Fireplace Installation and Repair Services
Companies & Individual Contractors in San Salvador

Fireplace Installation and Repair San Salvador / San Salvador / El Salvador

About Fireplace and Stove Installation in San Salvador

A fireplace or wood stove in a home can provide several benefits, ranging from aesthetics to functionality. For many households, a fireplace or stove can augment existing heating systems and help to reduce energy costs – to provide extra heat in the central area of a house where people spend most of their time, rather than heating the entire home to a higher level. For others, having a working fireplace or stove may be a hedge against power outages, spotty electricity in their area, or other problems. Still, others prefer a fireplace or wood stove purely for their aesthetic appeal and to add to the value of a house.

Whatever the rationale, fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation services are the experts at installing off-the-shelf fireplaces and stoves, as well as developing and installing custom fireplaces and stoves, for meeting consumer’s needs. Fireplaces and stoves encompass a variety of styles and fuel types and can be installed as part of the initial home construction, or as after-market additions or renovations.

In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of services offered by fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation service companies. We will dig a bit deeper into the details of fireplace and stove installation for new construction and existing construction, highlight the different fuel types available for fireplaces and stoves, and provide some guidelines for choosing the right fireplace and stove installer or fireplace and stove installation service company for meeting your needs.

It should be specified that the primary focus of this article is on indoor fireplaces and wood stoves, rather than the outdoor type, as outdoor fireplaces are much less involved regarding installation. However, the clear majority of fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation services can install either indoor or outdoor fireplaces or stoves, though some may specialize only in one or the other.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLERS AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLATION SERVICES – SERVICES OFFERED

Most reputable fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation services offer a wide variety of services related to the design and installation of fireplace and stove systems in the home, including, but not limited to:

Showroom of fireplaces and stoves, highlighting the different fuel types and styles of furnaces.
Fireplace design consultation services to find out what style fireplace customers desire, and what might best work with their current or future home construction. For existing homes, this may or may not include an in-home visit by a professional fireplace and stove installer or a representative from the fireplace and stove installation service company.
General construction and contracting services, coordinating with utilities or other contractors if necessary, to make the necessary installation plans. For existing buildings this can take the form of renovations, rerouting utility lines, etc. For new construction, this involved also coordinating with the builder’s team.
Installing the necessary flue ducts, ventilation pipes, such as chimneys, flue pipes, ventilation vents, etc.
An Installing of starters or other equipment (in the case of gas/electric fireplaces or stoves).
Testing of the system to ensure function and safety.

Exactly what services are offered and what steps might be involved in the fireplace and stove installation process varies by the type of installation job that the fireplace and stove installers or fireplace and stove installation services are tasked to undertake – specifically if they are installing a fireplace in new or existing construction.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLERS AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLATION SERVICES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

For new home construction, fireplace and stove installers or fireplace and stove installation services will often work directly with the home builder, to ensure that proper steps are taken during the fireplace(s) or stove(s) design and initial installation and construction phase to provide the best results. That can include modifying existing plans or blueprints to allow ventilation pipes, chimneys, etc., as well as providing any utilities that need to be connected to a fireplace or stove (a natural gas line, for example), which is part of the build plans.

Fireplace and stove installers or fireplace and stove installation service companies will later ensure the installation of the fireplace or stove elements themselves, install the associated hardware inside the home, as well as the flue ducts, ventilation, or other equipment. Fireplace and stove installers may or may not provide finishing services to the area around the fireplace(s) or stove(s), such as installing a mantle, decorative stone faces around the fireplace, or other similar things, which may fall on the responsibility of the builder.

Finally, fireplace and stove installers or fireplace and stove installation services will thoroughly test the completed fireplace(s) or stove(s) to make sure they are working as intended, cycle on and off, ventilate correctly, and are generally safe and functional, and will pass certification or inspection by relevant authorities such as a fire marshal.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLERS AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLATION SERVICES FOR EXISTING CONSTRUCTION

For existing home construction, the tasks of fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation services may be a bit more difficult. If the customer desires a traditional type of in-wall fireplace, it may be necessary to undertake significant renovation to the home, including the removal of a substantial portion of the existing wall. In all cases, some cutting, and removal of existing external wall or roof material will be required for ventilation, even in the case of a stand-alone wood stove or something small like that.

More substantial fireplace and stove installation jobs may require the addition of a chimney or other elements outside the home to allow for ventilation of the fireplace(s) or stove(s). Where a fuel like natural gas used, re-routing of existing service lines in the home, or the addition of new service lines may be needed, and fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation services will generally coordinate this with the customer and local utility as needed.

