Fireplace Installations FAQs

Ideally, your fireplace should be centrally located, especially in large or double-volume spaces, so the heat can spread evenly. In smaller rooms up to about 60–70 m², this is less important, as warmth will circulate easily.

As a rule of thumb, try to keep the fireplace about one metre away from curtains, plug points, and furniture. It can be closer if needed, but keep an eye on how hot it gets, as this depends on how hard you run the fireplace and the amount of heat it produces. Avoid placing the unit directly in front of large windows or glass doors, as more heat is lost compared to positioning it against a solid wall.

The fireplace itself should sit around 150–200 mm away from the wall. If you’re worried about heat at the back, we offer portable heatshields. It’s also preferable to have a clear path for the flue through the ceiling and roof above the fireplace, although bends can be used to work around obstacles.

Families with children will probably find a corner installation easiest, as it makes cordoning off the area simpler and safer. In reality, the “perfect” position isn’t always possible, so feel free to contact us for advice. We’ll be happy to guide you.

From experience, we know that the information we request is essential for planning your installation. Supplying it upfront helps us speed up quoting, planning, and scheduling, so the process runs smoothly. 

We use your photographs or building plans to assess, plan, and prepare the installation, and to confirm the prices quoted on our website for your specific setup. During peak season (March to August), all quoting and planning is based on the information and photos you provide.

For a freestanding fireplace installation, we’ll need:

• A photo of the area inside the house where the fireplace will be installed, showing the floor and ceiling
• A photo of the outside of the house, showing the roof where the flue chimney would exit, or the side of the house, including the roof and wall where the flue would go up. Current building plans with height elevations are also acceptable
• Your full name, installation address, and contact numbers
• The fireplace from our website that you’d like to purchase and install
• Whether you require a floor plate to protect a combustible floor covering (see accessories)

For an insert or built-in fireplace installation, we’ll need:

• A photo of the area inside the house where the fireplace will be installed, showing the hearth
• A photo looking up the chimney, showing the opening
• A photo of the outside of the house, showing the chimney and roof area. Current building plans with height elevations are also acceptable
• Your full name, installation address, and contact numbers

To provide an accurate quote and plan your installation, we’ll need a few key measurements. These vary depending on whether you’re installing a freestanding fireplace or an insert fireplace.

For a freestanding fireplace:

• The measurement of the area you would like to heat (Width x Length x Height)
• The measurement from the floor to the ceiling in the area where you want to install
• The total height of your house up to the apex or pitch of the roof
• If you already have a fireplace and only need a flue kit and installation, the diameter of your flue (across the hole) or the inside measurement of the spigot (the hole on top or back of the fireplace), for example, 125 mm, 130 mm, or 150 mm

For an insert fireplace:

• The measurement of the area you would like to heat (width x length x height)
• The inside measurements of the fireplace hearth or opening (width x depth x height)
• The total length of the existing brick chimney
• If you already have a fireplace and only need a flue kit and installation, the diameter of your flue (across the hole) or the inside measurement of the spigot (the hole on top or back of the fireplace), for example, 125 mm, 130 mm, or 150 mm

We aim to gather all the necessary information for your installation from the very first contact, which makes our process quicker and more efficient for you and our team. While we do speak with clients over the phone, all details are always confirmed by email. 

Quotes and invoices are also sent this way, creating a record of correspondence and information that our sales team can access whenever you get in touch. It saves time on both sides and keeps everything clear and organised.

Your address helps us plan your installation accurately and efficiently. We use it with Google Maps to assess your property and gather extra reference photographs of the roof or house structure. It also helps us see whether you’re in a high-wind area, in which case a storm cowl may be required. 

It also tells us whether you fall within our installation area and if any additional travel costs will apply. On a practical level, your address allows us to schedule installations more effectively. We often have two jobs in a day and four teams on the road, so efficient planning is key. Sharing your address upfront saves time for you and our team.

We ask for photographs so we can discuss your installation with the team handling your project. Photos help us spot potential challenges in advance, such as roof height, elevations, or gutter positions. Most of our quoting and assessments are based on these initial photographs, and we’ll only request a site visit if the installation appears more complex.

Your photographs are also saved on your profile as “before and after” records. This gives us a clear history of your installation for future reference and ensures we have all the details on hand if you need assistance later.

Once you’ve accepted our quote and paid the invoice for your fireplace and flue kit, we’ll schedule your installation in our system. Depending on the time of year, installation usually takes place within a week to 10 days. In peak season, the lead time is closer to 1–2 weeks, so it’s best to start the process early, ideally during summer.

If a cancellation or opening comes up, we’ll gladly move your installation to an earlier date.

No, installation is quoted separately from the fireplace and flue parts on your invoice. The prices shown on our website are for the fireplace only. Under each fireplace profile, you can choose the option to “add a flue kit” and/or “add installation,” which will give you an approximate total cost. For an exact breakdown, contact us and we’ll provide an itemised quote tailored to your installation.

For a straightforward, single-storey installation through the roof, our team can usually finish within 3–4 hours. More complex installations may take the whole day. If we expect your installation to take longer than a day, we’ll let you know in advance and quote accordingly.

