A generous, upright fire view can give a room the familiar presence of a hearth without the daily work of a wood fire. Ortal Traditional built-in gas fireplaces offer that proportion with modern controls and a sealed direct-vent firebox. They are complete fireplaces for a planned enclosure, not inserts that must go inside an existing wood-burning fireplace.

Serving the Triangle and surrounding Central North Carolina communities.

Chimneys Plus can help you compare the Traditional 90 and 110 Signature-burner models with the Wilderness Traditional 36 and 42. Signature models offer a choice of approved decorative interiors and media. Wilderness models use specially engineered gas-fed logs so flames emerge through the logs themselves. That is a different burner system, not simply a log upgrade to any Ortal fireplace.

Choosing the right Traditional fireplace

Start with the balance of flame, wall space and everyday warmth. A taller opening suits many mantel-centered rooms; the burner’s low setting matters just as much as maximum input when the fireplace will be used on mild evenings. The Signature and Wilderness ranges have different firing rates, so we compare the actual model and fuel rather than assuming that the larger-looking fireplace produces more usable heat.

Ortal’s enclosure design includes a heat-release path above the fireplace. Properly planned, it can support a clean finished wall and compatible mantel or television arrangement. Clearances, ventilation openings and the television manufacturer’s temperature limits still govern the design. Glass and surrounding surfaces must be treated as hot even when a heat barrier is fitted.

Installation and specifications

The sealed direct-vent system takes combustion air from outdoors and vents combustion exhaust outdoors instead of using already-conditioned room air for combustion. We plan the enclosure, vent route, gas capacity, service access and electrical supply together. Existing gas piping does not automatically mean it is correctly sized for a replacement fireplace.

• Models: Traditional 90 and 110; Wilderness Traditional 36 and 42.
• Fuels: natural gas or propane, with the correct factory configuration or approved conversion.
• Signature Traditional 90/110 input: 9,000–55,000 BTU/hour on natural gas; 16,742–34,459 BTU/hour on propane.
• Wilderness Traditional 36/42 input: 15,696–32,163 BTU/hour on natural gas; 21,400–31,400 BTU/hour on propane.
• Standard venting: 5-by-8-inch coaxial direct vent; approved power-vent configurations are a separate design choice.
• Electrical: the current Traditional and Wilderness Traditional manuals require 120-volt, 15-amp, 60-Hz supply and an AC adapter for operation.
• Heat barrier: current Signature Traditional specifications list a micro-mesh screen; Wilderness Traditional offers model-specific screen or double-glass configurations.

Input is fuel consumed, not delivered heat or a square-foot heating promise. Framing dimensions and clearances must be taken from the exact model’s current drawings.

Manufacturer product information: Ortal Traditional 110 and Wilderness Traditional 36.

Plan your fireplace with Chimneys Plus

Chimneys Plus is an authorized Ortal dealer. We handle or coordinate the gas piping, required electrical work and permitting as part of your installation. The Chimneys Plus team includes CSIA- and NFI-certified professionals. Together with our North Carolina general contractor and fuel-piping licenses, these qualifications reflect our commitment to knowledgeable fireplace installation and service.

Contact Chimneys Plus to compare Traditional and Wilderness Traditional designs and plan a fireplace that suits your room.

Current specifications

• Traditional 110 viewing area: 42 11/16 in x 34 1/8 in
• Wilderness Traditional 36 viewing area: 35 7/16 in x 31 5/8 in
• Traditional 110 efficiency (AFUE): 77.8% natural gas, 81.4% propane
• Wilderness Traditional 36 efficiency (AFUE): 79.7% natural gas, 79.8% propane
• Fuel: natural gas or propane
• Traditional 110 heat barrier: micro mesh screen; interiors Black Reflective Glass, Blackridge, Bricks
• Wilderness Traditional: double glass or micro mesh screen; interiors Black Reflective Glass, Blackridge, Red or Tan Brick Panels; log sets Short Driftwood, Valley Oak, Birch
• Controls: remote and wall switch (Traditional); remote, WiFi and wall switch (Wilderness Traditional)

Source: manufacturer product page. Specifications can change with new model years, so we confirm them against the current documents before you buy.

Related products and services

• Valor LX2 Gas Fireplace
• Valor LX1 Pier Gas Fireplace
• Valor L1 See-Thru Gas Fireplace
• All fireplaces
• Custom fireplace design and installation
• Gas line installation
• GasCheck annual gas fireplace service
• Financing options

Frequently asked questions

Does an Ortal Traditional fireplace need an existing fireplace?

No. This is a built-in fireplace with its own firebox, installed in a properly designed enclosure. Ortal’s insert products serve a different purpose and have separate installation requirements.

What is different about an Ortal Wilderness Traditional fireplace?

Its flame-through-log burner produces fire through specially designed ceramic logs. Signature Traditional models use a different burner and approved decorative-media arrangement. We help you compare the flame appearance as well as fuel input and finishing choices.

Can an Ortal Traditional fireplace provide heat during a power outage?

The current Traditional and Wilderness Traditional installation manuals require AC power for operation. Do not select these current configurations as battery-only backup heat. If outage heating is a priority, Chimneys Plus can help you compare a fireplace whose exact configuration is approved to operate without household power.

Can a television go above an Ortal Traditional fireplace?

It may be possible with the required enclosure heat release, clearances and a compatible television installation. We plan the entire wall assembly, including the Cool Wall ventilation and a mounting position that meets both the fireplace and television requirements.

Does an Ortal Traditional fireplace need a new gas line or electrical work?

It needs an adequately sized gas supply and the required electrical connection. Existing connections may be reusable after verification, but adjustments are sometimes necessary. Chimneys Plus handles or coordinates both parts of the project.

Will Chimneys Plus handle permits for an Ortal Traditional fireplace?

Yes. We confirm applicable requirements and handle the permits for the installation, including a fireplace replacement where gas piping already exists.

What maintenance does an Ortal Traditional fireplace need?

Arrange professional inspection and service at least annually. This includes the burner, pilot, glass, seals, venting and air passages as applicable. Use only the approved media in its prescribed arrangement; do not add real wood or rearrange gas-fed Wilderness logs yourself.