On installation day, there’s always a lot going on, so we’ve put the following information together for you, to give you an idea of how we like to work;
What happens on the day of the installation?
We aim to set up our van the day before, whenever possible. When we set off, we’ll call and provide an ETA so you should always expect an early morning call!
We normally arrive at your property between 7.30 and 8.30am. We need to park as close to the room where we will be fitting the stove as possible, so if you can reserve a parking spot or move your vehicles around to accommodate this, it would be appreciated.
We also expect your room to be prepared and emptied as per the pre-works document we send before our visit.
Once we arrive, we will lay down our dust sheets to prepare the area where we work and the rooms we may have to pass through.
Throughout the day, please be available in case we need to speak with you – either in person or by phone. We never know what we may be dealing with when we install a flue.
If you want to be there to see how we do it, ask questions and even make us a brew, we welcome it. You may hear us grunt and occasionally swear (under our breath) depending on the problem we will inevitably have to overcome.
Typically, we tend to work in teams of two. Currently these are all men although Mandy and Stella have been known to get involved.
How do Blazing Burners perform their installations?
If fireplace modifications are required, these are performed before your installation starts.
Your actual installation will be performed as efficiently as possible. While each installation we perform is very different, we have a set way of doing things based on the type of job. Typically, our installations are broken up into two stages and each stage may last anything from half a day to two full days.
Our teams of two will work together to prep the work for the next team. We’ve found this to be the most productive and efficient way of performing installations during our busy periods.
We may leave a day or so between each stage, but this depends on what is involved. We always prefer to complete installations within the time frame that we will suggest when we provide our estimates. The main exception to this is when we are waiting on a delayed stove.
At the end of each stage, you should expect that the room is left tidy.
Stage one
- We always aim to unpack the stove, check it over, take it apart and set it up
- We also aim to fit your chimney notice plate (inside your consumer unit) and a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm in the right place according to building regulations
- Depending on the installation type we will also make a start on either fitting the flue or preparing the fireplace
- For flexible flue liners, this may mean sweeping your flue and preparing the fireplace by cutting and fitting your closure plate
- For twin wall flues, this may involve taking the flue through your house or out through your wall and making it watertight
- If we need to lay a hearth, this is likely performed at this stage
Stage two
- This is usually when we complete your installation
- This may involve making good with rendering or plastering and it could also mean that the flue is completely fitted
- If we are on your roof, we will take note of the condition of your roof, tiles, lead work, chimney stack and pots. If any of these components need addressing, we will inform you and provide video evidence so that you can make informed decisions. If a simple fix can be achieved whilst we have access, often, we will do it. For example, if your pot is unstable because the mortar holding it in place has failed, we will re-flaunch it free of charge. For the sake of half an hour and some inexpensive materials, we think it is worth it, as the integrity of your flue is not compromise
- If you have a chimney pot and it is damaged or cracked and needs replacing, we will video this and replace it as per our extra charges
- Upon completion, your installation is tested, and you will be given information on how to use it with lots of useful advice
Work etiquette
We normally have a lot to get through and if anything goes wrong or we must deal with an unexpected problem, then we will want to have the time available in which to do so. Therefore, our work ethic is high, and we will want to work fast in order to accommodate any issues we may come across in the time we have allowed.
We will always have time for questions and will be friendly and polite, but we will potentially have a lot to deal with in a limited time. We won’t really take time out for a long break or lunch but instead will prefer to push through and get the job done.
Cutting and wet work
If we have any cutting to do (e.g. slate, metal), or have any mixing to do (e.g. plaster, render) we will always set this up outside. We will need to run our extension leads to this area and we will need access to water - ideally an outside tap.
Keeping tidy
During the whole process, we aim to keep everything as tidy and as organised as possible. Inevitably we have a lot of equipment that we will be using and likely within a confined space. On completion we aim to tidy up after ourselves, so you don’t have to!
Where can I find more information specific to my type of installation?
For more information on each type of installation we perform, please click on the links below;