Usually the most limiting factor when selecting a new fireplace is determining which type of appliance is suitable for your property.
Determining Which Type Of Flue You Have |
Class 1 Flue
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Pre Cast Flue
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Class 2 Flue
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Older houses usually have a class 1 solid fuel (identifiable by "chairbrick" at the back of the opening) which has a minimum 7" diameter and generally terminates with a brick built or stone built chimney.
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A more modern home may have a pre_cast flue (usually identifiable from the starter block or letter-box opening) that terminates with a ridge tile, as illustrated above.
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Newer homes may also have a class 2 flue with a 5" minimum diameter that terminates with a cowel. The most comon being a gas cowl as illustrated above.
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Your choice is dictated by the type of chimney you have. Class 1 chimneys will accomodate most gas fires. Several fires are specially designed for Class 2 flues and Pre-cast flues. For expert advice, contact us. Some properties have no chimney or flue but can have a Balanced flue, Power flue or Flueless model. Power Flues use a fan on the external wall behind the fire to vent gases combined with a sophisticated monitor which shuts the fire off in the event of failure. Balanced flues vent gases by natural convection directly outside via a horizontal twin wall pipe.
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Fuel |
Either Natural Gas, LPG (Liquid Petrolium Gas i.e. Calor Gas) Electric or Solid fuel. Natural Gas is the most popular, alternatively for those who don't have a natural gas supply you can power your gas fire using LPG. In the absence of gas you are limited to either Electricity or Solid Fuel.
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Controls |
Three basic control systems are available for gas fires. Manual control allows you to turn your fire on and off using a dial often low level hidden behind the gas fire ash pan cover. Slide control gas fires have a control on the top right hand side of the fire so you don't have to bend down. Remote control fires can be controlled from the comfort of your armchair via an infra-red remote control. Electric fires may also have a remote control and often feature a thermostatic control. Few Solid Fuel fires support any kind of control.
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Fire Back |
Some Gas fires allow you to select different fire back panel than the standard plain black one, such as reeded or brick effect. Convector fires are usually only available with plain backs.
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Fuel Effect |
Most Gas fires are available with a choice of fuel effect, such as Coals, Pebble, Logs, or Driftwood.
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Radiant or Convector |
Radiant fires emit heat from the combustion chamber only and incorporate a heat reflective back panel to maximise heat output. Convector fires take advantage of a heat exchanger as part of the fire which draws in cold air, passes it through the heat exchanger, and sends it into the room as warm air, thus maximising efficient heat output, while keeping your fuel bills down.
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Ventilation |
Gas fires with a heat input of more than 6.9Kw and all solid fuel and flueless fires require at least 100cm² of ventilation.
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The Nature of Wood |
No two pieces of natural wood are alike. They vary in colour hue and grain pattern even when cut from the same tree. Depending on its design a mantelpiece is constructed of pieces of different size and shape. This may also include some components of veneered or particle board where solid timber would be unsuitable for reasons of structure or stability. The grain patterns may run in many directions causing the light to reflect differently from each part giving a natural variation in colour. In addition, coloured dyes applied to the timber are absorbed differently depending on its density which can vary even within the same piece. Combine these factors with the natural aging process brought about by the action of sunlight, temperature and humidity and the real nature of wood can be appreciated. Wood is a material from nature, it mellows with age and gains character, the variations in its appearance are not faults they are natural.
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Caring for Wood |
All the wood used in mantelpieces is thoroughly tested, inspected and kiln dried before use to help ensure its stability in modern living conditions. To help keep its natural good looks·shade it from strong sunlight. Do not subject it to sudden and extreme changes of temperature and humidity. Use only a slightly damp, warm cloth when cleaning. Do not use soap or silicon based cleaning products or abrasive creams. Wood is a natural, renewable and recyclable resource, all the timber used in mantelpieces is obtained from carefully managed and strictly monitored suppliers to bring you the best possible quality without harming the environment.
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Natural Limestone Fireplaces |
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These fireplaces are a natural stone product and therefore there are natural variances in shade, tone, veining and fossiling in every fireplace - the beauty of a natural stone fireplace is that no two are ever the same!
You should be aware that, whilst every efforts is made to ensure that shades and tones in the stone match as far as possible, there are limits however to the accuracy of matching individual products.
Natural Limestone fireplaces are manufactured from solid natural limestone. Processing stone involves using large quantities of water that is absorbed by the stone. As a result of this, fireplace components may vary in colour dependant on stone thickness and/or water content. The fireplace will dry to a standard uniform appearance. It should be noted that the individual drying out times will vary dependant on stone thickness, water content, ambient conditions and installation procedures.
Upon installation, the fireplace will be cleaned with warm soapy water to remove any fixing material residue and a mild detergent can be used in this way to maintain the fireplace in the future. Stubborn stains can be removed using a liquid domestic bleach. Small chips, scratches or stubborn stains can be remedied using a fine grade wet and dry sandpaper.
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