Fireplace Installation

We are a supply company only but it is in your interests to have a competent person to install your fireplace. We have a list of installers who are either Hetas and Gas Safe registered or both. Whether using one of these themes or your own builders these few points are given so that you may know what to expect during the installation process.

It is a building work that may be structural and installers will always need light, electricity, water and often a mains gas supply. It is essential that the fireplace is on site before the installation date so that all goods are checked in beforehand. Most fitting teams start work first thing in the morning. It will be necessary to bring quite a lot of equipment and materials to your home so if there are difficulties with parking it is very helpful for them to know beforehand. In many circumstances the fireplace is installed in one day, if it is likely to have to go beyond that time then this is usually discussed before work starts. There are occasions however when unforeseen problems occur but having the chimney swept and getting a certificate of competence beforehand is essential and helps eliminate these.

Should the fireplace setting be installed on a working site it is ideal that the room be solely available to the installers. This may not be possible in which case as larger area as practicable should be cleared beforehand. In domestic circumstances unless the room is empty all items that may be sensitive to dust should be removed from the room. This may include electrical equipment, books, curtains etc. Carpets should be rolled back away from the chimney breast by approximately 6ft. If having a gas appliance then the gas supply will be checked that it is live and the correct position, likewise electrical plugs and aerials must be clear of the fireplace. Additional ventilation may well be required in the room to conform to gas/solid fuel regulations, the options and positioning of vents must be clarified before work commences. Wall vents in particular often involve dusty procedures. Installers should always carry a good supply of clean dustsheets to cover and protect furniture and items that may need  to remain in the room. It may be that help will be required to prepare the room in which case it is best to discuss this with them during the initial site visit.

Generally mantelpieces are fixed directly to the brickwork and plastered in to decorating standards. This will mean that when the plaster has dried, 3 -4 days, the chimney breast will need re-decorating. Installers will not take responsibility for re-fitting carpets. The general understanding is that they will cut out sufficient around the hearth area for fitting but this is at the customers risk. Similarly wherever practicable, if there is sufficient skirting then this will be re-fitted, any shortfalls will be responsible of the client. These are specialist skills and it is not an integral part of the installation process, they do however help wherever they can.

A drying out period is required after fixing so that the material around the fire that seals and fireproofs the area is given time to cure. It is best to leave 5 – 7 days in a heated house for this before a fire is lit. With all solid fuel fires there must always be gentle build up from an initial small burn to normal use. Some damp patches and discolouration may  occur particularly with stone mantelpieces and hearths, these should dry out within a couple of weeks. NB It is essential that should you wish to protect your fireplace following the installation it must not be covered in any material that may cause it to sweat such polythene and it must be kept well ventilated. Any polished iron must be thoroughly oiled for protection. Do ensure that it is clearly understood what the works will include and price that it will cost before work starts. Do keep the installers card together with rest of your paperwork so that should you have any questions after completion of works you can contact them directly.

Enjoy your  new fireplace.