Where Alisa & Lysandra Found Their Fire

HETAS has issued updated information regarding the essential practices for fixing stone fire surrounds, following incidents where surrounds detached from walls, causing significant risk and serious injury. This information was first published in RGE's August 2018 issue. The updated guidance aims to prevent such occurrences by detailing appropriate mechanical fixing methods. The technical committee responsible for the BS 1251 standard, which governs open fire components, revised the 1987 version in 2015 to include new requirements for mechanical fixing. These revisions ensure that fireplace surrounds can adequately support the load of items placed on the mantle and remain securely attached to the wall, even if accidentally pulled. Understanding the type of fire surround is crucial for correct installation, including proper positioning, materials, and fixings. There are three primary types of surrounds: slabbed, cut stone, and boxed section. Slabbed surrounds are single-component structures, usually made from materials like marble, stone, or ceramic tiles on a heat-insulated cement backing. They must have a minimum total thickness of 48mm, with at least 30mm of cement mix for stone and marble, and 40mm for ceramic tile. Cut stone surrounds are multiple-component structures typically made of stone, featuring two vertical legs supporting a horizontal lintel and mantle. Boxed section surrounds are also multiple-component structures, crafted from natural stone or marble, with compartments and a split back panel to accommodate thermal expansion. All types of surrounds should be manufactured in accordance with BS 1251 to allow for appropriate mechanical fixing to the building's structure. If there is uncertainty about a surround's compliance, installers should contact the manufacturer for clarification or seek advice from specialist organizations like Hetas or the Stone Federation of Great Britain. Fixings must be secured directly to the brickwork of the building, necessitating the removal of any plasterboard or other finishing materials to ensure proper bonding. The 'dot dab' adhesive method is explicitly prohibited for affixing surrounds. For slabbed surrounds, manufacturers typically integrate appropriate clip or eyelet-type fixings directly into the product. These usually involve two mechanical fixings on each side of the surround and two more within 300mm of the top, which can be either fixed or swivel types depending on the construction. Cut stone surrounds require more complex, heat-proof bracket fixings appropriate for the backing wall's construction. These must be fixed directly to the chimney breast wall or to another stone structure that is itself mechanically fixed to the breast wall. Manufacturer instructions are essential for specific details on location, type, and bedding joints. Boxed section surrounds incorporate fixing wires on each side, similar to slabbed surrounds, with uppermost fixings within 300mm of the top. The shelf at the top has its own fixing points to secure it to the chimney breast wall, and manufacturer instructions should always be followed, especially considering the size and weight of the shelf overhang. Fixing brackets are generally supplied by the surround manufacturer and are typically made of heat-proof stainless or galvanized steel designed to be fixed into the surround. A critical step before installation is assessing the condition of the chimney breast wall to confirm it can support the surround's weight. Key points for installers include ensuring compliance with BS 1251, referencing manufacturer instructions for fixing types, locations, methodology, and jointing/sealing compounds, and assessing wall and hearth structures for weight capacity. Finally, upon completion, installers must assess and inform occupants of any potential risks, particularly when children or infirm individuals are present. Additional guidance is available from hetas.co.uk and hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/fireplace-surrounds.htm. Hetas, a not-for-profit organization, offers a Competent Person Scheme for installers, registration for retailers, technicians, and chimney sweeps, and approves appliances and fuels. Further detailed guidance is available for download. #FireSurrounds #HETASTechnicalGuidance #HomeSafety #InstallationStandards #BuildingRegulations #MechanicalFixings #BS1251Standard