![]() ![]() For example, for soft limestones the best aggregate is stone dust produced from the same type of stone as that being fitted and, preferably, with the addition of lime to the mix. The choice of aggregate will depend on the type, colour and texture of the stone and may include sand or stone dust. The objective is to produce a mortar of the same hardness as the stone. For fireplace surrounds formed of solid stonework, where a good mortar bed is particularly important, mortars should consist of an aggregate and cement. Ideally the pointing should match the colour of the stone. These should be chosen to suit the type and colour of the stone, and the size and weight of the individual units. ![]() An assessment should also be made of the manual handling required to manoeuvre the stonework into the property and install it in a safe manner. Prior to installation a site survey should be carried out to determine the structure of the floor and wall where the surround is to be fitted so that the fitter can be properly prepared and equipped with the correct tools, mechanical fixings and materials. It is essential that fireplace surrounds are designed to be installed and secured to withstand foreseeable abuse such as a child pulling down on a cantilevered mantel shelf. Deaths and serious injuries have occurred as a result of stones falling from fireplace surrounds that were not securely fixed. The consequences of failure of a stone fireplace surround incorrectly installed and secured are extremely serious. Stone fireplace surround installation must only be carried out by a properly trained and experienced fitter. Artificial stone fireplace surrounds of one piece construction are not included as the fixing ties required to secure them to the wall are normally cast into the surround.Īll types of natural and artificial stones including limestone, sandstone, marble, granite and slate. In this revision the scope has been extended to include fireplace surrounds formed from thin slabs where the construction is typically of a box type. The first edition of this guide covered only solid stone fireplace surrounds where individual stone units are at least 50mm thick and typically 100-150mm thick. A variety of products are currently being used to bed, secure and point fireplace surrounds, many of which are either not suitable or are being used incorrectly. Where instructions and guidance are given by manufacturers, it is frequently inadequate or incorrect. Many fireplace surrounds are installed by fitters with little or no formal or appropriate training. There have been a number of incidents where stone fireplace surrounds have partially collapsed, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. While these may provide some useful guidance they are not specific to the installation of stone fireplace surrounds. The fixing of stonework is covered by BS 8298 “Code of Practice for Design and Installation of Natural Stone Cladding and Lining”, and BS 5628 “Code of Practice for use of Masonry – Part 3: Materials and Components, Design and Workmanship”. There is currently no British Standard for the fixing of stone fireplace surrounds. Mortars, pointing mixes, adhesives and groutsīackground: The objective of this Best Practice Guide is to ensure that stone fireplace surrounds are properly installed and secured in a manner which is both safe for the installer and the homeowner. This article will cover the following points: If you are looking for more guides to installation of fireplaces click here. ![]()
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