Installations

Overview of Installation Services

 "Installation" usually refers to setting up a new appliance, such as a new wood stove or a gas fireplace, complete with venting (chimney) and optional equipment. After the installation is complete the appliance can be operated in the normal manner. In some cases an installation is more of a "hook-up" to an existing chimney.  Installations can also be performed for accessories, such as fireplace doors or barbeques, that do not require a chimney.

We offer many types of installation services. If you do not see what you are looking for listed here please contact us for more information. What follows is a brief outline of the most common installation services we offer.

Wood Stove Installations

Wood stove installations typically include the installation of a new Type HT "chimney system" or an approved "liner system" for an existing chimney. After the chimney is properly installed the new stove is placed on the approved hearth and hooked-up to the chimney with connector pipe. Installation may include attaching optional equipment, such as blowers or shields.

If a hearth is not already in place the installation may include the install of a new hearth or wall protection, as required by each installation. 

If an approved hearth and chimney are already in place the installation is called a "hook-up". Hook-ups will not be performed on non-"code-compliant" chimneys or hearths. 

Wood Insert Installations

Wood inserts are designed to be installed in existing working fireplaces. The fireplace must be code-compliant and the wood insert must be specifically listed for use as an insert. Insert installations include installation of a new listed stainless steel liner system to the top of the existing chimney and optional insulation materials. The hearth must also meet the requirements for the new insert. If needed, hearth installation may also be included, as required by each installation.

Wood Fireplace Installations

Wood fireplaces come in many varieties and we specialize in the installation of "High-efficiency" metal fabricated "zero-clearance" fireplaces. (Some examples of this type of fireplace would be a BIS Panorama or a Fireplace Xtrordinair Elite). We also install standard "decorative only" fireplaces, or hybrid masonry forms. We can help with almost any fireplace project. Just ask if you don't see your particular type listed.

Wood fireplaces require a special chimney system and are always installed with a complete chimney system that has been specified for the fireplace being installed. We install the firebox, the chimney, and any other optional equipment such as heat ducts, doors, screens, hearths, surrounds and mantels. A complete fireplace can be built from scratch using almost any materials you can imagine.

We offer wood fireplace "rough-ins" for those customers who have their own builder, carpenter or mason. We offer complete design services or we can use your own designer or architect.

Gas Fireplace Installations

Gas fireplaces are typically installed as "zero-clearance" fireboxes using standard stick framing and standard building materials. Installation includes setting the firebox, installing the vent system, and installation of such options as thermostats, remote controls, blowers, heat ducts, mantels, surrounds, and hearths. Just about anything can be designed to create your unique fireplace environment.

Some of our fireplace customers have their own carpenter or builder who will do all the framing and finish work around the firebox and vent. In these cases, we offer what we call a fireplace "Rough-in", where we set the mechanicals only (the firebox, vent, switches, blower, etc.) and the carpenter installs everything else, such as the chase, mantel, or hearth.

Gas Stove Installations

Gas stoves are free-standing appliances similar to a wood stove but they do not usually require a chimney like a wood stove. In most cases, a gas stove does require a vent. Many gas stoves are placed near a wall and vented directly out the wall. A ceiling/roof vent is also available. These vents are less expensive than a wood chimney and can be placed almost anywhere in the home.

A gas stove install usually includes placing the stove on the floor (or hearth, usually optional), installing the vent through the wall or roof, hooking up the gas fuel (either Natural Gas or LP), and installing the switches or optional remote controls. The installation may also include stove options such as blowers, accent lights, ceramic decorative firebacks, aroma therapy kits, etc.

Usually the gas company supplies the gas fuel lines and the Cracker Mill sets up the burner and operation. Instructions for use of remote controls and other options are included. Optional hearths, wall treatments, mantels and other features may also be included as required by each installation.

Gas Insert Installations

Gas inserts, like wood inserts mentioned above, require an existing operational open fireplace. The gas insert must be specifically listed for use as an "insert" and the fireplace must be in working order and code-compliant as a working wood fireplace. The insert is placed into the fireplace cavity and a new liner is added all the way to the top of the existing chimney. A gas fuel line is hooked up and the new insert transforms your inefficient open wood fireplace into a high-efficiency gas fireplace.

Optional equipment may be included such as blowers, thermostats, remote controls, accent lights, ceramic decorative firebacks, hearths, surround panels, etc.

Note that "gas inserts" are not the same as "gas log sets". Gas log sets are decorative only and are installed in an open wood fireplace with a working chimney. Gas inserts are more like wood stoves or inserts in that they transform your old fireplace into a highly efficient heater rated appliance.

Pellet Stove Installations

Pellet stoves install in a manner similar to gas stoves. A traditional chimney is not required, although they can be hooked up to existing approved chimney systems. The pellet stove is placed on a hearth protected floor and a new vent pipe is installed either through the wall or ceiling. The new vent pipe typically terminates about four or five feet up the wall.

Pellet stoves usually come complete with built-in controls and sensors. Since pellet stoves require electricity, an outlet must be within about six feet of the appliance. In some cases it may be necessary to have an electrician add an outlet for the pellet stove. Generator hookups are also an option requiring the help of an electrician. Battery backup kits are also available.

Pellet Insert or Fireplace Installations

Pellet inserts can be installed in most approved open wood fireplaces, in a manner similar to a gas insert. A stainless steel liner vent pipe is installed to the top of the chimney. As with free-standing pellet stoves an electrical outlet must be within reach. Some customers choose to have an electrician install an outlet inside the existing fireplace cavity.

We also offer several models of pellet inserts that can be installed as "Zero-clearance" pellet fireplaces. This type of install does not require a pre-existing wood fireplace but is installed just like a zero-clearance gas fireplace using standard stick-framing and common building materials. As with gas fireplaces a complete selection of hearths, surrounds, and mantels are optionally available.

Other Types of Installations

In addition to the types of installation mentioned above we also offer installation of fireplace glass doors or screens, custom hearths, mantels, surrounds, wall protection, gas wall furnaces, solid-fuel boilers and furnaces ("set & vent"), metal chimneys, chimney caps, cleanout doors, cookstoves and barbeques. 

We offer installation of many products not specifically listed here. We do usually require that the product is of a brand that we represent, although we do review each installation request on a case-by-case basis. Please ask if you need installation services and you don't see it listed here. 

Thank you for your interest in our installation services. Please visit our Maintenance & Repair, Consultation services and Delivery pages for more information on other services we offer.