Fireplace installations can be a tricky business and there’s no compromise to getting the job done right. There are a lot of alternatives to using an accredited fitter including hiring someone at a discount rate only to haphazardly complete the job.
Worse than that, many have tried to undertake installations themselves. This can be unforgivably dangerous in that it can lead to personal injury, but it can also result in damage to your new fireplace before you’ve even had a chance to use it! There really is no other option than always utilising an accredited fitter who knows exactly what they’re doing.
Did you know that ELB Fireplaces have a team of experienced in-house fitters who are Gas Safe and Hetas registered, combining over 30 years’ knowledge and expertise in every project they undertake. We always strive to provide the best customer service and we believe we’re on the road to achieving this by providing safety and security with our services.
What goes in to fitting a fireplace?
It’s not as small of a job as some may think, since fitting a fireplace requires an examination of the area and checking that chimneys are suited to the model that you are to install. Installation also requires prepping the area, not to mention the lengthy and somewhat complicated process of the actual fitting itself. Overall, it’s a process that accredited fitters are trained to do and subsequently can do so quickly and with ease.This kind of installation, if not done properly, has the capacity to take a long time, become extremely difficult and poses the ongoing risk of being a safety hazard.
If the complex work in itself does not put you off not getting the job done properly – perhaps the associated risks will.
What are the implications of not using accredited fitters?
It can invalidate your guarantee
It goes without saying but if you purchase a fireplace with a guarantee and it becomes faulty as a result of improper fitting, then it is unlikely that a guarantee is going to cover this kind of issue.
It can affect the use of the fireplace
Again, it goes without saying – but if you compromise on the installation of your model, then you should also be prepared to compromise on its functions. Avoiding installation from an accredited fitter could mean that vital parts of a fireplace are either not fitted properly, or not fitted at all; meaning that ultimately – performance could be hindered or the model may not even work at all.
You could be breaking the law
Building regulations must be passed for all new stove/fireplace installations if they require a new chimney or work on an old one. An installer could advise you on this or even manage it themselves. If you intend your new flue pipework to run up an external wall then depending on the position you may even need to obtain planning permissions, which needs to be checked with your local Planning Department. Going DIY on this kind of task could not only botch the job, but also your legal permissions.
You could put yourself or your family at danger
Most importantly however, if you choose to avoid getting a fireplace or stove fitted properly – you may be putting yourselves or anybody you live with in danger. Not fitting a fireplace properly puts you at danger from electrical malfunctions, fumes that are not ventilated properly and most importantly – carbon monoxide risks.
For more information on our accredited fitters, and why you should never just ‘do it yourself’ contact us.
