Easy Installation Checklist
Listed below is a checklist to help you prepare to install FireGlass in your fireplace. This will help you get organized so you can streamline your installation, making the job go quickly and avoiding extra trips to your hardware store, etc.
So - You definitely do NOT want to do the installation yourself? And we do not yet have an installer in your area? Not a problem. Simply download the fireplace or fire pit installation manual found Here. Then show it to your local Chimney Sweep Professional, General Contractor, Plumber or Handyman. If they have any questions at all, have them give us a call.
Step 1 - Materials to purchase from SoCalFirePits
- Gas Burner - Most likely, your current burner will not give you the spread of gas needed for a nice flame pattern. If you have a U-shaped burner in good condition, by all means use it. If not, you can purchase a gas burner Here. You should have around 2.5 to 5 inches of space between each end of your burner (left to right) and the inside walls of your fireplace. Please keep this in mind when picking out your burner.
- FireGlass - Once you know how many pounds of glass you need, Calculated Here, you can pick out and purchase your colors and sizes Here. We are often asked if topper glass needs to be purchased for an installation. Topper glass is used if you are trying to create a specific look or design. They are simply there to give you more flexibility and are not a required part of the installation.
Step 2 - Materials to purchase from your local hardware store
- Paint - It is likely that you will want to paint the inside of your fireplace with special heat resistant paint. Freshening the walls with paint will give your fireplace a dramatic face lift when converting it to burn FireGlass. Paint can be purchased at most hardware stores.
- Crushed Lava Rock - Crushed lava rock is very common and inexpensive. Most hardware stores carry it. Do note that you should seek out finely crushed lava rock (about the size of a pea). You may be able to find this at a nursery.
- Pipes or Fittings - If the gas line coming into your fireplace is not in the form of a 1/2 inch male pipe (within 1 to 3 inches off the fireplace floor) you may need to purchase elbows or nipples, etc. See the installation manual for clarification.
Step 3 - Tools and materials to have on hand
- Adjustable wrench, vice grip, pipe wrench, etc. - Having one or more of these basic tools can make connecting your new burner, and removing your old one, a breeze.
- Masking tape, large sheets of paper or cloth - A sheet is handy for cleaning out your old fireplace debris and carrying them out of the room. It is also handy to use as a drop cloth in front of your fireplace if you will be painting it. Masking tape and paper are good to have to mask around the fireplace opening should you want to paint.
- Particle mask - A particle mask is good to have if you need to clean out a dirty fireplace or if you plan to paint.
- Long lighter - A long lighter is useful to light the fire when your installation is complete.