| What is the lead time for my fireplace mantel? LAPM maintains an inventory of each surround in each color. Based on ordering, if your mantel and color are available, we will ship next business day after payment. If your mantel is not in stock, typical lead times range between two and four weeks. Call us to check our inventory today. |
| What type of fireboxes can LAPM-surrounds be used with? Our cast stone surrounds can be used with most fireboxes, including masonry, metal, gas, wood burning, and electric. |
| How do I know if this will fit my existing firebox? Our mantels are designed to fit most standard fireboxes. The inner firebox should fit the opening of the surround. Please, look at the Product specifications and check the opening dimensions. |
| How do I measure my firebox? If your firebox is masonry or a metal wood burning box, then you will need to measure the height and width of the interior opening. If your firebox has operable glass doors, vents, louvers, and/or removable decorative fronts/screens, then you will need to measure the outside of the doors or screens, thus allowing accessibility for maintenance and use of the doors and vents. Please be aware of the distance from the floor to the bottom of your screen/door or firebox opening. |
| Why do I need filler panels? Filler panels are used to bridge the gap between the firebox opening and the inner portion of the surround itself when the surround is larger than the firebox. Supplementary materials, provided by others, can also be used, such as marble, granite, or tile. We can manufacture custome size filler panels, according your firebox dimensions if needed. Just give us a call or send an email. |
| What is the best location for my gas valve? The gas valve needs to be located outside the cast stone surround. We recommend placing the gas valve on a wall adjacent to the surround if possible. If your gas valve has already been installed, and will be in the way of the surround, we recommend contacting a plumber to relocate your gas valve to a more optimal place. |
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Who installs the fireplace mantel? Our fireplace surrounds have been designed with ease of installation in mind. From contractors to experienced weekend warriors, installation should be a breeze with our detailed instruction manual. Our staff is always available, during business hours, to offer technical support during the installation of your product. Local building codes should always be consulted before beginning any construction project. |
| What is the fireplace mantel made of, and is it durable? Using Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) along with special aggregate and techniques, we have created a fire resistant, and extremely durable surround. A mantel constructed of GFRC can withstand the heat of a very large fire and is also suitable for outdoor use. Your mantelpiece will not deteriorate or wear away when exposed to moisture, and the unique properties of this material also allows our mantels to resist cracking. |
| Can your cast stone fireplace surrounds be left outside? Our cast stone mantels are perfect for indoor and outdoor living spaces. You may elect to use a sealer such as Prosoco Sure Klean Weather Seal Natural Stone Treatment. |
| Is a sealant recommended? It is not required; however, we do recommend a matte finish sealer made especially for porous surfaces, espessialy, water-based solution developed to provide long lasting penetrating protection without altering the material’s natural appearance. Please wait approximately thirty (30) days after installation, to allow mortar to cure, before sealing your mantel. We also recommended cleaning before applying sealer. It is also recommended that the sealer be tested in a small, out of the way, area before applying to the entire mantel. If you have received a sample box, testing of the sealer is recommended on a sample that has been provided. If you have mortar residue on the face of the cast stone, it should be cleaned and allowed to dry before the sealing process is started. |
| How do we clean after sealing? After the sealing process is completed, you can then clean with mild soap and water, or most household cleaners. Always test any cleaners in a small area before using on your entire surround. |
| Can cast stone be painted? Cast stone can be antiqued, faux finished, or distressed to give it the patina of age. We do not paint at the factory. Sealing is highly recommended since all cast stone is porous and subject to staining. Any high quality, clear, matte finish stone sealer may be used. |
| What if my cast stone surround arrives damaged? While it is rare, if your surround arrives with apparent damage to the exterior or the crate, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN AND ACCEPT DELIVERY. Immediately contact a sales representative and we will walk you through the steps of reconciliation. All claims on shipping damage to the cast stone fireplace mantel must be reported in writing to LAPRECAST MANTELS within 24 hours of delivery. Please save all broken or damaged stone and all packaging material so we can make a claim with the freight company. |
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Is there a warranty? Yes, our cast stone mantels are warranted to be free of any major design flaws and material defects for a period of one year from the date of delivery. Please note that the material defects exclude natural stone variation, typically inherent in the production of cast stone. For your convenience we have also included detailed warranty information on the website. Simply click on the icon and you will be directed to a page that provides warranty information. |