Our aim is to provide quality products and services that our customers want, that will give pleasure for years to come and that will endear them to recommend "Firelive" to others. To this end quality and suitability of products are at the forefront - to put it simply "IT HAS TO BE RIGHT".

Repeatedly customers say that there is much more to consider than they first imagined
after discussing their requirements with us. This is free practical advice gained from experience - not in any way 'hard sell'. Perhaps we can help you to avoid some of the pit falls and give you a better understanding of the products we offer, so that YOU are confident that it will be right. Right for you and your budget, looks right in your home and above all is correctly fitted and meets safety standards and regulations.

One of the first considerations has to be:
What type of flue (if any) exists in the intended property.
Is it a class 1? - Brick construction, a chimney breast terminating with a chimney stack and chimney pot. Suitable for burning solid fuel (e.g. Coal).

If so, then providing all aspects are sound, swept as required and that a positive draw can be established (All products of combustion are drawn up into the chimney) then you should find any type of gas fire will be suitable as well as coal grates and of course electric inset fires.

Depending on which fire you chose will determine the hearth and back panel suitability for your fireplace. For solid fuel the potential heat generated would require the need for expansion to be taken into account, a sole plate incorporated into the hearth and for example if a marble was chosen it would need to be slabbed (Otherwise it could crack). Here we would advise that only a stable natural marble was chosen as any resins can be effected in manufactured panels. There are many products available in tiles, cast inserts, etc., and specific advice can be given on suitability and considerations for differing requirements. For example: a white or light finished surround is possibly not recommended with a solid fuel fire unless you are prepared for discoloration (depending to a large degree on quality of finish). Also, some modern finishes cannot always be repainted over easily.
In some instances a need for a working canopy over the fire may be required for some basket type and inset fires, together with the requirement for additional ventilation.

Firstly to ensure that the intended fireplace is going to look right, a measurement of the width of the internal chimney breast needs to be noted. If the property has low ceilings check that you will not find your chosen surround/mantelpiece overpowering.

(Remember to add the height of the intended hearth to that of the surround if it is to sit on it.)

When choosing a gas fire - consider, is maximum heat efficiency paramount or is your intention more towards being decorative. If you do need high efficiency then you may have to compromise on the type of fireplace you are contemplating.

Note: If the heat output is high, (depending on the kW input of gas) an air vent may be required for certain open flued fires.

Other flues are common:
Is it a class 2? - Pre-cast flue blocks normally terminating within
the roof ridge tiles or galvanised twin wall flue
pipe and gas cowl.

Although normally restricted by the depth, (in some case's builders are using the deeper flue block system now available) some of the latest open living flame type gas fires are specifically designed for this type of flue. Even the older narrow flue that originally was only intended for the freestanding radiant/convector type fires can now accommodate this type of fire.

Then of course increasingly with new properties the "no flue" at all scenario. The options are room sealed balanced flue free-standing gas fires, where the flue is supplied as part of the fire and connects from the back of the fire and projects through an outside wall.
Open coal effect gas fires are available incorporating an electric extraction flue fan to draw flue gases outside. These are generally known as power flue versions. Because of the need for an electric motor, it pays to invest in a quality product as some have been found to be noisy and any vibration through the fire can be annoying. There are also turbo-chim versions which flue from the side of the fire to an outside wall sufficient to say they are available for the purpose of this fact sheet - please ask for further advice on these.
Most electric insert fires can be accommodated as well as freestanding versions by various methods of fitting the fireplace.

One important aspect to bear in mind with a recently built property is does it have a 'floating floor ?' - (most do for insulation purposes). If so, then the fireplace should be fitted on a solid base. The builder is likely to include a disclaimer in the sales contract should problems occur due to the fireplace having been fitted directly onto this type of floor construction.

We would advise: Do not compromise on fitting - most problems and disappointments are caused due to what appears to be cheap fitting costs or D.I.Y installations.

Apart from regulatory measures resulting from ill fitted fireplace and/or fires, the cost of replacing a cracked or broken hearth or back panel (in the case of say natural marble) can be costly. Natural marble is supplied as a set from the same scant, and no two sets are the same.

