As a part of our commitment to customer service, satisfaction and education, we have included a glossary of terms to assist in making your research and stove selection process as seamless, informative and enjoyable as possible. If you do not see a term listed below, please contact one of our experts. Andirons - sometimes called dogs, dog-iron or firedog; a decorative horizontal iron bar which logs are laid Simulated Ash - volcanic ember material lay below grate to stimulate burning under gas logs B Vent - a system that does not have a sealed combustion chamber and relies on the buoyancy of hot gases to vent effectively using single wall flue. Bellows - a device for delivering pressurized air in a controlled quantity to stoke a fire Casting - manufacturing process by which liquid brass or steel is poured into a mold which contains a decorative hollow cavity Chenet - similar to an andiron, a chenet is one piece, connected by the fender across the front, most commonly resting just inside the firebox on metal bars that go back into the fireplace in which wood can be placed Clearview - a reference used In relation to fireplace glass doors, where there is no metal over the fireplace opening just surrounding the glass Creosote - carbon material that accumulates in chimneys from wood burning fires. If it glazes on the firebrick in the chimney it can cause a flue fire Damper - a metal device inside the fireplace chimney used to reduce or close the opening between the firebox and flue; stops cold chimney drafts Direct Vent - in reference to a gas fireplace, it has a chimney that can vent horizontally or vertically to the roof using a double wall flue. It has a completely enclosed firebox with a pane of glass that cannot be removed. It draws air for combustion through a double wall flue and expels gases to the outside as well. Dog-Iron – See Andirons Downdraft - a strong, downward current of air Simulated Embers - refers to gas logs; simulated hot coals under the grate made of non-combustible material such as fiberglass or platinum Fenders - a low metal guard before an open fireplace, to keep back falling coals usually made of iron, cast iron or glass; stops wood if it falls out of firebox and are also utilized for decorative purposes Firebacks - a protective, heat-resistant insert for the rear interior of the fireplace that radiates heat and protects the firebrick Firedogs – See Andirons. Firepit - structure used outdoors, made of non-combustible material for gas or wood feature. Gas systems may include ceramic logs, riverstones, crushed glass, volcanic rock or even metal sculpture. Wood systems may have a gas log lighter Flue - pipe that moves the smoke from the fireplace to the chimney and outside Freestanding Stove - a compact, heating appliance normally on legs or a pedestal visible from four sides and is not built into the wall. Front-view - a traditional fireplace which only offers a single view of the fire Gas Insert - a gas burning appliance that burns propane or natural gas; the insert goes into an existing fireplace and creates a powerful heating source. The flue (venting) goes up through existing chimney and exhausts to the outside Grate - a cast-iron or steel frame that holds burning fuel (wood or gas logs) for the fire Hearth - is the noncombustible structure in front of the fireplace Kindling - thin, dry wood used to start a fire Mantle - decorative structure that can be made of wood, stone, or precast that surrounds a fireplace opening Multi-view - a fireplace that offers multiple views or open side Reline - in reference to relining a chimney where pipe and insulation are placed through an existing flue that needs repair Pellets - small balls or blocks made of 100% wood sawdust with no additives Spark Arrestor 1. protective mesh on top of chimney to keep sparks under control 2. this also refers to a mesh screen in front of fireplace opening to protect combustibles from flying embers Unvented, Ventless or Vent Free - term used relate to either a low BTU gas log or a gel fueled fireplace that does not require a flue or chimney for ventilation Vent - exhaust duct for gas or wood fireplaces Definitions compiled from a variety of industry resources and dictionaries.
General Fireplace Information…
Variations in Stone, Marble, Slate, Granite etc may occur in both shades and veining, this is an unavoidable owing due to the different development and seams in the quarry, but we do guarantee that the material is from the same quarry (unless otherwise stated). Most coloured marbles are inherently imperfect and may contain slight vents within the surface. Brecciated marbles are especially prone to these imperfections with small areas which polish to a lower degree than others. All are sold subject to these usual deformities and are filled, repaired and cramped as necessary, a practice known and accepted by craftsmen. Responsibility cannot be accepted for comparatively small imperfections which may develop in the surface after the stone or marble has been fixed into position. This is caused by modules which make up the material completely drying out and application of good quality wax polish will normally seal and overcome this situation.
Patterns & Designs…
Where we are undertaking the construction of a fireplace or similar work to a pattern or design seen or supplied, we undertake to reproduce the pattern or design as closely as possible, but the customer must accept that raw and natural materials are not uniform in colour and texture and, in the case of random stone, in shape or size and it is therefore impossible to reproduce two identical pieces of work and the customer must accept the idiosyncrasies of the materials and the individual craftsmen which result in minor variations in fireplaces and other structures constructed to the same design and such variation shall not cause a compliant.
Materials…
Firebrick, refractory concrete, cast-iron can occasionally crack with the intense heat and expansion. This will not affect the efficiency of the fire and is not dangerous to the structure. We do not manufacture these items and cannot accept responsibility after installation. We use the best quality kiln dried timber for our production of mantel pieces. Some timber moves in the further drying out process and slight hairline cracks and joint movement may occur and must therefore be accepted by the purchaser. Warranty issues, all solid fuel appliances come with a one year guarantee as standard. Some manufactures offer longer warranty (ask a member of staff for more information on this). Items that are not covered under the warranty include, The Grate, Glass, & Firebricks. These products are classed as consumable items, and replacements are not covered by any manufactures warranty.
Smoking Fireplaces…
We cannot accept responsibility for existing structural defects within the existing chimney, which lead to smoking. External factors outside our control such as local geography, wind pressure and the degree of insulation and draught proofing can all contribute to or cause smoking and we cannot undertake to guarantee a smoke free fireplace. When installing stoves it may be necessary at a future date to install a flue liner into the chimney. This can sometimes only be determined after installation in the majority of cases this will not be necessary.
