Installation of a Prefabricated Fireplace

Fireplace Installation

• 1

  Prepare to install the fireplace by collecting all of your materials in one location. This includes the fireplace, intake system, chimney materials, drill, screws, work gloves, saw and the manufacturer’s manual.

• 2

  Remove the fireplace from its packaging. Take any potentially flammable elements, such as cardboard, away from the work area.

• 3

  Complete any assembly required on your fireplace before installation. Use the drill and screws to assemble the doors or panels on the fireplace unit. Always use the screws recommended or provided by the manufacturer.

• 4

  Check the installation area. All prefabricated fireplaces require a certain amount of clearance between the unit and flammable materials, such as insulation and wood. Check the manufacturer’s manual for the exact clearance for your unit. Use a measuring tape to check the clearance distance.

• 5

  Install the fireplace. Lift the unit and place it into the wall or on a platform. You can install prefabricated fireplaces in the open as long as you keep them away from flammable materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely for the installation process.

• 6

  Attach any additional pieces. Some manufacturers provide vents and mantels for attachment after installation. Use the drill and screws to attach these pieces. Ensure the proper installation distance for elements, such as the mantel, with the measuring tape.

Chimney Installation

• 7

  Read the installation instructions in the manual for your prefabricated fireplace. Before attaching the chimney, you must map out its path from the fireplace to the outside. Hire a contractor to finish the job to avoid damaging your home’s frame if you need to remove any walls for chimney installation.

• 8

  Prepare to install the chimney. Put on work gloves and get your power saw ready by plugging it in or charging the battery.

• 9

  Use the measuring tape to measure then mark a hole in the roof or wall where the chimney needs to exit your home. Base the size of this hole on the dimensions of the chimney exhaust pipe.

• 10

  Cut the hole in the wall or roof with the power saw. Remove any debris from the hole then cover it with plastic sheeting to keep moisture or debris from leaking into your home.

• 11

  Attach the first piece of the chimney pipe to the fireplace with the drill and screws.

• 12

  Connect subsequent pieces to the first piece until the chimney pipe reaches the hole through which it exits your home. Use sealant, if necessary, to adhere pipe pieces to one another.

• 13

  Remove the plastic from the hole and attach the chimney cap to the end of the last length of chimney pipe. Use sealant to adhere the cap to the chimney pipe.

• 14

  Apply weather stripping or weatherproof caulk or sealant around the base of the chimney cap.

Intake Installation

• 15

  Check the installation instructions in your manual to determine whether your fireplace requires this step. Not all prefabricated fireplaces require the installation of an intake system -- some take air from your home via vents.

• 16

  Repeat Steps 2 and 3 from Section 2, though instead of cutting a hole in your ceiling or wall for the chimney pipe, cut a hole in the wall closest to your prefabricated fireplace for its intake system.

• 17

  Attach the intake pipe to the fireplace with the drill and screws, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

• 18

  Connect segments of pipe to this first piece of intake pipe until the pipe is long enough to reach the hole cut in the wall or roof.

• 19

  Place the vent and/or filter over the end of the intake system that breaches the exterior wall of your home. Secure this in place with weatherproof caulk or sealant.