Need some help on gas fires

The_Abyss · 7 Oct 2015 at 22:46

We're about to redecorate our lounge and as part of that want to change our old horrible electric fire to a built-in gas one, similar to these http://www.stovax.com/stove-fire/eclipse-100-gas-fires/eclipse-100-icon-xs/

The wall is external and suitable for a balanced flue. But I've spoken to two fitters and both recommend that we tile the wall around and above the fire, due to the heat it will produce. That will apparently end up drying the plaster and cracking it as well as convecting enough dust over time to show on the wall.

Is this correct? I'd rather not tile a section of the wall if I can avoid it, as I prefer the cleaner minimalist look and I'm worried that the style of tile may not stand the test of time very well.

Also, any recommendations on fires? Room is 16' by 10' and also has a radiator in it, albeit it pretty small one.

Hedge · 7 Oct 2015 at 23:20

My dad has a smeg wall mounted fire like that. His is bare plaster and although it's only been on about 3 months it hasn't damaged plaster.

I'd basically just do without tiles, if it cracks then tile it. If not.. No harm done!

touch · 8 Oct 2015 at 01:27

We have a Stovax Linea wall-mounted fire with no tiles around it.
There is a small crack started appearing recently but the fire has been up for around 5 years.
No problems with dust even though it's on a light yellow coloured wall. Laminate floors under it, so maybe that helps?

The_Abyss · 9 Oct 2015 at 13:20

Thanks chaps - appreciated. I'll try another place this weekend and see what they say.