Replies

1. 
   Rickie | Feb 14, 2006 04:23am | #1

   That unit is just about as heavy as, well, me. And if you'd be comfortable with me  standing against the same wall, aside for the terrible conversation and the nasty aroma, you should be just fine with the Jotul. Splurge and get the remote, they're cool.

1. 
   greese007 | Feb 15, 2006 12:26am | #2

   Thanks for the response, Rickie. The weight of the Jotul unit-alone-didn't scare me, but I was wondering what the total system weight might become after installation of fireplance surround, mantel, enclosure for exhaust, etc.? Is there any rule of thumb that I might use to determine if I will need additional support? The house is not built yet, so I can still decide on heavier joists or etc. under this wall.

   Thanks-

   gpr

1. 
   Rickie | Feb 15, 2006 01:26am | #3

   Likely the venting apparatus will be of little concern in terms of weight. Whatever masonry details you choose (hearth, mantle, surround) will need to be addressed once those details are decided upon. A typical surround and hearth of granite tiles should also be of little concern in terms of weight. What I would be concerned about, however, is if the decorative masonry details exceed a modest surround and hearth, say a wall of stone or cultured stone above the Jotul. Since the unit goes against an exterior wall (right?) the weight will be close to the end of the joists where they are being supported and that works to your advantage. But, along the lines of better safe than sorry, and to allow you the flexibility of making decisions about masonry details after the fact, you could beef up the floor system for the four or five foot width the unit will occupy. Without more information of the framing details it would be difficult to make a specific recommendation, but an architect or engineer will have a reasonable suggestion. If for whatever reason that's not applicable doubling the few floor joists in that area may be a reasonable solution, but it depends on the framing details. BTW I'm actually about 235.

1. 
   greese007 | Feb 15, 2006 02:44am | #4

   I think you've convinced me that it will not require extra footings and a foundation under this frpl, so long as I don't get crazy with the masonry around it. (Actually, it is planned for the middle of an interior wall. The neat thing is that the combustion air comes down the same chimney that the exhaust exits, doing a little heat exchange along the way.)

   I will be, of course, letting a real designer do the actual design. I'm currently sketching my retirement house. If you're actually only about 235, then I don't have any problems with you standing next to this thing when it's done. Thanks for the help.

1. 
   Rickie | Feb 15, 2006 03:04am | #5

   Good luck to you and enjoy your retirement. I encourage you to post any additional questions on this forum, it's fun for all of us.