9
SITE SURVEYING - SURVEYING THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
THE FOLLOWING ARE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SURVEYING AND ARE IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THESE
INSTRUCTIONS, NATIONAL STANDARDS AND BUILDING REGULATION REQUIREMENTS.
The following recommendations should be considered to try to avoid problems that will result in issues after the fire has been fitted.
a) Downdraught can be a major problem which may result in return visits with problems after the fire has been fitted so:
i) Check the geographical position of the property taking account of any known downdraught issues in the area.
ii) Check any existing Properties for any special chimney terminals that would indicate downdraught problems.
iii) Check any existing fires for signs of downdraught, e.g. discolouration above the fire.
iv) Ask the Customer if they ever suffer from wind blowing down the chimney.
b) With Pre-cast flues check the following:
i) Any signs of walls over heated both on adjoining walls and upstairs. Bring any issues found to the attention of the Customer.
ii) Check for any Cracks in the wall above the fire.
ii) Check the soundness of any connecting tubes in the loft area.
c) Take account of the type, size and height of the chimney when considering the suitability of the fire being considered.
For instance if the chimney is quite large or high a higher efficient fire may be more suitable or flue lining may need considering.
d) Take account of the fire previously fitted and if the heat output will be sufficient for the room size and heat requirements of the
room.
e) Check the condition and soundness of the chimney before proceeding with the installation or any building work.
f) Check any wall decoration around the fire for its suitability for withstanding temperatures especially with high efficient fires.
g) Take account of the size of the room any large windows ensuring that the fire being considered will provide sufficient heat.
Make the Customer aware if you feel this could be an issue.
h) Check if the suitability of the Control being considered will meet the Customers requirements, specifically with people with arthritic
problems. Consider if a High level or Remote Control System would be more suitable and make the Customer aware of the
advantages.
i) If an high efficient fire is being considered into an existing fire surround determine if it is a suitable material, for example some
micro marble surrounds are prone to discolouration. Check for any signs of discolouration and make the Customer aware of the
possible problem. You may wish to advise that a more suitable Fire Surround be considered.
j) Carry out a gas soundness check on the current installation prior to Installation.
We would recommend that if you come across known problems in your area that you add them to the above survey points.
If you are unsure of any aspect of the Installation seek expert advice.
