Whether
you buy your fireplace from a shop or you buy it online the law states that
you must have it installed by a CORGI registered gas installer. The common
misconception is that the shop you buy the fireplace from is Corgi registered
and it is they who will install your fire surround. The truth is that the
majority of shops do not employ Corgi registered installers, rather they sub
contract the work out to local registered installers who will either invoice
you directly or who will invoice the shopkeeper allowing the shopkeeper to
include this price and any extra into your total quote. Even shops like B&Q
sub contract the installation of gas fires to their local CORGI fitters!
We believe
that you should have the freedom to choose your own gas fitter and be free
to negotiate your own price for the fitting of your fireplace directly with
them. There are approximately 55,000 installing businesses registered with
CORGI who work all over the UK. This means that it should be easy to find
an installer near you.
By clicking
the link below you will after entering your postcode, be presented with a
choice of between 5 and 20 businesses in your area who are qualified to install
your fireplace. However please be aware they are only registered with Corgi
to install Gas Fire Products and not the surround itself though in 99% of
cases they install the surround as well. However that being said, if you are
spending a lot of money on a fireplace you should be prudent in your selection.
Here are some simple questions to ask the companies prior to selecting them.
-
Have they experience in fitting the type of fireplace that you have purchased
or intend to purchase?
Fitting fireplaces made from Natural Stone, Marble
or Granite is a skilled job and the product can easily be damaged during
installation if handle incorrectly.
Natural Stone fireplaces: This
type of fireplace should only every be installed by using white cement and
washed sand combined as a mortar. Oil based sealants should not be used
as this will discolour and stain the stone, likewise products like Carlite
bonding are also unsuitable as they have a tendency to be absorbed through
the stone and stain the surface.
Black Granite Fireplaces: Black
Granite can be installed using normal sand/cement and silicone sealants
White/Cream Marble Fireplaces: Silicone sealants are fine but they
should only use white cement
and washed sand
for
installing the hearth
- Insurance:
Is their work insured against installation
error. If they break something, or they install the product incorrectly
are you protected by insurance.
- Site
Survey:
If you are unsure if the fireplace you want to buy is suitable for your
house do they do a pre installation survey. Most fitters will charge for
this service but will usually deduct this amount from the price if you choose
them for the final installation. The Charge should normally be between £20
and £40
- Identity
Card: Every Corgi Registered Gas Installer carries
an identity card. Ask to see it!
This card is a Photo-ID and carries the business's CORGI registration number
and a unique operative id. Their card clearly displays which CORGI scheme
they are a member of, and so what type of work they are qualified to undertake.
Only CORGI gas members, with the orange shield on their card are legally
able to carry out gas work. If you are in any doubt as to the validity of
a card or operative you can check their details out for free instantly online
by Clicking HERE
or visiting this link
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED
DIRECTLY FROM THE CORGI WEB SITE AND IS NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF FIREPLACES.ORG
FURTHER FIREPLACES.ORG ARE NOT CONNECTED TO CORGI AND NO AFFILIATION IS IMPLIED.
