Frequently Asked Questions

What should I think about when selecting a new fireplace, stove, gas fire or electric fire

Firstly is there a chimney in your house as many of the newly built houses have no chimneys you may be confined to gas or electric even gas fires need flues Without a chimney there is almost always a requirement for a focal point of warmth mainly due to our rainy climate The fireplace or focal point will most likely be the centrepiece a room where you will spend many hours, or to which most visitors to your home will be invited. Your choice will say a lot about you.

Much care is needed in making that choice. That is why you should study the range available and talk to experts, not just slick salesmen.

What factors are important in making my choice?

You should think about matters such as the size of the fireplace in relation to that of the room, your preferred wall colours, harmonisation with the colours of carpets and soft furnishings, the nature and style of timber used in furniture and fixtures.

What are the basic choices open to me?

Fireplaces in Marble, Limestone, Sandstone & Granite

Stoves in wood burning or multi fuel, traditional air, direct air, room sealed insert, free standing, double sided, wall hung, suspended from ceiling.

Gas Fires & Gas Stoves: Bottled Gas or LPG Balanced Flue or Standard

What sort of working life should I expect?

That very much depends on your choice and how you operate your device be it multi fuel, wood burning gas or electric. Most products will have warranty’s of 5 years however some electric fires are confined to two years warranty.

Is it easy to fit a new fireplace stove gas or electric fire?

We always recommend a site survey for 99% of installations particularly where there is a stove or gas fire some of the larger electric units have a false chimney breast built around them some do not require any installation.

Will the fitting of new fireplace be very disruptive?

The fitting of a new fireplace can be time consuming and dirty. Particularly in older properties and a lot of dust and rubble can result. You are advised to prepare the room in advance, and here are some hints:

·         Fireplaces can be bulky and hearths heavy; our fitters need room in which to work

·         Remove all breakable items from the room e.g. paintings, ornaments, vases, china

·         Cover any furniture that cannot be removed from the room, especially fabric furniture

·         The carpet should be rolled back, or at the very least covered with protective material

·         The same protective treatment may be necessary for porches and hallways.

Pets and children find the fitting of a new fireplace interesting but it is better for all concerned if they are kept out of harm’s way!

Why should I employ fitters from Barry’s Fireplaces?

We are proud of our products and we try to ensure that the quality of our workmanship is matched by the professionalism with which our fireplaces, stoves, gas fires and electric fires are installed.

Experience has shown that it is best for the Company who have supplied fireplace to install it also. Their accumulated skills makes them additionally well qualified to install their own products.

Will my fireplace require special care?

All natural products are prone to shrinking, warping, and staining; it is important that your fireplace be introduced to its working environment as gently as possible, and that it is used with care.

The following precautions will ensure that your fireplace remains an efficient and beautiful addition to your home:

·         No solid fuel fire should be lit for at least seven days after fitting and for the next month it is advisable to have only small fires – this will allow the fitted materials to “settle in”

·         Remember that any substance spilled on your fireplace can leave lasting damage if not cleaned off immediately – e.g. red wine on white marble or hot cinders on a man made or natural hearth can spoil the fireplace forever.

Can smokeless fuels cause problems?

Yes. There is unfortunately no quality control on the substances that might be used with this type of fuel. Fire backs in particular can suffer badly from smokeless fuels, with severe cracking not uncommon.

For this reason, we regret that cannot guarantee any of our products against damage that might result from using modern smokeless fuels.

Are there any other factors to be considered?

Yes. You may need the services of a builder or qualified gas fitter  plumber or Electrician to prepare or complete the location for the unit .

We regret that cannot undertake any plastering work that might be necessary following the fit.

Are there any building limitations or regulations to be considered?

Yes there can be with each unit having different requirements this should be covered in detail with the site survey for instance a stove that has no chimney will require installation of flues out the wall while a stove flued into an existing chimney is different .

Gas flues vary, some require balanced flues this is why a Certified & Registered Gas Fitter must sign of on all gas appliances.

Electric units supplied by the varied electric companies retail the unit with a plug ready to be inserted into a socket any additional electrical requirement must be signed off by a certified Electrician on the site on the day of installation.