Fireplace inserts fitted by local pros in Wedgewood Groves

Leveling the insert and squaring the face

Insert manuals provide adjusting legs at the rear so the unit sits level in a firebox whose floor may slope. A level insert keeps the door closing evenly and the surround sitting flat against the face.

We level the unit before the connector is tightened, check that the door latches smoothly and square the surround to the opening. Small details, but they decide whether the installation looks built in or merely pushed in, and whether the door gasket seals evenly all the way around.

No liquid starters in a wood insert

The Travis manual states that gasoline or other flammable liquids must never be used to start a fire or to freshen one up, and that they should not be stored or used near the appliance. Other insert manuals carry the same rule.

A fire in an insert starts well with newspaper, small dry kindling and a few small splits, which is how our installers show you the first fire. The door is then closed and the air control does the rest.

How an insert estimate should read

A clear insert estimate separates the unit, the liner and its connector, the top plate and cap, the surround, any hearth extension, any fireplace repairs, any electrical work by an electrician and the removal of old parts.

Every line carries upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you can see where the money goes and compare our proposal fairly with anyone else's. Book within 72 hours after the inspection and 10% off is applied right on the estimate.

• Insert model and surround size
• Liner type, size and length
• Top plate, rain cap and any cap change
• Hearth or floor protection work
• Repairs found at the inspection
• Removal and haul-away of old parts

If you ever want the open fireplace back

Removing an insert does not return a fireplace to open burning by itself. The damper may have been removed, a block-off plate or liner may remain, and the metal tag on the back wall is there to record that the fireplace was modified.

If you ever decide to go back to an open fire, the fireplace and chimney should be inspected first and returned to working order. We note this at handover because the house may change hands long before the insert does.