Probably the most important aspect of buying a fireplace is getting it installed correctly!

Fires and fireplaces should not be considered as D.I.Y projects!

Showcase Fireplace strongly recommend that all fires and fireplaces are installed by a professional installer. This ensures all items are fitted to the current legal requirements and meet strict standards of safety.

HINTS & TIPS REGARDING INSTALLATION

***PLEASE NOTE***

From 1st April 2009 a new governing body is taking over the role of gas safety from CORGI. It is called GAS SAFE. Any installer still using a Corgi registration card after this date will be breaking the law. All installers from 1st April will carry a new card with the name Gas Safe on it. Do not let anyone carry out work on gas appliances if they do not have this card or registration number. If in doubt contact GAS SAFE at www.gassaferegister.co.uk .

To find a Gas Safe installer in your area click here (logo)

All gas appliances must be installed by a qualified Corgi Gas Installer. All Corgi Registered installers carry identity cards with them that contain their photographs and registered number. They should also provide you with a Gas Safety Certificate upon completion of the work. This is a legal requirement.

Contrary to what people believe, a Corgi Registered fitter is not someone who can fit a fireplace; it purely means that they are a competent gas fitter. At present there are no qualifications to obtain that says that an installer is competent to fit a fireplace. Most installation problems are caused by poor workmanship, so it is important to find out beforehand if the person you are going to use is experienced in such matters. A competent installer will have all the necessary tools to do the complete job. i.e. they should be able to remove the existing fireplace, alter the gas and/or electrical pipework and wiring, convert the fireplace opening size, make good plasterwork etc.

Having any gas work done by an incompetent person will invalidate the guarantee and in some circumstances affect your household insurance. Any repair claims to gas appliances will require proof of installation by a Corgi installer.

To find a Corgi Registered installer in your local area click here (logo)

(Please note: we do not endorse any work undertaken by any installer found on the Corgi website and cannot be held responsible for the standards of any work done).

Before you consider purchasing a new fire and fireplace, it is worth considering requesting a survey to be done (by an installer) on where it is going to be fitted. This will give you an idea of the cost involved beforehand, as well as save surving time and avoiding any nasty surprises. Most installers will charge a small callout fee but will generally deduct this from the final bill on completion of the installation. Every fireplace installation is different and prices are dependant on what work is to be done.

If you are considering buying a gas fire it is worth finding out if you have a flue and if so, what type, as some gas fires are designed only to be fitted into certain applications. To do this you can either have an installer visit you and tell you as mentioned above or check it yourself. There are three main flue types:-

	Brick built chimney (easily noticeable by a chimney stack on the roof of the house).
	Prefabricated Flue (usually a metal tube protruding from the roof).
	Precast Flue (usually a raised ridge tile on top of the apex of the roof of the house).

If you have a system with no flue at all, you may still be able to have a gas fire. To find out, either contact an installer or contact ourselves. We will be happy to help!

If you have a chimney, it is advisable to have it swept prior to having a fire fitted. This will remove any accumulated dust/debris that has the potential to fall down and block the path of escaping poisonous gases.

For more information on flues please click HERE

ELECTRIC FIRES

Most electric fires require nothing more than simply plugging into an electrical powerpoint. However, if any wiring is needed then it must be done by a qualified electrician. Always read the installation instructions before fitting any electrical appliance.

SOLID FUEL APPLIANCES

Installation of any solid fuel appliance should be carried out by competent persons approved by a recognised government backed body. The most popular and well known is Hetas.

To find a list of Approved Installers in your area Clck on the (logo)