A fireplace installer is someone who puts prefabricated fireplaces in homes. Typically, the fireplace installer does not construct the structural component that houses the fireplace. The fireplace installer is responsible for installing the fireplace unit into the structure and connecting all related wiring and gas lines after the builders have completed the basic construction of the structural component of the system. After the fireplace is properly positioned in the structure, the installer finishes the installation by installing the mantle and any trim. Occasionally, the installer will be asked to install a fireplace in an existing room or structure, in which case the installer may also be asked to construct all of the supporting structure.
The modern fireplace, unlike the fireplaces that were once required to heat and cook meals within a building, is usually a fabricated unit that runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) gas. The fireplace is commonly installed within a wooden structure that is built to resemble a fireplace and chimney inside of a room and is made of metal components. A fireplace installer who specializes in the installation procedure places the unit in place. The unit is connected to the building’s electrical system, allowing the homeowner to control electric venting fans, blowers, and ignition systems.
Some fireplace models use a type of gas log that does not require venting. The fireplace installer does not need to assemble and install any outside ventilation. On other types of fireplaces, the fireplace installer is required to erect a metal venting pipe or chimney that runs from the fireplace to the roof top of a building or home, passing through a simulated chimney structure. Typically, the installer will connect all gas lines to the fireplace and test it for leaks. The exhaust pipe’s venting efficiency will also be tested by the installer, who will use smoke from a burning paper to ensure that the smoke is drawn into and up the vent pipe.
On rare occasions, a fireplace installer will be asked to install a real wood-burning fireplace into a structure. When performing this type of installation, the installer is also responsible for a number of additional safety precautions. All gaps in the fireplace structure, as well as the chimney pipe, must be sealed with fireproof caulking by the installer. A damper must also be installed in the chimney pipe so that the user can control the rate at which the fire burns.