All IGNIS® Ethanol Fireplace Inserts, whether manually or remotely-controlled, must be installed into a non-combustible surround. In addition to being installed into material that won't ignite, all published clearances (found on each product's page or within the user manual) must be adhered to.
Because there are many terms to describe materials used to build a fireplace surround, please let us explain:
- A Non-Combustible Material will not burn under real world conditions. This is the requirement for the safe installation of an IGNIS® Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert. Most of our clients use a concrete backer board, which is similar to dry wall, but made with an interior made from a concrete mix, making it non-combustible. This material may be found in big box home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowes. Popular brands include: DurRock®, HardeeBacker® and WonderBoard®.
- A Fire-Retardant Material, on the other hand, is made with a chemical to inhibit fire. However, once this chemical is overcome, it is useless and will burn. This is NOT an acceptable material for the surround of an ethanol fireplace.
Most of our clients build what is considered a "bump out". "Bump Outs" are and extension from the wall, as in the picture below:
This "Bump Out" was created by using metal (non-combustible) studs. Adhered to the studs is a concrete backer board. Affixed to the concrete backer board are ceramic tiles. The IGNIS® Intelligent Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert was then placed into the hearth's base. The dimensions of the cutout needed to nestle the burner into the fireplace are offered on the product's page on our website or in the Installation/User manual.