Fireplace Fitter Canterbury Kent (CT1): Re-opening up an old fireplace or having a new one put in is a great way to add some character to any room in your home in Canterbury. Adding a multi-fuel stove or open fire for those frosty winter evenings can even prove to be more cost effective than a regular central heating system, so long as you have a ready source of wood or fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can supply you with plentiful hot water at the same time.
To achieve an efficient and safe fireplace, there are a few crucial details to consider, before you start knocking down the walls of a bricked-up fireplace. The UK building regulations, Part J for combustible appliances for example, which applies to any work conducted on flue linings, hearths, chimney breasts and fireplaces.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
You may be capable of doing some of the work in renovating a pre-existing fireplace if you have the ability needed, however safety and structural issues are often found that need to be resolved professionally. It might be the case that when you remove the boarding surrounding an old fireplace to find a hidden treasure which requires nothing more than a good clear out and a check from a chimney sweep to get a roaring fire going once again. More likely you'll come across old brickwork that needs structural modifications and a stopped up flue.
Using a certified fireplace fitter in Canterbury is widely advised, as a poorly installed fireplace can cause serious risk of fire and respiratory health issues. According to Part J of the Building Regulations, a room that has a fireplace installed in it must have sufficient airflow and oxygen to allow the fire to burn safely. If there is not enough airflow then it's quite possible that a fire will burn inefficiently and cause a build-up of carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
To overcome this problem a professional Canterbury fireplace fitter will evaluate the situation and fit vents in the room, or beneath the flooring, to ensure an adequate amount of air flow for the fire to combust efficiently and safely. Blocked off and unused chimney flues may also have to have air vents fitted as they can trap moist air inside them causing damp to occur inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
When opening up a disused fireplace for refurbishing, you'll be surprised by the magnitude of the soot and grime that has built-up inside your old chimney. So that your stuff doesn't get damaged by the muck, dust and soot that's emitted during the fireplace installation project, removing rugs, carpets and furniture in advance is generally recommended. When it is just part of a more substantial renovation project, opening up a fireplace ought to be one of the first tasks to be worked on, because of the mess that's involved. This should help to avoid any impairment by dirt and chimney soot to any previously completed work.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
You will be able to sweep and clean the chimney and hearth and see what can be repaired, once the fireplace has been opened up. If you've not already done so, you should now get hold of the local Canterbury chimney sweep. After sweeping, they'll offer guidance and advice about what kind of condition the flue and chimney structure is in, and let you know whether there are any elements that need replacing.
After a chimney sweep assessment it may be necessary to install a new liner and/or strengthen the chimney breast as set out in Part J of the Building Regulations. These are tasks that should be done by a capable builder with knowledge of the pertinent regulations and reliable construction skills.
It is quite possible that a steel or concrete lintel will need to be installed, if the existing fireplace is of a size which is bigger than your needs. Once you've successfully supported your fireplace with a lintel it is now time to repair or upgrade the hearth. To be in accordance with the latest regulations, the hearth of a fireplace needs to be laid at least 12.5mm above the normal floor level, although you might find that yours is sunken into the floor, as they frequently were in the old days. To achieve this, there are pre-formed options made from marble, granite or slate, or you might choose a bespoke, made to measure hearth to fit in with your room style, which your Canterbury fireplace builder will help with.
FIREPLACE STYLE
You will quickly realise that you are spoiled for choice, with the vast array of different choices that are available, as soon as you set foot inside a high quality fireplace showroom. To help you choose a fireplace that's suited to your existing chimney and flue, as well as for your decor, it is recommended that you seek the advice and guidance of the sales and installation team, which will be in accordance with your needs.
An open fireplace might be perfect for some rooms and dwellings in Canterbury, while a multi-fuel or wood burning stove will be a better choice for others. A wood burning stove for example, will look awesome when positioned in an inglenook fireplace, which redirects any heat that is produced back into the room and emphasises its charm and elegance.
It is still viable to install a wood burning stove, even if you haven't got a chimney breast in your Canterbury home. This style of fireplace can be installed with a flue that's channeled through an external wall and does not need a chimney, to be installed and work safely.
OPEN, MULTI-FUEL, WOOD, ELECTRIC OR GAS FIREPLACE?
The feel and ambience of a "real" fire can't be beaten, but what options are available if this form of fireplace isn't possible within your Canterbury home?
Open Fireplaces - Provides a stunning focal point for your room and can use an assortment of solid fuels. Contemporary fireplaces are not the smoky, inefficient and draughty features that they were previously, and an open fire creates a cosy and warm environment for the occupants to enjoy.
