Be Aware Of These Mistakes
- It is important to clarify what the most important dimension is when planning the fireplace; one should only use that specified dimension for correspondence. There are two dimensions that are important:
- One is the glass size. The actual edge to edge of the glass is usually the most important. However the constraints of the wall may be a consideration. If the location is next to a shear wall or in a corner then the overall dimension is the most important. The glass has to match the overall and the glass will reduce proportionately if the overall dimension reduces.
- Next, Venting schemes can allow for a number of restrictions. The fresh air duct can be rectangular if being flat and wide is required for a ceiling for instance. The exhaust vent can be broken into several smaller pipes with a manifold and then brought back to one pipe or completed as multiple pipes.
- The fresh air duct can be located on either side and the exhaust can be moved laterally on the firebox. The exhaust can be run from the top of the firebox alongside the fireplace to a location below the fireplace.
- In rare cases we have installed a pipe inside the fireplace to route the exhaust through the fireplace and exit the bottom. Several manufacturers have the fresh air enter through the top but this causes condensation problems and they actually offer a condensation heater to burn it off. We will not route the fresh air into the top of the firebox for this reason. The condensation can cause too many problems and it is very difficult to eliminate. We will install a flat plenum alongside the box or come up with an alternate solution to the routing problem.
POST INSTALLATION MISTAKES
- Once the fireplaces are installed the most common problem is the finish not being installed with clearance for the glass to be removed.
- The installation instructions are very clear on the position of the finish and this should be given extra attention. Once stone, marble, or even mirrors are installed the contractors will not modify the finish. The result is a delay and a back charge to the finish contractor to modify the fireplace and glass. Because it is a UL label rated appliance the factory engineer has to review and approve the change. This can cause considerable delays which were easily avoided with proper measuring.
Correct Installation
This fireplace surround is installed correctly allowing clearance for the glass to be removed for cleaning.
Bottom
Side
Improper Installation
This surround is encroaching on the fireplace making it impossible to remove the glass and the stone was not cut level. This will be more evident when the fireplace is made smaller with the glass in place.
The finish including combustibles can be brought right up to the glass
Turning on your fireplace
- In most cases a wall switch to turn the fireplace on and off is preferred over a remote. This wall switch will be 120 volts so conduit is required from the fireplace to the switch. We do not suggest variable flame height switches.
- No one has ever asked for a smaller flame and it makes the components more complicated with more likely hood of break down.
- A remote control can be installed and should be ordered with the fireplace. If the apartment has a master remote control for other components we can install a receiver supplied by the remote control contractor. If the remote system is 24 volts then a relay will have to be installed and the receiver should be supplied to us at the start of fabrication.
- The fireplace will need a 120 volt power feed which goes to the control panel. In most cases in the bottom of the firebox. Depending on the draft inducer required either 120 volts single phase or 220 volt 3 phase power will be required.
- The electrical contractor is always responsible for these items. A wiring diagram specific to the site will be provided. The location of the draft inducers will be shown on the shop drawings.
Would you like to speak to us about getting a custom fireplace made?
Please call Elegant Flames at (845) 255-4507 or you may use the form below for general inquiries.