Got a question?

Where can I view/purchase a Penman appliance?

The Penman Collection is available from experience, independent retailers. These retailers will be able to show you a selection of the models available locally in their showrooms. The retails will be able to advise you on the most appropriate appliance for your home and will be able to assist with the installation process and aftercare support and servicing.
Click here to find your nearest stockist.

How Do I Clean The Stove?

The stove is finished with a heat resistant paint and this can be cleaned with a soft brush. Do not clean whilst the stove is hot; wait until it has cooled down. The finish can be renewed with proprietary stove paint. As the stoves are made of cast iron, please do not clean with a wet cloth.

What is a cast iron insert?

A cast iron insert is a decorative plate that incorporates a fire, and comes in the form of an arched insert or tiled insert.

What fuel can I burn?

Many of our inserts have the opportunity to burn several types of fuel such as wood, coal, gas or electric. With the exception of the efficiency plus range and any chrome finishes, all our inserts featured are suitable for burning multi fuel; however polished and highlighted products will tarnish.

I would like to burn solid fuel which cast insert is best?

When burning solid fuel it is recommended that you choose a black finish, preferably with a refectory brick back.

Can I have any combination of insert, surround and hearth?

There are endless permutations of inserts, surrounds and hearths. Most inserts will fit our surrounds, please check the dimension chart to ensure that there is sufficient width to accommodate your chosen insert without impinging upon the leg of the surround. Please ensure that your chosen hearth will accommodate your surround, the mantle is designed to fit on top of the hearth rather than between the legs of the surround, please see our dimension chart to ensure the outer width of the leg will fit on top of your hearth.

What types of hearths are available?

Hearths are made of non-combustible material and sit beneath and around your appliance. They are designed to protect the immediate area surrounding an appliance; the hearth must be a sufficient size in order that any burning fuel or hot embers do not fall on any combustible materials such as floorboards, carpets or rugs etc. There are many factors to consider on the type of hearth that you need for your home. Please speak to your approved retailer for exact requirements before you make your final decision. To see the mantels available please visit http://penmancollection.com/chamber-hearth-beam/

Can I buy tiles separately?

Yes! We have a wide selection of fireplace tiles available, please speak to your approved retailer for details.

How do I clean my cast iron fireplace?

Keep the fireplace oiled using a thin coat of a light oil, such as 3 in 1 or WD40. This treatment should be carried out at least twice a year or as required. Any surface rust should be removed using a fine grade wire wool with oil. This will not scratch the cast iron, the more you rub, the more of a mirror finish will be achieved. Avoid exposing the cast iron surface to moisture.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

  • Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
  • They need to be put in a central location in the house and can be fixed to the wall or can be placed on a table, bookshelf or shelf.
  • Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by an appropriately qualified and registered engineer.
  • Don’t block ventilation and have chimneys swept at least once a year.

Where to place your alarm:

Garage, Bedroom, Kitchen, Living Room

 

Six main symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • Headaches
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • breathlessness
  • collapse
  • loss of consciousness

Being aware of the symptoms could save your life.

Carbon monoxide symptoms are similar to flu, food poisoning, viral infections and simply tiredness. That’s why it’s quite common for people to mistake this very dangerous poisoning for something else.

 

Other signs that could point to carbon monoxide poisoning

  • Your symptoms only occur when you are at home
  • Your symptoms disappear or get better when you leave home and come back when you return
  • Others in your household are experiencing symptoms (including your pets) and they appear at a similar time

What should I do if I experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

  • Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and leave the house
  • See your doctor immediately or go to hospital – let them know that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. They can do a blood or breath test to check
  • If you think there is immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999

Get a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your gas appliances and flues to see if there is a dangerous problem

What can cause hearths to crack?

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate. Granite is an igneous rock, much more hard, sturdy and durable, whereas limestone is a metamorphic rock which is not as durable as granite but never the less very robust.

Essentially a hearth can crack if it is incorrectly fitted. When installing any hearth it would need to have an adequate bed of sand and cement or suitably similar materials. The application of which will ensure that the hearth can adequately bear the weight of the appliance and associated chimney which is not independently supported. When the hearth is in situ it can and will be subjected to high temperatures and therefore design considerations should always be taken into account when leaving sufficient room for expansion.

Also when installing the hearth care and attention to staining must be a consideration. Adequate bonding provisions and suitable mixtures are all key factors to ensure that the staining does not appear. However it is inevitable that some staining may occur but perseverance for staining is the key and in the fullness of time and with constant use the staining should disappear. Preventative methods vary from engineer to engineer therefore it is important to ask the question to avoid disappointment or concerns at a later date.

The hearth material durability and robustness make for an ideal product when constructing or designing a fireplace, but under some circumstances it can become damaged and cracks can develop. However if installed properly there should be no cracking unless the subsurface underneath has been incorrectly prepared, or unsuitable for the installation in general, therefore bedding down correctly is essential. Other factors include standing on points where areas are unsupported or inadequately filled with the bedding mixture, the weight of an appliance or other ornamental items which have been underestimated or incorrectly installed. Again if properly installed and designed correctly even this activity should not be a major problem. Heavy objects that are dropped including the appliance itself (average 95kg) when manoeuvring into position, an unsupported flue due to the sheer weight (on average 100kg), ash pan covers, pokers, the loading of fuel during burn cycles or even heavy ash pans loaded with redundant fuel waste but not limited to may all cause hair line cracks, and these can sometimes manifest during the operation of the appliance. They can also manifest during periods of cold weather or absences of appliance burn cycles. Other variables would include damage caused in transit or handling badly when manoeuvring to site.

It is essential that all due care an attention should be taken when installing, and all products should be installed by a competent person in accordance with the current building regulations. This will avoid disappointment at a later date after it has been installed.

Still need help?

Do you still have a question about our products or service? Get in touch and speak to one of our experienced, friendly team via email, phone or by completing our online form.