowand
then from the firebox up to the offset/return
section is the proper method. The beam
from a powerful flashlight will help in this
inspection.
3. Look up from inside the fireplace (damper
open) to see any obstructions in the lower
flue area. If present, shut the damper and
glass doors (if installed) to seal the firebox
andcontainanysootthatmightfall.Ifyourdo
nothaveglassdoorsinstalled, adampsheet
covering the fireplace opening and sealed
with masking tape will do. Then clean the
flue from the top down (if an offset system,
cleanperStep2)usingapropersizechimney
brushwithflexiblepolesections.Don’topen
the doors or remove the sheet until all soot
has settled. Vacuum, don’t sweep.
1. The crack opens more than 1/4" (19 mm).
2. Pitting in the surface is extensive and pits
become deeper than 3/16" (4.76 mm).
3. Any piece of refractory larger than 2"
(51mm) in radius and 3/16" deep becomes
dislodged.
The lintel extension can be lowered using a
predrilled hole located at the top of the lintel
extension. See Figure 6.
TolowerthelintelextensiononModelCST38MH,
remove the screw from each end of the lintel
extension(locatedbehindthescreenassembly).
Slide the lintel extension down and align the
upperholesinthelintelextensionwiththeholes
in the lintel frame. Reattach using the screws
previously removed. Repeat this procedure for
the lintel extension on the opposite side of the
fireplace. See Figure 6.
If your refractory has a crack less than 1/4"
(19 mm) in width, a simple Refractory Patch
Kit, Model RPK, can easily be used to fill the
crack and repair the refractory.
If conditions 1, 2 or 3 occur, the refractory
should be replaced. For minor defects, repair
as noted above.
MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
Yourfireplaceisdesignedtooperatetrouble-free
with minimum maintenance. However, like any
fine appliance, it deserves and requires some
housekeeping attention.
Front
Frame
Lintel
Frame
Your fireplace will perform better, and certainly
look more attractive to family and friends, if
it is cleaned before each use. Before the first
seasonal use in Autumn and after the last fire
inSpring, itisimportanttoinspectthefireplace
system carefully. We recommend at least two
complete fireplace inspections a year.
4. Check the metal flashing and seals around
your chimney. Seal any cracks or loose
nailhead openings to prevent roof leaks.
5. Clean the firebox thoroughly by using a soft
brush or equivalent.
1"
Original Position
Lowest
Position
2" (50 mm)
Lintel
Extension
Before Each Use
Figure 6
WARNING
1. Clean the firebox of excessive ashes. Some
owners prefer to leave a small layer to
insulate the cold refractory below the grate
which helps fire starting.
Continuedoverfiringcanperma-
nently damage your fireplace
system. Some examples of
overfiring are:
• Burning quantities of scrap
lumber,pinebranches,paperor
cardboard boxes which exceed
the volume of the normal log
fire.
REFRACTORIES
All fireboxes contain a furnace refractory floor.
Some models also have refractory sides and
backs. These refractories are reinforced with
steel, but can be broken by improper use.
Dropping logs on the bottom refractory and
buildingfiresdirectlyagainsttherefractoriescan
causeprematureburnoutofthesecomponents.
It may easily be repaired or replaced at costs
far below repair and maintenance for masonry
fireplaces.
If your particular model fireplace has a fac-
torysuppliedgrateattached,itispermissible
to remove the grate for cleaning; however,
thegratemustbere-attachedtothefireplace
before the next burn.
2.Keepthefireplacescreenscleansocombus-
tion air flows freely.
3. Spotcheckthebrick-likerefractoryforsmall
cracks.Heatfromthefireexpandsitslightly.
When it cools, it contracts.
• Burning trash, chemicals or
chemically treated combus-
tibles.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE
6
6. Is a vent fan, exhaust hood or central heating/cooling system stealing combustion air from your
fireplace? If their volume is high enough, this can cause negative pressure and an unwanted
downdraft – and smoking.
Creosote Formation and Removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar
and other organic vapors, which combine with
expelledmoisturetoformcreosote.Thecreosote
vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney
flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote
residue accumulates on the flue lining. Creosote
makes an extremely hot fire when ignited.
7. Is your wood fuel too wet or unseasoned?
Or does it contain some chemical substance that causes sputtering, smoking and toxic fumes?
8. Figure 7 illustrates the correct height of your chimney top. It is unlikely that your installation
does not adhere to the installation instructions. However, if not correct, you could experience an
unusual downdraft. Usually, the best solution is to increase the chimney height. This may also be
necessary if nearby trees, adjoining roof lines or a hill is causing a downdraft condition.
