Fireplace Fitter Andover Hampshire (SP10): The installation of a new fireplace, or the renovation of a pre-existing one is a good way to add a touch of charm and character to any Andover home. The addition of an open fire or wood burning stove for those cold winter evenings can even be cheaper than a conventional central heating system, providing that you have a regular source of timber or fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can provide you with a plentiful supply of steaming hot water at the same time.
Before you start prising away at a bricked-up chimney there are some things you'll need to do to ensure you can safely install and use your new fireplace. Any heating appliance installed within the home must follow Part J of the building regs, and this applies to fireplaces, chimney breasts, flue linings and hearths. If you are living in a building that is listed, or a dwelling that lies in a designated conservation, you'll have to find out from the council if you need to get planning permission for the installation of a fireplace.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
You may be able to do some of the work in remodeling a pre-existing fireplace if you have the ability to do so, however there is always a problem in finding safety and structural problems that need to be resolved by a professional tradesman. It may be your good fortune when you pull back the boarding surrounding a disused fireplace to find a hidden gem that needs nothing more than a quick clean and a check from a chimney sweep to get a roaring fire going. Much more likely you'll discover crumbling brickwork that needs structural modifications and a blocked flue.
Employing a specialist fireplace fitter in Andover is widely recommended, because an incorrectly installed fireplace can cause severe fire risk and respiratory health problems. As mentioned in the Building Regulations (Part J) for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where a fireplace is installed, because in order to burn satisfactorily, the right amount of oxygen is necessary. Lethal carbon monoxide fumes can soon build up from a fire burning inefficiently in an inadequately ventilated room.
It could be necessary to install airflow vents in walls and floors to allow the fire to get ample oxygen to burn safely and properly at all times. To enhance the circulation of air inside blocked chimney flues, the fireplace installation company may have to install vents to prevent condensed air being trapped and producing damp spots and staining.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Old chimneys are renowned for the huge quantity of grime and soot that can accumulate within them, consequently when you set out to open up a disused fireplace you should expect it to be a pretty messy affair. It is good practice to remove any carpets, furniture and rugs from an area where you are planning to expose an old fireplace, to avoid them from being damaged by dust, grime and soot that may be stirred up during the fireplace installation works. Due to the mess that is involved, if the fireplace installation is only part of a bigger restoration project, it should be one of the initial things that you tackle. By opening a fireplace first you will stop any chimney soot causing damage to other phases of your project, such as wallpapered walls or fresh plasterwork.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You will be able to clean and sweep the hearth and chimney and see what is fit for restoring, as soon as the opening up of the fireplace has been completed. One of the initial things on your agenda should be to phone a local chimney sweep who operates in and around Andover. Whilst cleaning and sweeping, they will be in a position to determine the structural condition of your chimney and flue liner, and propose what's necessary to get everything working safely.
Construction work could be necessary to reinforce the existing breast and chimney, and a new flue lining might also have to be installed. All this work will need to follow the latest UK Building Regulations which are there for your own and your loved one's safety. A skilled person with experience of the Building Regs and decent construction techniques will need to complete this type of work.
If the dimensions of the existing fireplace are larger than your requirements, a supporting concrete lintel will need to be put in. When this has been completed the next phase of your fireplace installation in Andover will be to update the existing hearth. To be in line with the current building regs, the hearth of a fireplace needs to be laid slightly above the normal floor level, although you may discover that yours is sunken into the floor, as they usually were in the past. To achieve this, there are ready to install options made from granite, marble or concrete, or you may prefer a tailor-made, bespoke hearth to match your room design, which your Andover fireplace builder will be able to help you with.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS
A trip to a fireplace showroom or a browse online will show the options that are available for the different designs and styles of fireplaces. You should generally follow the recommendations of the fireplace installers in relation to which fireplaces will be appropriate for your chimney and flue, as some of them probably won't be.
Whether you decide on a multi-fuel stove, an open fireplace or a wood burner will hinge on the all round style that you're trying to develop, your existing decor and maybe, the age of your property in Andover. If you are lucky enough to have a home with an inglenook fireplace for example, this is the perfect position for a classic iron wood-burner stove. This won't only reflect any heat that is generated back into the room, but will also emphasise the charm and elegance of the stove itself.
Even if you haven't got a pre-existing chimney breast in your Andover property, it is still feasible to put in a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. This kind of fireplace can be installed with its own flue that is passed through an external wall and does not require a chimney, to be installed safely.
ELECTRIC, OPEN, MULTI-FUEL, WOOD OR GAS FIREPLACE?
