IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
FDC (UK) Ltd has a continuous research and development program which may necessitate changes to sizes and specifications without prior notification. If any size is critical this should be made clear to your retailer at point of order.
Installation
Having a new fireplace installed is a major project and it is advisable to prepare yourself as well as possible. Please ensure your chosen fireplace will physically fit your chimney breast and that it is compatible with the intended heating appliance. The best way to confirm this will be to organise a home survey with the retailer or your installer prior to purchase. All installations must be carried out in accordance with the requirements set out in the Building Regulation documents, paying particular attention to Approach Document J. There are independent bodies which have been approved to carry out installations in accordance with these regulations. For gas installations, the most recognised independent body is GAS SAFE REGISTER and for solid fuel installations it is HETAS. It is essential to confirm with your retailer that your new fireplace will be installed appropriately. If you have your new fireplace installed by a GAS SAFE REGISTER (gas) or HETAS (solid fuel) registered fitter you will be given a certificate stating that your installation has been carried out in accordance with Building Regulations. If you do not have one of these certificates you will have to arrange for your local Building Control Officer to inspect and approve your installation.
Look at our Find a Stockist section to search for an installer near you by clicking on the yellow pins on the map.
MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
These fireplaces are made from natural materials and whilst we select only the best quality stones, colour and veining variation will occur from images and showroom displays. This is the beauty of the natural stone and guarantees that your fireplace will be truly unique. Likewise, due to the nature of the materials used, it may be necessary to reinforce or use suitable filler to eliminate brecciation in the material either during manufacture or installation of your fireplace. This is naturally occurring and hence outside of our control, and does not infer that the product is faulty or substandard.
Aegean Limestone
Originating from Turkey this stunning creamy white limestone is fine grained and infused with thousands of small fossils. During the manufacturing process many of these become loosened resulting in 'pitting' across the material surface. This is a characteristic of the material and adds to the natural beauty of the product. Supplied in a honed finish this material will require sealing after installation.
Portuguese Limestone
Fused over millions of years, this limestone contains fossilised plant and animals remains embedded in a cream background resulting in natural veining and grain pattern throughout. Cool to the touch and with a matt finish, this attractive material remains one of our most popular. We use two different variants of this stone.
Semi Rijo: This is sawn parallel to the natural vein in the stone resulting in a subtle linear pattern running horizontally across the fireplace. Small fossils will also be present. Often referred to as veined limestone, it remains one of our favourites.
Rosal: This is specially selected and contains far less fossils and veins resulting in a much clearer material. It is cross sawn and has a cloudy, more granular appearance when finished. It is well suited for more ornate fireplace designs.
Charmot Limestone
A warm, earth-toned limestone with a light beige background, medium grain and occasional shell inclusions. It is quarried in Massangis, France. Consistent grain distribution stippled evenly across the surface lends a subdued visual texture that's versatile in any design aesthetic.
Sandstone
A sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals and rock grains. This material is of a softer density and requires a more considered approach when handling and during installation. With a consistent light tan colour and a natural textured finish, this material has a solid, earthy appearance and slightly abrasive feel.
Granite
Black Granite: Although we refer to this as a 'granite', it is actually a type of medium grained gabbro. Black in colour with gold flecks, it can be highly polished to a consistent colour and deep lustre, giving it a high resistance to scratching and staining. We also supply it in a honed finish that should be treated after installation to prevent accidental marking.
Slate
Black Italian Slate: This is a fine-grained metamorphic rock mined in Liguria, Northern Italy. Although extremely resilient to heat, water and chemically inert, it has a smooth honed surface that can be susceptible to scratching. Minor damage can be easily remedied with a fine wet and dry sand paper, and we suggest it is oiled after installation.
Cast Iron
All the cast iron products are delivered with a protective, oil-based coating on polished surfaces. This should be cleaned off after installation and it is recommended that a spray-type oil is applied to these areas on a regular basis to avoid surface rust forming. Under no circumstance should a water-based cleaner or polish be used to clean cast iron products. Polished surfaces will undergo thermal discolouration during normal use and this is to be expected. High temperature black paint is used inside the fire chamber and will burn off over a period of time. High temperature touch up paint is available from your retailer if required. Ash build up beneath the fire will cause the grate to burn out more quickly. The grate and back brick (if present), are consumable parts of your fire and will need replacing from time to time. Due to the nature of cast iron it is vital that all fireplaces undergo a period of 'burning-in'. This involves lighting small fires initially, gradually increasing in size with each subsequent firing.
Brushed Steel
These products are susceptible to rusting if they come into contact with moisture. This can be direct or carried in the atmosphere (such as a recently plastered room). They are supplied with a protective film that inhibits rust formation, however immediately after installation they should be wiped down with a lint free cloth and spray-type oil. We recommend this process is repeated on a regular basis. Should small areas of surface rust appear they can be removed using extra fine grade wire wool and WD40.