FAQsFAQs
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1: What is GFRG? 2: Is advanced preparation required of the floor to support the fireplace surround? 3: What kinds of skills are required to install the fireplace surround? 4: Do you have a checklist of things that should be considered before purchasing and installing a fireplace surround? 5: What is done to fill the opening around the fireplace insert and the fireplace surround? 6: Is the GFRG fireplace surround safe so close to the fire? 7: I have seen many pre-cast stone and cut stone fireplace surrounds with unsightly cracks; is this also a common problem with GFRG fireplace surrounds? 8: Can the fireplace surround be repaired if it becomes damaged? 9: When should the decorative finish process start and how difficult is the finish process? 10: If I change my interior d?cor can the fireplace surround finish also be changed? 11: What is Stone Mountain Castings? |
| 1: What is GFRG?
(Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum) is a lightweight noncombustible material, which is very strong and is used in interior applications. GRFG is a mixture of finely graded aggregate, and high strength gypsum cement that is laminated to layers of long strand continuous glass fiber mats. The result is a product that is very similar to limestone. The casting capabilities of GFRG allow for intricate designs at a fraction of the cost of cut limestone. GFRG weighs several hundred pounds less than solid stone products thereby reducing shipping costs and simplifying installation. Additionally, the glass fibers when laminated with our high strength gypsum cement adds tensile, yield, and flexural strengths which substantially reduce crack propagation that is common in solid stone products. The result is a product that is not only functional but also beautiful. GFRG is cast in a natural off-white color, which needs to be sealed with a clear sealer or finished in a wide variety of finished, etc. paint, faux paint, staining, or gold leafing. Back to top |
| 2: Is advanced preparation required of the floor to support the fireplace surround?
The fireplace surrounds are cast using GFRG, which is significantly lighter in weight when compared to cut stone or pre-cast stone. The majority of existing floor structures can support our heaviest model without the need of additional support or modifications to the floor. Back to top |
| 3: What kinds of skills are required to install the fireplace surround?
Our fireplace surrounds do not require the use of masonry materials or tradesman with masonry skills. A skilled finish carpenter can easily install this product. Back to top |
| 4: Do you have a checklist of things that should be considered before purchasing and installing a fireplace surround?
�1. Balance the fireplace surround size with the room size and the style of the surround with the d?cor theme. ate� Back to top |
| 5: What is done to fill the opening around the fireplace insert and the fireplace surround?
Typically a decorative stone or marble tile is scribed and cut to fit the in-fill opening. Back to top |
| 6: Is the GFRG fireplace surround safe so close to the fire?
GFRG is a noncombustible material. It can be placed adjacent to the glass of the fire box insert; of course the vents would need to be clear to allow the warm air to flow into the room. Back to top |
| 7: I have seen many pre-cast stone and cut stone fireplace surrounds with unsightly cracks; is this also a common problem with GFRG fireplace surrounds?
Our uniquely blended high-strength gypsum cement dramatically reduces these unsightly cracks and in most cases they are non-existent. Back to top |
| 8: Can the fireplace surround be repaired if it becomes damaged?
Our uniquely blended GFRG is very durable, however in the event an edge is chipped it can be easily repaired without significant disruption to the rest of the room. A small can of high-strength gypsum dry mix is shipped with the fireplace surround to make repairs. Back to top |
| 9: When should the decorative finish process start and how difficult is the finish process?
The finish process should not start until the finish carpentry and other painting is complete. The fireplace surround should primed with a good quality latex primer and then it can be painted with a solid color or faux painted to match the d?cor scheme desired. Back to top |
| 10: If I change my interior d?cor can the fireplace surround finish also be changed?
Yes. Unlike cut stone or pre-cast stone GFRG can be re-decorated without affecting its texture. Back to top |
| 11: What is Stone Mountain Castings?
This is one of the best website whcih shows the stone models and can be viewed from anywhere and any time. Back to top |
