After youâve browsed our selection of premium wood fireplaces and found the right unit for you, installation becomes an important question. Whether youâve decided to do the work yourself or you are hiring a fireplace installation contractor, you'll want to keep some key factors in mind. We have created this article to ensure you don't fall victim to any of these 5 common installation mistakes for wood fireplaces.
5 Common Wood Fireplace Installation Mistakes
- Putting a Gas Burner in the Fireplace Instead of a Log Lighter
- Not Checking/Cleaning Venting
- Purchasing a Fireplace Before Approval in your Area
- Not Practicing Proper Lighting Techniques
- Know the Difference Between a Stove and a Fireplace
1. Putting a Gas Burner in the Fireplace Instead of a Log Lighter
Itâs important to know that when installing a wood-burning fireplace, a log lighter is a very useful accessory to consider. Itâs common for homeowners to make the mistake of trying to use a gas burner to start their fire when using a log lighter is the correct method for burning wood. This is a wood-burning fireplace accessory thatâs powered by a gas source to help you light your firewood. A log lighter works much like a normal handheld lighter and is designed to make lighting your fire easy. This fireplace accessory connects to an external natural gas or liquid propane fuel source with lines that run into your firebox, however, itâs important to note that log lighters should be installed by a licensed gas appliance installer.
2. Not Checking/Cleaning Venting
Any type of wood burning, whether it be in a traditional fireplace or a wood stove, will result in the need for chimney and venting cleaning. Itâs recommended to get your chimney cleaned at least once a year by a qualified professional and in addition to regular cleaning, fireplaces, and chimneys should be inspected for any damage or buildup annually. With all of the debris that collects inside your fireplace, over time this buildup can create a dangerous fire hazard. Itâs important to never neglect the cleaning and maintenance process of your wood-burning fireplace.
3. Purchasing a Fireplace Before Approval in your Area
Before choosing and purchasing a fireplace, itâs important to ensure that the unit you chose will work for your area. There is a National Code that is used as a baseline for the installation of fireplaces, heaters, and other hearth products, and a hierarchy of guidelines for these units. With national code compliance, you should comply with the manufacturer's product manual and you should comply with local code enforcement. Many states have laws regarding hearth appliances such as California's ban on vent-free products, therefore donât forget to check your local codes before picking your fireplace.
4. Not Practicing Proper Lighting Techniques
Lighting a wood fireplace is not always the easiest task, however, practicing the right techniques can make it much more simple. As mentioned earlier, using accessories such as a log lighter or simply using a fire starter can make the process of lighting your fire more convenient. Remember to open your chimney flue to allow the necessary amount of oxygen flow before you light your logs.
Below are some tips to think about before lighting your fireplace:
- Read the manufacturerâs recommendations beforehand.
- Never burn painted wood or paper products as they can generate toxic fumes.
- Lighting with newspaper or crumpled cardboard can contribute to the accumulation of soot.
- Make sure your wood is dry
- Make use of fireplace tools
5. Know the Difference Between a Stove and a Fireplace
Some think that wood fireplaces and wood stoves are essentially the same and although they perform similarly, they are very much different. The heating power of a wood stove is what sets it apart from a traditional fireplace. These units don't require an existing chimney or wall framing and are much more easy to install than a fireplace. However, there is nothing quite like having a traditional wood-burning fireplace in your home. Check out our buying guides on wood stoves and fireplaces to decide which may be better for you.
Fireplaces Direct Can Answer Your Installation Questions
If you have questions or concerns about installing your wood fireplace or stove, our product specialists can help. Whether you simply have a question or may need help finding an installer, reach out to our team via phone, chat, or email.