Gas Fireplaces - There are an assortment of designs to suit any property in Canterbury, and they provide instant heat which is more efficient (thermally) than a wood burner or multi-fuel stove. Only a Gas Safe registered heating engineer is qualified to install one of these fires.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Running on a selection of different fuels such as oil, smokeless coal, wood or gas, a multi-fuel stove can be a focal point in your living space. If you pick a product from the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves, you can do cooking, get supplied with hot water, and when plumbed into your radiator system, heat the whole house.
Electric Fireplaces - A popular choice for householders in Canterbury, these fireplaces can be installed by just about any competent person, in a safe and easy manner. When set into a conventional fireplace, today's electric fires can imitate an actual fire, with "real" looking flame effects and even the crackling sound of wood.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can even be free standing if required, and there is a huge array to suit any period of property in Canterbury. When used in conjunction with a back boiler, these can supply extra heating possibilities by transferring the hot water to a cold spot in your property via radiators.
Fireplace installation services can be accessed in the Canterbury area, as well as in: Bridge, Blean, Broadoak, Aylesham, Harbledown, Chartham Hatch, Chartham, Tyler Hill, Hoath, Fordwich, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Lower Hardres, Rough Common, Chilham, in addition to places with postcodes like: CT1 1DR, CT1 1JH, CT1 1DB, CT1 1BB, CT1 1LQ, CT1 1JA, CT1 1AG, CT1 1JU, CT1 1BN, and CT1 1FL. It is likely that any fireplace installers from the Canterbury area is going to have the postcode CT1 and the phone code 01227. Canterbury home and business owners can use and benefit from these fireplace services.
Fireplace Installers Canterbury
Those who are specialised in the installation and maintenance of fireplaces are known as fireplace installers. Professionals with a skillset in fireplace installation and repair can work on different fireplace types, such as wood-burning, electric and gas fireplaces. These operatives are commonly employed by fireplace manufacturers or construction companies, but there are those who work on their own.
Careful planning, preparation, and execution are necessary for the installation of a fireplace. Compliance with all relevant standards and ensuring safety of the installation requires fireplace installers to have knowledge of local building regulations and codes. The task demands familiarity with different types of materials and tools, too.
Fireplace installers also provide maintenance services to guarantee that the fireplace functions smoothly. To ensure fireplaces are in good condition, maintenance services offered include replacement of damaged parts, chimney cleaning, and inspection for any safety issues.
It is important to hire a qualified and reliable fireplace installer to ensure that the job is done safely and to the highest possible standards. The contribution of fireplace installers is vital in the creation of cosy and functional living spaces. Fireplace installers' expertise and skill eliminate any worries or concerns residents in Canterbury may have about enjoying the comfort and warmth of a fireplace. READ MORE HERE: FIREPLACE INSTALLERS
The Best Way To Lower Your Heating Bill And Keep Your Fireplace In Good Shape
With all of the current worries about the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost a little of its charm, but it's still a favourite feature for many in Canterbury. Sitting near the comfort of a fireplace, revives many cherished memories for lots of folks. Having a fireplace has its advantages but there are a couple of negative aspects that could have an impact on its performance. As energy costs increase, you need to make sure that your fireplace is producing heat in an efficient way. When a fire is burning, it may possibly provide warmth for those who are standing close to it, but it can actually pull warm air out of your room, making your heater work even harder. In case you don't have a fire lit, the damper is supposed to keep heat in. However, dampers often have an inadequate seal, so chilly air can get in, and warm air can get out.
Many homeowners that have a fireplace in their property in Canterbury don't realize how the fireplace can cause their energy bills to skyrocket. Instead of managing the heating of a house naturally, a fireplace can actually add hundreds of pounds to the cost of your heating. However, there are a number of procedures that you can follow that will be able to turn your budget busting fireplace into something a touch more efficient. There tend to be 4 simple steps that you can take to change your fireplace into the cost-effective heat sourse you're looking for. Each of these is going to make your fireplace very economical and more efficient.
The initial step is to remove your existing fireplace damper and replace it with a new top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is fitted toward the top of your chimney that also doubles as a storm door. The top sealing damper will keep the air in the house from leaking out and works remarkably well in warm and cold weather. Its not very difficult to put in and may also be easily bought on the web. An additional thing that can be done is to place a fire-back at the back of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate that is designed to add to the room design, while shielding the back wall from damage due to the fires. The fire-back also absorbs heat coming from the fire and channels it back into the room, making your fireplace more effective.
Another thing that is going to help is a fireplace heater, which heats the room air that is being circulated through a chamber, and sends it back inside the room. These heaters don't produce any smoke and are be extremely successful in keeping your home warm and toasty. And finally, adding glass doors, even though a bit on the pricey side, can be effective in making your fireplace cost efficient. If you do some groundwork, you can certainly get a great deal on glass doors and they aren't that hard to fit yourself. Glass doors can keep the air in your residence from escaping and it also helps to save your family from falling into the flames.