Following these tasks, the rest of the fireplace and stove installation proceeds like that of new construction, with various steps required to install the fireplace itself, supporting mechanisms, external ventilation, hardware such as doors or dormers, etc. Once again, fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation companies may or may not be in the business of building out internal fixtures, such as mantles or decorative faces for the fireplace, depending on their expertise and project scope. However, in all cases, they will thoroughly test the finished fireplace or stove to make sure everything is safe and working as it should, just as in new home construction.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLERS AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLATION SERVICES – CHOOSING FIREPLACES BY FUEL TYPE

There are many different types of fireplaces and stoves to choose from these days. In general, most fireplace and stove installers, fireplace and stove installation service companies, and specialty showroom companies categorize fireplaces and stoves according to their fuel source or type, rather than specifics of the materials that make up the fireplace or stove themselves. These fuel sources can include:

Wood (common for fireplaces and stoves),
Natural Gas (generally only for fireplaces),
Electricity (both functional and faux-fireplaces that are decorative rather than heat-generating),
Coal (common for stoves),
Biomass (common for furnaces, and some fireplaces).

In general, though, fireplaces all operate on similar principles – using a fuel source to create heat, with any waste products such as soot, smoke, and ash removed from the area via ventilation pipes, a chimney, or flue. Some newer types of free-standing stoves are claimed to be ventless, though quite frankly the jury is still out on how viable and safe these are over the long term, as any combustion still produces potentially harmful gases, and even all-electric systems benefit from the natural chimney/airflow effects of ventilation.

Regardless, quality fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation services can walk consumers through the process for each type of fuel source, fireplace, or stove, and provide expert guidance as to considerations, pros, and cons for each model.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLERS AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLATION SERVICES – CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPANY

For consumers looking to choose the right fireplace and stove installers or fireplace and stove installation services company for their fireplace or stove installation needs, the following criteria should be kept in mind:

Services Offered - Does the fireplace and stove installer or fireplace and stove installation services company do everything you want them to do and offer the services you expect for the kind of product you intend to buy (if not from them, from a third party)?
Reputation - How are the reviews of the company? Do you have any friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have used their fireplace and stove installation services?
Certifications - Does the fireplace and stove installation company have all the necessary certifications, licenses, and bonding with the local jurisdiction for fireplace and stove installation? Does the fireplace and stove installation company have professional certification or association?
Knowledge and Equipment - Do the experts at the fireplace and stove installation company seem like experts – that is, do they have the expertise to answer questions and provide advice? How many fireplace installations have they done? What equipment do they use and how skilled are they with it?
Professionalism and Warranties - Does the fireplace and stove installation company return phone calls, book appointments, and answer questions on time and with a positive attitude? Does the fireplace installation company offer guarantees or warranties on fireplace and stove installation work?
Time and Cost - What are the projected timeline and associated costs for the fireplace or stove installation? How does this stack up against competitors or other quotes?

SUMMARY OF FIREPLACE AND STOVE INSTALLATION

In summary, fireplace and stove installers and fireplace, stove installation service pros are the best experts when it comes to buying a stove or fireplace for your home, and getting that fireplace or stove installed. Whether they are dealing with new construction or existing home construction, these skilled craftsmen can install a fireplace or stove with relative ease and provide consumers with the peace of mind that it is safe and can be operated by the consumer for many years to come. No matter what fuel type consumers choose, fireplace and stove installers and fireplace and stove installation services are specialized in making homeowner’s experience with fireplaces and stoves be nothing short of exceptional.

Stove & Fireplace Repair

Fireplaces and free-standing stoves can be a great addition to any home, adding both figurative and literal warmth, comfort, aesthetics, resale value, and more. However, like all fixtures in a house, they can develop problems over time, and will occasionally need repairs and maintenance to continue functioning correctly. The companies that focus on the repairs and maintenance of these fixtures are known as fireplace and stove repair services and fireplace and stove maintenance services. The expertise of fireplace and stove repair services or fireplace and stove maintenance services will vary from company to company, as some may be better suited to specific fuel type fireplaces, only focus on fireplaces or stoves, etc. In general, most will handle the most common types of fireplaces and stoves, especially if they also sell them.

In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between the fireplace and stove repair services, fireplace and stove maintenance services, and more specialized companies within that subset. We’ll cover some of the basic physical and age-related damage cases that can occur to fireplaces and stoves, and talk about both professional and consumer-based routine maintenance tasks that can help to maximize the life and usefulness of fireplace and stove investments in the home.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE REPAIR SERVICES AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE MAINTENANCE SERVICES – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the differences between the companies we are discussing here. Fireplace and stove repair services generally focus on the repair of fireplaces and stoves, addressing specific issues, replacing or rebuilding damaged parts, etc. They may or may not be in the maintenance business (though many are and perform both tasks). Fireplace and stove maintenance services typically are focused on maintenance tasks and would not be the ideal company to call for specific non-functioning situations or physical damage to fireplaces or stoves.

Most companies, in fact, fulfill both roles and may bill themselves as fireplace and stove repair and maintenance services or something similar. Fireplace and stove repair and maintenance services are ideal solutions for consumers when available, as they can handle the repair and maintenance tasks, often in a single visit. Fireplace and stove repair and maintenance service companies differentiated from companies that are specialized in only a subset of maintenance tasks, such as chimney sweeps or chimney cleaning services. These are valuable services as well, but not generally suited to performing fireplace or stove maintenance and repairs.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE REPAIR SERVICES AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE MAINTENANCE SERVICES – FIREPLACE AND STOVE DAMAGE

Fireplaces and free-standing stoves can be damaged in many ways, both through accidents/poor use, lack of maintenance, usual wear-and-tear, material defects, and more. Some causes are common to both fixtures, and some are more likely to be present, or exclusively are present, in one or the other. Below, we’ve tried to provide a general overview of the types of fireplace and stove damage that is most often seen and treated by fireplace and stove repair services and prevented by proper employment of fireplace and stove maintenance services.