All our installations come with a 12-month guarantee on the waterproofing, covering labour and parts. In some cases, a call-out fee may be charged to cover travel costs. This is at the discretion of GC Fires and depends on the type of claim and the distance involved.

It’s important not to overheat your fireplace, as this invalidates the installation and product guarantees. Cracking of plaster or tiles, warping of metal, or damage to electrics (such as alarm sensors, plugs, or TVs) is the responsibility of the user and results from excessive heat. To help avoid this, you can use a stove thermometer.

Please also keep in mind that your fireplace should not be used for the first 24 hours after installation, as the waterproofing needs time to dry. Using it too soon will invalidate your guarantee.

No, we prefer to handle this on the day of installation. Core drilling is precision work and is best done once the fireplace is in position, so the hole can be marked in exactly the right spot and angle by our team. This ensures the installation meets strict safety standards.

Several factors need to be considered before drilling, including the spigot position on top of the fireplace, the fireplace’s width and depth, the flue kit diameter, and the distance from the wall. These can only be measured accurately once the unit is in place. If the drilling is done in advance, it is rarely exact and can sometimes delay your installation.

We work with a professional core drilling team, who join our installers specifically for that part of the process. 

(Core drilling is the method of cutting precise, circular holes through concrete surfaces.)

Yes. We can cut out and remove your old built-in fireplace for a small fee, and we’ll also take it off your property. This process is usually booked over two days. The first day is for removing the old unit and taking internal hearth measurements, and the second is for suggesting and fitting a suitable replacement. If needed, you may also want to neaten up the surrounding brickwork. Please note that we don’t handle brickwork or wet works.

If you choose to install a freestanding model inside an existing hearth, you may want to tidy up the interior with plastering, brickwork, or tiling.

In most cases, the old flue will also need to be removed and replaced, since the size of the old flue probably won’t match the spigot size of the new fireplace.

If you have an existing fireplace that needs to be removed, the internal hearth measurement can only be taken accurately once the old unit is out.

There are several other points to check before installation:

• Many chimneys have a lintel across the top of the opening, and its position must be taken into account to allow space for the flue pipe.
• Ensure there are no electrical wires or wooden beams running through the upper chimney.
• The hearth opening must be tall enough to comfortably fit your chosen model. Contact us for the exact hearth dimensions required for your installation.
• We don’t do brickwork or wet works, so these adjustments need to be done by your builder beforehand.
• Your brick chimney should be in good working order, with no holes leading into the roof space, as this poses a fire hazard.
• Check whether the chimney is sealed on top or needs sealing, and confirm what type of cowl will be required.
• Any repairs or alterations to the hearth opening must be completed before installation, as they cannot be done afterwards.

No. Instead, we complete the installation with a grey or black steel cover plate (finishing frame) that gives the fireplace a neat, sleek look. No, we finish the installation off with a grey or black steel cover plate (finishing frame) to give it a sleek look.

Yes. We can cut out and remove the old unit for a small fee, and we’ll also take it off your property. Please note that we don’t carry out brickwork or wet works.

In most cases, the old flue will also need to be removed and replaced, since the size usually doesn’t match the spigot of the new fireplace.

We recommend leaving at least 15 cm between the fireplace and the wall. If the fireplace needs to be installed closer than this, a heatshield should be used for safety.No less than 15 cm’s is recommended, if closer we recommend using a heatshield.

A heatshield is recommended if your walls are made of Crete stone or Gibson plaster, as these materials can crack from the high heat of a fireplace.

If the fireplace is being installed in a log home or wooden house, it’s best to use Nutec fireboard. This is required for fire safety and is necessary for insurance purposes.

It’s best to install your fireplace at least one metre away from any plug points or switches. There should be none directly behind the fireplace. If the installation position cannot be changed, the plug point will need to be blanked off by your electrician.

When it comes to fireplaces, a variety of materials are used for construction and lining, each with its own benefits. Here’s a quick overview of the most common ones:

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a carbon-rich iron alloy, traditionally shaped in moulds to form fireplace parts. It heats up faster than plate steel and holds heat a little longer after the fire dies down. With dry wood and proper care, it’s durable and long-lasting.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a natural mineral that has been heat-treated to create an excellent insulator. It usually lasts 2–3 years before replacement is needed, depending on use. Its main advantage is the very quick rise in temperature.

Skamolex / Scamolex

Made from exfoliated vermiculite, Skamolex is non-irritant, odourless, and clean to handle. It’s commonly used for lining wood stoves, fireplaces, and gas fireplaces, and can withstand temperatures up to 1100°C.

Thermofix

Ceramic Thermofix is a light-coloured, high-performance refractory cement made from Chamotte mixed with crushed clay. It’s widely used for manufacturing refractory bricks because of its excellent insulation properties. Once the wood stove reaches its operating temperature, the material returns to its original colour, which serves as a clear sign that the appliance is being used correctly. Thermofix is also one of the most resistant materials on the market. Although it may develop surface cracks, it retains its strength and insulating qualities. It is slightly more expensive than other options, but its durability and performance make it a worthwhile choice.

Accumotte / Chamotte

Accumotte or Chamotte is raw clay baked at 1300–1400°C. It is commonly found in medium to high-end fireplaces. Usually white in colour, it reflects the light and heat of the fire back into the room, creating a bright and efficient burn.