If this type of fireplace is not possible within your Andover property, what other choices are there?
Wood Burning Stoves - These can even be a free standing feature, and there is a broad array available to suit any period of dwelling in Andover. A version with an integrated back boiler will supply additional heating capabilities by transferring the piping hot water to a radiator in a cold spot of your house.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name implies they can be fired up with with a range of fuels, such as coal, oil, gas or wood, and become a unique focal point in any living room or kitchen in Andover. Some types, like the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves, can also be used for cooking, providing hot water and heating your whole house.
Open Fireplaces - Being able to burn almost any solid fuel in the marketplace, the open fireplace can produce a crackling fire as a good focal point for a room or living space. Today's fireplaces are not the smoky, inefficient and draughty features that they were previously, and an open fire creates a warm and toasty environment for the occupants to enjoy.
Gas Fireplaces - More thermally efficient than wood burning stoves, gas fires are available in a whole host of styles to suit your property in Andover. Must be professionally installed and maintained by a Gas Safe certified technician.
Electric Fireplaces - Any person who is relatively capable can safely and quickly put in one of these fireplaces, and the broad range of styles make these a popular choice for property owners in Andover. Can be inset into conventional fireplaces, and with "real feel" electric fires it can sometimes be hard to distinguish them from the genuine article.
Fireplace installation work can be carried out in Andover and also nearby in: Enham Alamein, Upper Clatford, Andover Down, Picket Piece, Kingsway Gardens, Hatherdean, Abbotts Ann, East Anton, Anna Valley, Weyhill, Knights Enham, Goodworth Clatford, as well as in these postcodes SP10 2AT, SP10 1AE, SP10 1QX, SP10 1JU, SP10 1LH, SP10 1JH, SP10 1DY, SP10 1HR, SP10 1BE, and SP10 1AL. If they've got the phone code 01264 and the postcode SP10, it's likely that they work in Andover or somewhere nearby. Andover homeowners are spoilt for choice when hunting for fireplace fitters.
The Best Way To Retain Your Open Fireplace And Bring Down Your Heating Bills
The classic open fireplace may have lost a certain amount of of its glamour because of worries about the environment but it is still favoured by many in Andover. Sitting near the warmth of a fireplace, revives many special memories for a lot of people. There are lots of positive aspects of having an open fireplace however there are also some drawbacks that could possibly need to be dealt with. With power costs rising so quickly these days, your fireplace must be a sound source of heat, not one of inefficiency. When you've got a fire going in the fireplace, it can actually remove warm air away from the room, making your heater work harder. When there's no fire, a damper is supposed to regulate the airflow. Unfortunately, dampers often have an inadequate seal, so cool air gets in, and warmer air goes out.
Plenty of householders in Andover who have a fireplace don't know how it can impact the cost of heating. As opposed to preserving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding 100s of pounds of energy expenditure. But it is not all hopeless as there are techniques for making your fireplace far more cost-efficient. There happen to be four simple steps that you can take to change your fireplace into the cost-effective heat sourse you're looking for. You will recognize that these tips will help to make your fireplace create quality heat and your energy bill lower.
The first step is to remove your fireplace damper and swap it for a new top sealing damper. This form of damper is installed at the top end of the chimney, and works like a storm door. It will keep the outside air from coming in, and the inside air from escaping, and performs in cold or hot weather. It's not that tricky to put in and may also be easily purchased online. An additional thing you will be able to do is place a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. A fire-back is made of cast iron and it really is meant to protect the wall behind from fire damage, while making your fireplace look stylish. The fire-back gets warmed up by the flames and sends the heat back into the room, consequently enhancing the fireplace's efficiency.
Another method is to get a fireplace fan/heater, which draws in air in a room and warms it up. These heating devices are sealed systems, hence no smoke is discharged, and they really can make a difference in the temperature of your home. Lastly, you can put in glass doors which could be the costliest. Browsing around, you ought to be able to locate a bargain, and with instructions, you could possibly fit them yourself. Glass doors will keep the air in your house from escaping and it also helps to safeguard your family from falling into the flames.
All of these suggestions are easy to do, and the products can be easily sourced on the internet. Just do your best to ensure your fireplace is efficient and watch your heating bill plummet.
Chimney Repair Andover
Maintaining the functionality, safety and efficiency of both commercial and home chimney systems in Andover is an essential aspect of chimney repair. Weather elements, temperature fluctuations, and the by-products of combustion can all cause chimneys to wear and tear over time. These factors can lead to a range of issues that need to be addressed quickly and by a competent professional.