9. Remember, your fireplace has been designed as a supplemental heating device only, it is not
intended to heat your entire home.
The chimney should be inspected at least twice
yearly during the heating season to determine
if a creosote build-up has occurred.
Less Than 10'
If creosote has accumulated, it should be re-
moved to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
2' Min.
If creosote build-up is found, do not use
chemical chimney cleaners that are poured on
a hot fire. The manufacturer considers them
dangerous and they generally only work on the
flue section nearest the fire, leaving the rest of
the flue unaffected. It is best to take the time
to clean the flue as previously described or
have the chimney professionally cleaned by a
qualified chimney sweep.
3'
Min
10'
3'
Min
Figure 7
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARRANTY
• This fireplace is covered by a limited warranty detailed separately from this document.
• Retain this manual. File it with your other documents for future reference.
Note: "Smoke Free" operation is not warranted
nor are we responsible for inadequate system
draft, general construction conditions, inad-
equate chimney heights, adverse wind condi-
tions and/or unusual environmental factors or
conditions beyond our control.
PRODUCT REFERENCE INFORMATION
If you encounter any problems or have any questions concerning the installation or application of
this system, please contact your distributor or installer. For the number of your nearest Superior
dealer, please call 1-800-953-6669.
Ifyoudoexperienceaproblem,hereareseveral
things to check:
LHP
1110 West Taft Avenue
Orange, CA 92865
1. Remember – always check to ensure your
flue damper is in the open position before
lighting a fire!
REPLACEMENT PARTS
2. When lighting your fire, a little smoke may
escape into the room – more likely if the
chimney is cold. To correct this, hold a
lightednewspaperupinsidethefireboxnear
the open flue damper. This will turn around
any downdraft and clear the flue of cold air.
Asyourlogfireburnsbelow, theupdraftwill
improve as the chimney heats up.
A complete parts list is found at the end of this manual. Use only parts supplied from the manu-
facturer.
Normally, all parts should be ordered through your Superior distributor or dealer. Parts will be
shipped at prevailing prices at time of order.
When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:
3. Is your fire too far forward? Move it toward
the back with your poker. Keep the fire well
within the confines of your fuel grate.
4. Keepyourfireuponthegrateandtherefractory
below free of excessive ashes. The fire needs
plenty of air movement around the logs.
5. If smoking occurs an hour or two after
lightingthefire,perhapsyourwell-insulated
houseistooairtightandthereisscarcelyany
wayforreplacementairtoenterandfeedthe
fire.Checktoseeifyouroutsidecombustion
air kit (if installed) is open. Check outside
to ensure no obstructions are in front of
exterior air entry. Open a window slightly,
open doors to one or two rooms and see if
this stops the smoking.
1. The model number of the appliance.
2. The serial number of the appliance.
3. The part number.
4. The description of the part.
5. The quantity required.
6. The installation date of the appliance.
Your Fireplace's Model Number________________________________________
Your Fireplace's Serial Number ________________________________________
The Date On Which Your Fireplace Was Installed___________________________
Your Dealer's Name ________________________________________________
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE
7
ACCESSORIES AND COMPONENTS - MODEL CST38MH
Aluminum Doors
Your fireplace can be fitted with optional doors with
either a Bright Brass or Brushed Stainless finish.
•
•
•
Model 38ABF doors are black and are provided
as a standard part with these fireplaces.
Model 38ABF-BB doors are optional and have a
beautiful bright brass finish.
Model 38ABF-BS doors are optional and have a
beautiful brushed stainless finish.
Bi-Fold Doors
12M07 38ABF
12M08 38ABF-BB 38" Bi-Fold Door, Bright Brass
12M09 38ABF-BS 38" Bi-Fold Door, Brushed Stainless
38" Bi-Fold Door, Black
To ensure warranty and to prevent a potential fire
hazard, do not use any other doors on these appli-
ances.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
3
6
I
5
2
4
1
No
Description
Fireplace Assembly
Part No.
-
Qty.
-
93078
H3994
52201
4
4
2
1.
2.
3.
Firescreen
Rod, Screen
Refractory, Side
52131
52191
52193
52371
H4353
1
1
1
1
1
4.
Refractory, Bottom
Refractory Clip, Left
Refractory Clip, Right
Grate, Model SGR-38B
Paint, Touchup, Black, FTPK-B
5.
6.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE
The manufacturer 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.
LHP
Printed in U.S.A. © 2006 by LHP
1110 West Taft Avenue
P/N 725,036M REV. B 03/2006
Orange, CA 92865
8
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