Stove & Gas Fire Site Survey

It is highly recommended that you complete a site survey before you consider a wood burning stove or gas fire in your home. The key benefit of a site survey is to find out if your desired appliance is suited to your home and identify any potential pitfalls before initial investment is made or work started.

A site survey should be completed by a knowledgeable and competent person.

What Is Considered During a Site Survey:

1. The relevant/desired location in the room for the stove or fire, including the wall construction and clearances to any combustible materials.
2. The flue system, and if the current flue is suitable and safe to use for the desired stove/fire, or if a new one would fit.
3. The appropriate heat output for the size of the room.
4. Gas supply (relevant to gas fires only).
5. Relevant building regulations. For example a balanced flue must have access to an outside wall, and must be within certain distances from windows, and neighbours houses etc.
6. Ventilation – sufficient air supply is very important for safety of open flued appliances but not necessary for balanced flue fires.
7. To find out if your home is in a smoke control area.

Common Issues & Problems During a Site Survey:

1. The desired location in the room is not possible due to construction of the property, being too close to combustible materials, or the fact that the desired fire or stove will not fit in the location.
2. The current flue system not suitable or safe to be used for the desired stove or fire. This can often be rectified by lining or other remedial works, but can add considerably to the overall budget.
3. The heat output is too great (or sometimes too small) for the size of room and/or home age and design.
4. There is no available gas supply.
5. Conflicts with various building regulations, this can cover a wide range of issues.
6. Discovering your home is in a Smoke Control area – note that this is not a problem with the majority of Charlton & Jenrick stoves as they are DEFRA exempt.

The majority of site surveys for stoves and gas fires run without problem, and there are always alternatives such as electric fires where combustion appliances are ruled out.

However, it is important to take a survey to ensure your desired stove or fire will fit without issue.

To discuss your options it’s best you talk with a showroom closest to you in the first instance. Your local Charlton & Jenrick distributor can be found here