There is so much to enjoy with a fireplace or wood-burning stove. One of the questions Caledon Fireplace, a leading fireplace store in Caledon, Ontario, is most often asked is, “Can I install a fireplace, gas insert or stove myself?”
The answer to this question comes down in part to the type and size of the fireplace (or stove) that you hope to install. Capable do-it-yourself types with the right expertise can undertake fireplace installations, but the work takes proper preparation with respect to the materials being used. This is important for the safety of your home and its occupants. If not handled properly, attempting an installation can pose dangers to your health and safety. Overall, most home improvement contractors would likely agree: installing a fireplace is not an easy task and is best left to a qualified professional.
Newly installed fireplaces and wood-burning stoves must meet building installation codes for your district, so this should be your starting point. Learn about the installation requirements for your municipality or region. This also means following the manufacturer’s specifications.
In most cases, permits will be required for woodstoves and chimneys, fireplace inserts and chimney liners, and pre-manufactured (gas) fireplaces and chimneys. Part of what you may need to provide when applying for the permit is a floor plan that shows the placement of the fireplace or stove in relation to walls, doors, windows and other combustible items.
The actual details of how to proceed with the installation will depend on the specifics of the fireplace or wood-burning stove and the construction of your home as it applies to venting and other regulatory and safety requirements of the unit.
So, yes, you can install your dream fireplace or wood-burning stove yourself, provided you have the expertise. However, it’s highly recommended that you hire a contractor with experience specific to fireplace installations. Such a professional will also likely take care of all the building code applications to ensure standards have been met.
An excellent booklet titled Code of Practice for Residential Wood Burning Appliances has been published by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). Although the publication does not provide information concerning installations and permits, it’s worth reviewing because it offers the reader an overview of regulatory fundamentals for gas and traditional fireplaces, stoves and gas fireplace inserts.
If you live anywhere in Peel Region, or elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area, pay a visit to Caledon Fireplace to learn more about the many options available to you for a sensational fireplace. Caledon Fireplace has been providing customers with fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts and wood-burning stoves since 1989! They carry all major brands.
