FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I light my wood-burner?

The procedure for lighting your wood-burner depends on the manufacturer and model:

Wanders SQ: click here to download instructions.
Wanders Marvic: click here to download instructions.
Bodart & Gonay Infire: click here to download instructions.

Are all fireplaces suitable for coal/solid fuel fires?

The majority of all fireplaces are suitable for open fires, however the hearth of the fireplace must have three expansion joints at the fire opening, which allows for the heat to expand. Due to the intense heat radiated from a solid fuel/open fire, this heat must have some way to expand.

The use of the aforementioned expansion joints alleviates this. If there are no joints in place the heat could put pressure on the hearth causing it to crack.

What coal can I use in my fireplace?

Lamartine Fires & Fireplaces cannot recommend the use of any one type of solid fuel for coal fires. Due to the introduction of “petro-chemical” fuel with a high pep coke content, we have discovered that these fuels can cause serious damage to fireplaces, firebacks, fire grates and hearths.

These solid fuels can burn at extremely high temperatures, which no fireplace material at the moment can withstand. Please consult your local coal merchant for the correct fuel to use. We cannot take responsibility for damage when this type of fuel is used.

I have a solid fuel back boiler in my fireplace, what fireplace can I choose?

If you have a back boiler, which is in use, then your fireplace design may be somewhat restricted. This is due to the fact that some back boilers may protrude out from the opening. If this is so, then your chosen design may have to be modified to suit the boiler. If you have a back boiler, which is not in use but still connected, we would advise on its removal.

Firstly, the boiler must be disconnected. This would have to be done by a plumber. We can then remove the back boiler and rebuild the opening. Please note that the removal of a disconnected back boiler is not included in the price of a fireplace. We would confirm a price for removal on a site survey.

Are all fireplaces suitable for coal/solid fuel fires?

The majority of all fireplaces are suitable for open fires, however the hearth of the fireplace must have three expansion joints at the fire opening, which allows for the heat to expand. Due to the intense heat radiated from a solid fuel/open fire, this heat must have some way to expand. The use of the aforementioned expansion joints alleviates this. If there are no joints in place the heat could put pressure on the hearth causing it to crack.

My fireplace is off-centre, what fireplace can I choose?

When a fireplace is off-centre Lamartine Fires & Fireplaces can install a new fireplace in a variety of ways. Nowadays 99% of all off-centre fireplaces can be catered for. This can be done through any of the following methods.

  1. We can move a fireplace opening by 3 or 4 inches either to the left or right depending which side is off centre. This can be done without affecting the flue, which means that the fireplace can still be used for solid fuel or a gas fire.
  2. We can extend your chimney-breast on the shorter side so as to balance out the fireplace symmetrically. This option could mean losing space from your room and is therefore a decision for you the customer. Please note that there is an extra charge for a chimney-breast extension. The fireplace installation in this case will normally take a full day to complete.
  3. If you wish to centre your fireplace without any extra disruption to the chimney-breast, you can choose a slim-line electric fire, which can be placed exactly to the centre of the breast. Please note that if choosing this option the back panel/inset must be a flat marble/granite/cast-iron type, so as to incorporate the slim line electric fire. This fire is only used for aesthetic purposes.
  4. Modifying the chimney flue path can also centre your fireplace. In this instance your fireplace opening can still be used for a solid fuel/coal or gas fire. This method takes approximately 2 days and must be carried out by a chimney specialist. A Lamartine consultant can advise you on this during a site survey.

Should you not wish to centre your fireplace, you can keep it off-centre and modify an existing design to a larger off-centre one. Please note that prices would vary for this option.

Who will remove my existing fireplace?

The majority of all fireplaces are suitable for open fires, however the hearth of the fireplace must have three expansion joints at the fire opening, which allows for the heat to expand. Due to the intense heat radiated from a solid fuel/open fire, this heat must have some way to expand. The use of the aforementioned expansion joints alleviates this. If there are no joints in place the heat could put pressure on the hearth causing it to crack.

What preparation do I need to do for my new fireplace?

Lamartine Fires & Fireplaces would advise that the following should be done to prepare for the installation of your new fireplace

  • Carpets to be lifted irrespective of whether new carpets are being re-fitted
  • Room cleared as much as possible (if the room cannot be cleared we would advise for you to remove curtains and cover any furniture)

Please note that timber floors should always be laid after the installation of your fireplace. Lamartine will take into account whether or not you are getting timber floors and will raise the hearth height accordingly.

My fireplace is smaller than standard, which fireplace can I choose?

Although there is a standard fireplace size of 54” (4 ft 6” or 137cm) or 60” (5ft or 152cm), it is possible for Lamartine Fires & Fireplaces to size down or size up many of the fireplaces from the range in our showrooms. These are proportionally sized to suit the width of your chimney breast.

We will normally confirm all sizes following a completed site survey where you will meet with our stone mason in our factory to discuss the design and construction of your new fireplace.

Do I need a new fireback, fret & basket?

Yes, on any standard fireplace installation a 16 or 18 inch fireback will be fitted with the fireplace, if you are planning to use your fireplace for a gas inset fire you can upgrade this to a ceramic fireback, which will radiate more heat from the fire. Should you wish to use your fireplace for a solid fuel/coal fire, we recommend the use of a high-grade fireback.Please note that both ceramic and high-grade firebacks are not included in the standard fireplace price quoted in our showrooms. 

A fret and basket is normally supplied when purchasing a fireplace with a cast iron inset. However if you are choosing a fireplace with a flat back panel/inset you will need to purchase a fret and basket separately as there are many types to choose from.

When does a site survey take place?

On choosing your fireplace design in our showrooms, Lamartine Fires & Fireplaces then organise for a site survey to take place. This is a simple process whereby our surveyor will call to your home / site development and take visual photographs of the fireplace due for removal.

We will check all details pertaining to the order such as opening sizes, fire type, appliance requirement, chimney conditions, new floor covering, back boiler removal etc. A site survey is made by appointment for any time from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

 

How do I pay for my fireplace?

Lamartine Fires & Fireplaces currently has a lead in time of 4 – 5 weeks from the moment you confirm an order to the time of installation. Should you wish to have your fireplace installed sooner than this, it can be possible for us to schedule a shorter time, however please note that this cannot be confirmed until a site survey takes place.

How long does my fireplace order take?

Lamartine Fires & Fireplaces currently has a lead in time of 4 – 5 weeks from the moment you confirm an order to the time of installation. Should you wish to have your fireplace installed sooner than this, it can be possible for us to schedule a shorter time, however please note that this cannot be confirmed until a site survey takes place.

What should I bring with me when I go to buy my fireplace?

When you come in to choose your new fireplace, your selection will be made easier by bringing the following information with you.

  1. A picture of your existing fireplace
  2. The full width of your existing chimney breast 
  3. The width, height & depth of your existing opening
  4. If you have flooring which you are keeping – measure the size of the existing hearth sitting into the flooring