Fireplaces come in different styles and designs, thus allowing you to choose what works best for your situation. This article discusses fireplace installation and all there is to know.
Do you wish to perform such installation yourself? When hiring a pro, what qualifications should they have?
You’ll find all the information you need to guide you as you read on. In a nutshell, you should be able to overcome any doubts you have about the process.
How To Install A Fireplace
Adding a fireplace to your home isn’t a complex process if you know what you need.
Before installation begins, you’ll need to figure out its placement, how it will impact your home interior’s looks, and how many fireplaces will be enough to heat your space.
Do I Need a Fireplace?
Most homeowners ask questions like these before implementing or executing any remodeling work on their property. Fireplaces have many benefits, including adding character to your home’s interior.
In other words, it helps create a focal point within the central area of your home.
What Type of Fireplace do you wish to install?
Fireplaces come in varying designs, with fuel types a significant distinction.
These include gas-burning fireplaces, wood-burning, ethanol-burning, and electric fireplaces. These are among the major types you’ll be choosing from.
Here, it’s evident that you’ll need to decide what fuel type serves your needs. Depending on your style, you’ll find slight variations in design.
For the overall layout, fireplaces have essential components such as the insert, mantel, back panel, fireplace surround, and hearth.
Before you Shop for a Fireplace…
Fireplace installation requires getting the right fireplace in terms of size.
Here, it would be best if you took the exact dimensions of your old fireplace. This is primarily true for fireplace replacement jobs. To measure dimensions the right way, you’ll need to follow a systematic process.
You’ll need to do more than measure your fireplace’s outer length and width. All angles or cavities have to be captured to get one that perfectly matches your space.
The height, width, and depth will have to be measured, followed by the clearance. You must measure electrical socket placement as well.
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Measuring the Height of our Fireplace
As mentioned earlier, proper dimensions need to be taken to get the perfect fireplace for your space. This is especially true when handling a replacement job.
To measure the height, you’ll have to takethree3 measurements across. That is, the left, center, and right. Also, measure the lintel if yours has one.
Due to the varying shapes of fireplaces, some may have arched openings. All you have to do is record the highest point of the arc for these types.
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Measuring the Width
Another preparatory step towards installing your fireplace is to measure the fireplace width.
Here, you’ll need to take such measurements from the front to the back of the cavity. To do a good job, begin from the opening with three measures taken across the outer width. That is, the top, middle, and bottom.
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Measuring the Depth
Your fireplace depth should come into focus when taking measurements. Here, measures should be taken at the center of your fireplace cavity, starting from the opening cavity to the back wall.
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Measure the Clearance
Taking this dimension requires measuring the distance between the top and the side of the fireplace.
This helps ensure that there’s enough room for combustible fuel. For some persons, this procedure might be a bit complex. You might want to seek professional help when confused.
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Location of Electrical Sockets is Important
Fireplace installation requires knowing the location of different components, including electrical sockets on the fireplace wall.
By identifying and measuring the location of these sockets, you can prevent any form of interference with the fireplace during installation.
This process is mainly applicable to electric fireplaces. Again, if you have little to no idea on how to go about the process, you’ll do well to contact a fireplace contractor.
Fireplace Installation Guide
So far, we’ve seen that there are different types of fireplaces.
Here, we’ll mention some of these fireplaces, such as gas fireplace installation, electric fireplace installation, and a wood-burning stove into existing fireplaces.
Let’s get to details about each of these, shall we?
i. Gas Fireplace Installation
Gas fireplaces have become increasingly popular with homeowners due to their efficiency.
Here, the installation procedure includes several steps: choosing your gas fire or standing gas log fire, making a purchase, deciding who your LPG gas supplier will be, and choosing a licensed gas fitter.
Other gas fireplace installation processes include fixing gas bottle fittings, carrying out the installation correctly, and testing it to see how it works.
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Choosing your Gas Fire or Standing Gas Log Fire
When it comes to choosing what to buy and install, there are many options.
These options vary by gas brand, size, and type. Speaking of styles, you can choose options such as an inbuilt gas fireplace, free-standing gas log, and gas fire inserts.
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Making a Purchase
As part of choosing a gas log fireplace, you also have to compare costs or prices. By making such comparisons, you can select the best possible deal you can get.
In other words, you end up making a good purchase.
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Deciding who your LPG Gas Supplier will Be
Who’s your LPG gas supplier? Choosing your supplier also requires identifying your preferred LPG delivery.
There are two options; the gas bottle exchange method and the automatic tanker delivery method. You may need some professional help in choosing a reputable LPG gas supplier.
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Choosing a Licensed Gas Fitter
A reputable or licensed gas fitter helps with effective installation at competitive costs. The services of such a technician are essential to the proper installation of your gas fireplace.
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Fixing Gas Fittings
The installation process for gas fittings covers gas piping, gas regulator, and bottle fittings. An installer may inquire or recommend a gas supplier.
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Carrying Out Installation
Before hiring an installer for your gas fireplace installation, you’ll need to get multiple quotes as it can help find the best possible deal.
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Testing
With installation complete, the gas fireplace will have to be tested. This helps determine whether or not the installation is done correctly.
ii. Electric Fireplace Installation
Not all homeowners want to have gas fireplaces.
Some may find electric fireplaces more exciting or suitable for their situation. If you do, this section on electric fireplace installation will be attractive.
To install an electric fireplace in a wall, you’ll need to follow three main steps.
These include measuring available space, clearing out the area, and securing your mounting bracket. Let’s quickly discuss each of these steps to understand better what they’re about.
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Measuring Available Space
The first step in installing an electric fireplace involves taking measurements of available space. This is necessary to help purchase a suitable electric fireplace unit.
There should be enough room for the unit and any other furniture you may want to add to the area.
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Clearing Out the Area
Clearing out includes cleaning the location where you will install the electric fireplaced. All forms of dirt or debris will have to be removed.
A thorough cleanup job may include sealing cracks and holes, which helps with better insulation, thus saving on utility costs.
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Securing your Mounting Bracket in Place
This is the step that requires securing your mounting bracket.
A variety of methods are used, including screws and drywall anchors. It’s best to have a pro perform the installation job to eliminate mistakes.
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Wood-Burning Stove Installation
Sometimes, you may wish to make modifications to an existing fireplace. Such changes may involve fitting a wood-burning stove into the fireplace space.
This helps promote greater efficiency. Critical considerations for this installation include finding out state regulations, the heat output required, and the chimney type & flue diameter.
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Knowing what the State Regulations are
Most significant installations, including fireplaces, have regulations issued by the state. You’ll need to know what these are and how they apply to your fireplace installation.
County or local government laws usually set minimum guidelines on how to go about the process.
Not every homeowner will have an idea of what these laws are. This is where seeking professional help becomes necessary. Consider discussing with a professional installer what these laws are and how not to run foul of them.
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Heat Output Required
Depending on your preferred fireplace type, each gives off certain degrees of heat.
That is why it’s crucial to determine the size of your room to find out what stove size will be ideal for your space. The space must be sufficiently heated.
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Chimney Type & Flue Diameter
Proper fireplace installation requires having a chimney that’s wide enough to accommodate any flue pipe. You’re expected to make the correct measurements before proceeding with your fireplace installation.
Fireplace installation involves all the steps mentioned above. We’ve discussed these and more in addition to the different fireplace types you may be interested in.