Thermal stress from use/wear and tear, as well as material defects, can result in cracks, fractures, shifting, or other structural compromises to the fireplace or stove. It can allow hot gases, smoke, soot, ash, embers, etc. to escape from the fixture and present safety and functional hazard.
Physical impacts to the fireplace or stove can cause various forms of damage, most often caused by things like trees falling against a chimney or side of the house, though earthquakes, storm damage, and natural home settling can occasionally be the cause as well. Physical shoving or moving of the stove, without disassembly of attached pipes, can sometimes cause warping or shifting or other damage.
Like many devices, lack of use can also have a negative impact on the function of fireplaces and stoves. Intermittent or irregular use over an extended period can result in sticky valves or corroded pipes, switches, and other elements of the system that prevent it from working properly.
Fireplace and stove repair services are often called upon to repair or replace damaged parts, especially in the more modern fireplace and stove systems. These can include electronic igniters/starters, switches, valves, gas line controls, and other similar systems.
Fireplace and stove maintenance services report a large percentage of customers developing problems with their fireplace or stoves based on lack of cleaning. It is especially important for wood or coal-burning fixtures, over time, the soot and ash can build up in the ventilation pipes or chimney, and cause blockages, which are very dangerous – it can prevent waste gases from escaping and pour them right back into the home. Even at low levels, this can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, among other problems.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE REPAIR SERVICES AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE MAINTENANCE SERVICES – VENTILATION REPAIRS

The ventilation, flue system(s) associated with a fireplace or stove is critical to the function of the fixture. If these become damaged, blocked, bent, or otherwise compromised, consumers should not use their fireplace or stove until ventilation repairs have been undertaken. Fireplace and stove maintenance services and fireplace and stove repair services both report that one of the most common types of ventilation repairs is not so much a repair as an evacuation – that is, external ventilation elements may become blocked due to the actions of animals, including birds, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, rats, and others. For intermittent users of fireplaces, with no apparent risk to animals, they may choose to make nests or otherwise attempt to live in some of the external parts of the ventilation system. Even if they don’t take up residence, their activities may cause blockages or otherwise compromise the ability of the system to work correctly.

In addition to animal action, fireplace and stove maintenance services report that over time, the thermal cycling of external ventilation systems (especially in the case of gas or electric fireplaces) can result in some warping of external vents, which may require repair or replacement, to ensure proper ventilation of combustion gases and excess heat is still possible.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE REPAIR SERVICES AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE MAINTENANCE SERVICES – OTHER REPAIRS

Other, more minor repairs that are often undertaken by fireplace and stove repair services include replacing damaged, useless, or outdated hardware, such as the control knobs, dormers, fireplace doors, artificial logs (for gas fireplaces), or other elements of the fireplace or stove. Hinged stove doors are a common point of failure – though in many cases consumers can replace these themselves. Cosmetic damage to elements like a mantle or beautiful stone face of the fireplace is often outside the scope of most fireplace and stove repair services. In general, if it has to do with the fireplace or stove itself, it should be taken care of by a fireplace and stove repair service, but if it’s more cosmetic, or external to the mechanisms of the fireplace or stove and its ventilation system, it’s likely fixable through a general contractor or other specialized company.

FIREPLACE AND STOVE REPAIR SERVICES AND FIREPLACE AND STOVE MAINTENANCE SERVICES – MAINTENANCE

Proper maintenance of fireplaces and stoves is essential to ensuring that you get the most out of your investment and that operation is safe and effective. Fireplace and stove maintenance services typically offer maintenance packages to do a complete system inspection, cleaning, etc. on an annual basis, or every two years, or something similar. It typically includes testing all the parts of the system for function, pressure (in the case of gas), igniters/sparklers, shutoff switches, ventilation, any fans or other elements of the system, and possibly cleaning ventilation and fireplace/stove innards in some cases as well. If chimney, flue, fireplace, stove, and all related ventilation element cleaning is not a service that the fireplace and stove maintenance service offers, consumers are advised to hire a professional chimney sweep or other cleaning services.

SUMMARY OF FIREPLACE REPAIR

In general, fireplaces and stoves can be a great addition to a home, both aesthetically and functionally. Like anything else, maintenance can keep them working as they should, and prolong their functional life. Fireplace and stove maintenance services are well-versed in the maintenance needs of all types of fireplaces and stoves and can ensure that work is done affordably and expertly. If something does go wrong, fireplace and stove repair services can help to identify the problem, initiate repairs or replacement of parts, and perform other remediation as necessary. Fireplace, stove repair, and maintenance companies, coupled with third-party services like chimney sweeps or chimney/flue cleaning service, will allow your fireplace or stove to function as intended for many decades.