A fireplace is an attractive focal point in any room and creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere in your living space. Whether you add a gas insert to your existing hearth or frame a new fireplace into the wall, this room addition will change the way your home feels.
The type of fireplace that you choose will determine the method of installation. Some models, like a new direct vent gas fireplace, can be easily installed on your own with the services of a gas fitter to run and connect the gas lines. Other models, like a wood burning insert with stainless steel chimney liner, will require a professional technician.
DIY Fireplace Installation
Choosing a direct vent gas fireplace or gas stove is an excellent DIY option. They usually require small clearances and only a short amount of venting pipe instead of an entire chimney system.
Be sure to read through the manufacturer's installation instructions to ensure that your placement is correct. You'll need to have non-combustible surfaces around the face of the fireplace and the vent pipe. For a gas stove, non-combustible surfaces will need to be underneath and behind and clearances can be shrunk by installing heat shields.
Only qualified gas fitters are licensed to connect gas lines. Running from the valve at the meter to your fireplace, this tubing will be specially marked and tested for leaks at the connections. It may be possible for you to run the line through your walls or ceiling, but all connections and final testing needs to be left to the professional.
Framing Work
The manufacturer's manual will detail the framing requirements of your specific unit based on the size, shape and weight. Standard 2x4's work well. Vapor barrier should also be covered with drywall for fire protection, even if the wall is behind your corner fireplace unit.
Insert Installation
Fireplace inserts can be complicated to install, depending on the condition of your current chimney system and firebricks. If the brickwork is still sturdy and your chimney has good access, this job can be much faster. Once the hearth has been thoroughly cleaned (it's recommended that you use trisodium phosphate on the bricks) and the chimney has been swept to remove creosote build up, the caisson is installed.
In some cases this could be a DIY project, but removing the damper and installing new chimney pipe can be tricky. You'll need to be sure that the flashing and chimney cap are installed properly and that the flue collar fits well between the chimney liner and the fireplace insert.
By entrusting this job to a professional you can have the efficiency and convenience of a fireplace insert quickly and without hassle.
A wood burning stove is fairly simple to set up but the clearances and safety features needed for the unit may require some help. Often a stone or brick hearth works well for gas or wood stoves. The stove pipe will need to be installed properly with the right angles and clearances up through your home.
You should also think about wood storage and the use of fireplace accessories such as screens, log racks and blower fans. Include everything your home will need into your considerations and do whatever parts of the installation you have the skills and time for.
Your fireplace installation needs to be done right for the safest, most efficient use of this essential home appliance.
Posted by: TrustedPros
