Limestone Fireplaces, Surrounds & Marble Mantels

Gas Fires FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: CLASS 1 & MAGIGLO FIRES

Q. When should I need a flue liner?

A. Before 1966 solid fuel chimneys in the UK were conventionally 9" by 9" square, allowing adequate evacuation of smoke and toxic gases. Theoretically, these chimneys are suitable for the installation of Class 1 Gas Fires without additional flue lining. However, if you have reason to believe that your chimney may have deteriorated, or if it is very much older, we would recommend having a stainless steel flue liner fitted or using one of our MultiFlue Gas Fires.

Q. Do I need an Air Brick for extra ventilation?

A. In the EU, regulations require that gas fires with an input of less than 7 kiloWatts (which includes most of our Inset gas Fires) do not require additional ventilation by way of air bricks provided they are installed according to manufacturer's specification. (Regulations may vary in countries outside the European Union - please check). This assumes that rooms have "normal" ventilation, but many modern homes have virtually sealed environments (through double glazing, uPVC draught proof doors, draught-proofing, no chimneys, etc), and you should consider fitting an air brick in such an environment as an extra precaution.
Also, for gas fires whose input exceeds 7 kiloWatts, regulations require the installation of air brick(s), at the rate of 5 sq. cm of ventilation per additional kiloWatt over 7 kiloWatts. One standard air brick is sufficient for our largest input gas fire, (model CIF16), which is rated at 18 kiloWatts input.
We strongly recommend you consider fitting one of our revolutionary "Black Hole" wall ventilators.

Q. Should I have my Chimney swept before installing an inset gas fire?

A. We most definitely recommend having your chimney swept before installing a gas fire.

Q. How can I find a Registered Gas Fitter in my area?

A. Gas fitting is a skilled occupation, and should not really be considered as a 'do it yourself' affair.You should use a registered and qualified Gas Fitter. Registered fitters can be found on the Gas Safe Register (in the UK), or the equivalent organisation in your own country if you live outside the United Kingdom. You can find out more about gas fitters on their website at http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk - all are registered, and we advise you to use them. Beware of unregistered gas fitters!
If you live in the USA or Canada you can look for a qualified gas fitter or gas plumber by region in your local Yellow Pages.

 

FAQs: CLASS 2 FIRES

Q. What kind of Flue Liner do I need?

A. A 5 inch stainless steel liner is normal, but a PreCast Concrete chimney is also suitable, provided it complies with British Standards recommendations.

Q. Do I need a Cast Back?

A. A Cast Back, either in cast iron or ceramic, has many advantages, not least the fact that it increases efficiency and heat output into the room by deflecting heat that would otherwise go up the chimney back into the room. Please note that some of our fireplaces come complete with Cast Backs, and others do not so that they need to be bought separately - please enquire if you have any doubts.

 

FAQs: MULTIFLUE GAS FIRES

Q. Why do MuliFlue Gas Fires require no Cast or Ceramic backs?

A. They are designed specifically to fit behind our Tiled and Arch Insert Fireplaces in place of cast or ceramic backs. They will also fit into most PreCast flue systems as well as Class 1 lined and Class 1 unlined flues.

 

FAQs: HIGH OUTPUT (HO) GAS FIRES

Q. I have no chimney, how can I fit a gas fire?

A. High Output PowerFlue model is a balanced flue that can be placed through any external wall and requires no chimney. They are therefore ideal for modern houses which conventionally do not have fireplaces.

Q. How do HO fires produce increased heat output?

A. Conventional inset fires have always been more decorative than practical, and most of the heat produced went straight up the chimney. HO gas fires incorporate either a unique "closed damper" system or a hot box to throw potentially wasted heat back into the room, hence increasing the useful heat output.