Gas Fireplace
Inside a gas fireplace installation in Casselberry
What a new gas fireplace sits on
Under the unit, the base has to be solid. One direct-vent manual calls for a hard metal or wood surface that extends the full width and depth of the unit, and says never to set it directly on carpet, vinyl, tile or other combustible material apart from wood. A B-vent manual gives the same rule.
Raised hearths, built-in platforms and units set into cabinetry all need that base planned from the start. Our installers build it to the manual and level the unit on it before anything is connected in your Casselberry home.
Facing materials around a gas fireplace
Tile, stone and brick veneer can dress up a gas fireplace, but only within the maker's rules. One B-vent manual allows only noncombustible materials over the black face of the unit, attached with adhesive rated for at least 300 degrees F, with sealant at the joint to the wall rated the same.
Before you pick a finish, our specialists check what your model's instructions allow at the face and around it. If a stone mason or tile setter is finishing the wall in your Casselberry home, we share those limits with them first.
Mantel height and depth above a gas fireplace
A wood mantel over a gas fireplace has to respect heat rising from the unit. One maker's manual includes a mantel chart: the higher the mantel sits above the top of the fireplace, the deeper it may project. Side walls and mantel legs have their own minimum distances from the opening.
Our installers take the chart from the manual for your chosen model and mark the lowest safe mantel height on the wall before it is finished. If you already own a mantel you want to use in your Casselberry home, bring its depth to the free inspection.
Keeping a new gas fireplace dry
Gas fireplace controls do not tolerate water. One maker's manual says to keep the appliance dry because water may damage its controls, and a B-vent manual says not to use a fireplace if any part has been under water, and to call a qualified service person instead.
During installation the unit stays covered until the vent is sealed and the chase or wall is closed. If your Casselberry home ever takes on water near the fireplace, leave the unit off and call us before relighting it.