Whilst on the subject of natural marble, please be aware that not all marble sold is of the same quality. It is a natural product supplied from various countries and therefore having individual characteristics. Therefore, a low cost marble could be of inferior quality rather than a bargain. Marble is also absorbent and spillage's (particularly soft drinks containing citric acid) can leave stains similar to water marks within the marble, so liquids are best kept away. Please ask about general care, polishes and treatments that are available from our showroom.

Natural stone 'i.e.' Sandstone, limestone, hearths and back panels or complete fireplaces are offered. Some simulated stone effect fireplaces are now available which are considerably less expensive but are not suitable for solid fuel fires (in some cases only suitable for electric fires - check for recommended use).

Depending on choice of intended fire/fireplace and site, will determine the rebate required for the surround. Specific rebate sizes can be ordered but a standard rebate is
normally 25 - 32 mm that is adjustable to approximately 75 mm on a stock item. The rebate is determined when all other aspects are decided upon and the method of installation has been established.

If you would like us to quote for the installation (which is without any obligation) we can arrange to visit the property to discuss what would be involved and advise on suitability.

It is a legal requirement that any gas installation must be carried out by a CORGI registered gas installer who now should carry a CORGI identity card.

PRODUCT INFORMATION.

Surrounds:-
We offer a comprehensive range of high quality bespoke surrounds/mantels that are available in various materials and finishes - from traditional elegance to contemporary style of which many are exclusive to Firelive.

In addition, free-standing electric suites are available which comprise an all-in-one package of mantel, back and hearth and electric fire - no fitting is required.

Gas Fires:-
Suppliers of the open coal effect living flame gas fire is the area in which Firelive became established over 30 years ago. Although we do supply all types of gas fire, this is still our specialist market. Kohlangaz being the originators, developers and manufacturers of this type produced an early version which although very realistic in appearance were not extremely efficient in terms of heat output. They were described and intended to be used as 'Decorative Fuel Effect' (DFE's) and are still referred to as such today.

Since 1996/7 all fires had to meet stringent requirements for CE approval and a great deal of redesign work was undertaken by leading manufacturers giving us today's high efficiency DFE's. The majority of fires intended for the standard fireplace opening being (16 inch) do not exceed the 7 kW gas input and therefore additional ventilation is not normally required. All appliances are required to be labelled showing the kW input data and CE approval number. Most new models are fitted with an "ODS" (oxygen depletion sensor) which monitors this safety aspect.
The increase in DFE's popularity once the efficiency needs had been met has been phenomenal. Every major fire manufacturer produces a DFE, although the specialist manufacturer's of DFE's continue to be the pioneers in development for appearance and performance of the coal and log effect gas fires.
We believe our live displays of these gas fires are probably the best available - please experience for yourself.
The highest efficiency (heat output) is achieved from the convector models fitted with heat exchangers.

Available alongside the manual versions are slide control models that eliminate the need to reach down to the control knob to ignite or control the fire. Also switched versions that do require an electric socket or fused spur connection, but can be controlled as you would operate a light switch. Increasingly available are remote control versions now being offered from manufacturers
Full colour brochures are available on request that contain detailed product information.

Electric Fires:-
The latest electric fires have created a strong revival offering a new generation of fuel effects and designs. Particularly for recently built properties without a flue, these are well worth considering especially if your budget is being over stretched. Balanced flue or Power flue gas fires are considerably more expensive and in addition you must allow for fitting costs.
Only you can decide on the merits of gas or electric. If the fire is to be the only source of heating the room then a gas fire is far more economical if used for longer periods. Whereas if you mainly require a glow with only the occasional boost of heat then the cost is relatively small for an electric fire.

A wide range is offered designed to suit any situation, many having high level controls that avoid the need to remove the ash pan cover during operation. Full colour brochures are available on request that contain detailed product information for fully freestanding, partially and fully inset models.

We supply a comprehensive range of fireguards and fireside accessories to complement your fireplace.

We thank you for taking the time to read this "Information Sheet" and hope that you have found it of interest. We look forward to discussing any requirements you may have or at sometime in the future.

Russell & Lynda Pearson.

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