Chimney repair is sometimes necessary due to the development of cracks in the chimney structure. Moisture infiltration and further damage can be caused by these cracks, which undermine the structural stability of the chimney. Additionally, serious health hazards to occupants can be caused by the escape of dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, from cracks in the chimney.
The build-up of debris and creosote in the chimney flue is another problem that can sometimes occur. Chimney fires and reduced efficiency are both hazards of creosote accumulations. To reduce fire hazards and ensure adequate airflow, soot, debris and creosote should be removed during regular chimney cleaning as part of the repair process.
The process of repairing chimneys can deal with issues including leaks in the chimney. Leaks leading to water intrusion in the chimney structure can result in the deterioration, rusting, and damaging of the chimney lining. This could result in additional structural issues and reduced efficiency. For effective repairs, one must identify where the leak originates, seal the openings, and apply waterproofing treatments to inhibit future leaks.
Underlying problems in your chimney can be missed by a do-it-yourself repair, making it an ineffective and potentially risky solution. Hiring professional chimney repair services is key, guaranteeing work that meets industry standards. Certified chimney technicians have the expertise to assess the level of damage, advise on suitable repairs, and apply solutions that guarantee the performance and safety of the chimney system.
You can prolong the life expectancy of your chimney with a two-fold approach: timely repairs and routine inspections. By identifying and resolving problems early doors, you prevent them from becoming more serious and expensive to fix. Leaving chimney repairs unresolved is a false economy. It can result in a poorly functioning chimney, more extensive damage and a significant safety risk.
In short, a healthy chimney requires more than simply sweeping. Regular repairs are crucial to address problems like the build-up of creosote, leaks, cracks, and the all-round structural integrity of the chimney. Seeking professional repair services brings a trifecta of benefits: enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and strict adherence to industry guidelines. Routine check-ups, swift action on issues, and professional expertise are the keys to a properly maintained chimney. This translates to effective heating and a safe, comfortable haven in your home. (39607 - Chimney Repairs Andover)
Fireplace Installers Near Andover
Also find: Weyhill fireplace installers, Abbotts Ann fireplace installers, Anna Valley fireplace installers, Kingsway Gardens fireplace installers, Hatherdean fireplace installers, East Anton fireplace installers, Picket Piece fireplace installers, Knights Enham fireplace installers, Goodworth Clatford fireplace installers, Enham Alamein fireplace installers, Upper Clatford fireplace installers, Andover Down fireplace installers and more. There are people who fit fireplaces in all these locations. These tradesmen, with their expertise and know-how, are well-equipped to perform precise fireplace installations in your property. Residents can enjoy the warmth, comfort and ambiance that a fireplace brings to their living areas with the help and assistance of these dedicated specialists. By simply clicking here, local home and property owners can get fireplace installation quotations.
Andover Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Andover fireplace fitter can deliver a broad range of services and tasks, and as well as what has previously been covered here they can do built-in gas fires, fireplace packages, stone fireplace installation, elm fireplaces Andover, hearth fireplaces Andover, three-sided fireplaces Andover, cast iron fireplace installation Andover, made-to-measure fireplaces Andover, electric fireplaces, period fireplaces, period fireplace installation, flue liner installation, tiled fireplaces Andover, outdoor fireplaces Andover, designer fireplaces, gas fireplaces, stone fireplaces in Andover, fireplaceestimates, carbon monoxide detector installation, wood burning fireplaces Andover, chimney strengthening, cheap fireplace installation, wall-mounted electric fires, marble fireplace installations Andover, fireplace installation, fireplace repairs Andover, wood burning fireplace installations, fire grate conversions, chimney lining Andover, gas fireplace installation, modern fireplace installations, fireplace design, brick fireplace installations, the installation of Victorian fireplaces, the installation of modern fireplaces in Andover, to mention a few. If there are other Andover fireplace requirements that you need but don't see here, you can easily give them a mention on the QUOTE FORM provided.
More Andover Tradespeople: When you're looking at doing improvements to your home in Andover, Hampshire, the likelihood is that you'll need various different tradesmen over the course of the project, and while you may be currently hunting for a local Andover fireplace installer, you may also require the services of a chimney sweep in Andover, a stonemason in Andover, SKIP HIRE in Andover, an electrician in Andover, a bricklayer in Andover, a carpenter and joiner in Andover, a roofer in Andover, a handyperson in Andover, a plasterer in Andover, a builder in Andover, a damp proofer in Andover, waste removal in Andover, a cleaner in Andover, a blacksmith in Andover, a painter and decorator in Andover, pressure washing in Andover, a floor specialist in Andover, a heating engineer in Andover, and more.
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