See Our FAQ’s

Whether you contact us initially by phone/email or come into our showroom, if you can take the measurements of the chimney breast width (or flat wall), width x height x depth of the fireplace opening and the existing hearth size (the bit on the floor if you wish to keep your existing flooring), this gives us the information we need to help you.

In addition, take photographs (on your phone is fine) of the fireplace area and the chimney from the outside of the property showing from the ground floor right up to the chimney pot. This should give us all the necessary information we need to help you choose either a new fire, fireplace or stove. Generally we are able to give you a supply only or full installation price in the showroom then and there if we have all the details above.

Yes. Older houses (pre 1960’s) generally have ‘Class 1’ brick built chimneys which can accommodate most types of fires and fireplaces. However, after this date ‘pre-cast’ chimney systems were installed to many properties and only Class II gas fires are suitable which are very shallow in depth as inset fires. These can only be installed at hearth level and not as hole-in-the-wall type installations.

Class 1 chimneys built after this time were constructed with pre-fabricated liners and gather units which are not often suitable for hole-in-the-wall type designs as the gather units have been sited for a hearth mounted fire and major structural work is required to alter this.

If your property is built after the mid 1960s try to find out as much information as you can on the chimney. even take a photo looking up the chimney as this can sometimes give us the information we need to help you.

Fireplace installations can be both complex and potentially dangerous. We strongly advise that you use only accredited installers who are able to issue the appropriate certificates you need when you eventually sell your property. Gas Safe engineers are required for gas installations and Hetas registered engineers for all wood & solid fuel installations. Kent Fireplace is able to offer a full installation service with its own Gas Safe and Hetas registered engineers for your convenience.

The good news is yes! There is a wide range of electric fires on the market today but in some circumstances you can even have a gas fire!

When the fireplace would be sited on an outside wall you may be able to install a balanced flue or fanned flue gas fire and there are even ‘flueless’ fires available that just need a live gas point!

Come and see us and we’ll show you all your options!

Yes! A large proportion of our fireplaces are made to measure to suit customer’s requirements. At our showroom you’ll also find examples of our own fires and fireplaces that you won’t find elsewhere! See our bespoke examples here

In most instances yes! For gas installations it is a legal requirement for the Gas Safe installer to inspect the flue and ensure it is clear. Flues can get blocked from birds nests and even cobwebs that can slow down the flue draught therefore sweeping ensures that they are free from blockages. On straight flues you may be able to see that it is clear right up to the open pot but for most older chimneys with a ‘dog leg’ bend this isn’t possible. We ask customers to have their chimneys swept and the certificate available on the day of installation to confirm this.

We do recommend installing a cowl – usually a Bird & Rain Guard. It is definitely recommended for all glass fronted and convector box type fire installations as you cannot sweep through these appliances – they need to be removed for sweeping therefore it could be costly if a bird were to get down the chimney.

Bromley and most of the surrounding areas are in a Smoke Controlled Zone and only smokeless fuel can be burned on open fires in these areas otherwise you may receive a fine of up to £1000. You can contact your local Council to confirm whether you are in a Smoke Controlled Zone or not.

There is a wide range, however, of ‘Exempt’ appliances that have been tested and certificated to choose from including traditional and modern log burners and inset, glass fronted fires.