All these tips are straightforward to do, and the required products can be easily sourced on the internet. Make the most of your fireplace and see your energy bill fall.
Flue Linings
A chimney or flue liner is a crucial part of the chimney structure on your property, allowing it to function far more efficiently than it would otherwise, and improving the overall safety of your property. Fitted to the inside of chimneys to transport toxic fumes outside, flue liners are ducts fabricated from clay, metal or ceramic material. If you are living in an older property in Canterbury, it may be that you have not got a flue lining in your chimney at all, or that the old one is defective and will need to be replaced with a new one.
As a fire is burning, some harmful gases and fumes are the result, and the flue within your chimney can be impaired and eaten away and impaired by these fumes. A great time to check for damages is while your chimney is being swept - so you should ask your chimney sweep to do this. You need to prevent those dangerous gases from leaking into your home's living space, which is exactly what can happen when a flue is impaired. There is an increased likelihood of house fires when flu liners are damaged, because blistering heat is able to reach the actual structure of the chimney, often with serious consequences.
Fireplace Inserts
For those seeking to modernise their traditional fireplaces, fireplace inserts are a frequently chosen solution. The objective of these inserts is to amplify the efficiency of a fireplace by directing more heat into the room and decreasing heat loss. The mess and inconvenience of old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces are eliminated with these inserts, offering a safer and more comfortable way to enjoy the enchanting effect of a fire.
Electric, gas and wood-burning models are included in the diverse selection of sizes and designs available for fireplace inserts. While gas fireplace inserts are effortless to use and need minimal maintenance, electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their variable settings and remote control. Wood-burning inserts are the best choice for householders who desire the genuine experience of a crackling fire and the aroma of burning wood.
Along with their efficiency and convenience, fireplace inserts are designed to be good for the environment. They reduce the amount of air pollution caused by conventional fireplaces by producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently.
Having a professional installation is crucial to guarantee the safe and correct installation of a fireplace insert. An excellent investment for any homeowner seeking to improve the convenience, comfort, and value of their property, fireplace inserts provide numerous benefits. Householders can enjoy a more comfortable home and save money on heating bills with fireplace inserts, as they direct more heat into the room and reduce heat loss. When considering different types of fireplace inserts, it is essential to remember that they may require different methods of venting.
Friends & Family
Relatives and friends are a good source of recommendations, when you're searching for a contractor in Canterbury for your project or undertaking. To find someone who's ideal for your needs, and to filter out cowboy fireplace contractors and companies that have lousy track record, person to person referrals are usually the best solution.
By obtaining this sort of feedback from a friend or member of your family you can find out the attitude of the contractor if anything went wrong, how quickly any issues were put right, and also get some a bit of first hand insights into their punctuality, work ethic and dependability. They should also also be able to give you information about the quotation process and how accurate the initial estimate was when compared to the final price charged by the contractor.
In the final analysis, your family and friends are people you know and can depend on in regards to their advice. If they're reluctant to talk about a particular fireplace installer or contractor it's probably because of a poor experience. It is frequently the case that many people will be perfectly happy to discuss a decent contractor and less likely to mention a lousy one. They may even offer an alternative company, rather than 'slag off' a far from perfect one that they have previously dealt with.
Canterbury Fireplace Related Tasks
Perhaps you arrived here hunting for basic fireplace installation, yet your local Canterbury fireplace installer can offer a large range of additional services and tasks, and these might include hearth-mounted electric fires Canterbury, reclaimed fireplaces Canterbury, made-to-measure fireplaces, the installation of modern fireplaces, electric fireplace installation, Victorian fireplaces, electric fire baskets, chimney repairs, fireplace suites, inset stove installations, marble fireplaces, fireplace installation, open fireplaces in Canterbury, fireplace cleaning, timber mantels, wood burning fireplace installations, freestanding stoves, fireplace replacement, fireplace refurbishment, fireplace surrounds, brick fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces Canterbury, cheap fireplace installation, fireplace hearths, chimney strengthening, period fireplace installations, gas fireplaces in Canterbury, 2-sided fireplaces, elm fireplaces Canterbury, stone fireplace installation Canterbury, designer fireplaces Canterbury, corner fireplaces, Victorian fireplaces Canterbury, fireplace design, double-sided stove installation in Canterbury, and more. This is simply an illustration of what can be done by the local fireplace installer.
More Help and Guidance
To check out an excellent article about fireplace decoration ideas check this out. To ask or reply to questions related to fireplace installation check out the Buildhub Forum (HERE), threads comprise pellet stoves and boilers, widening fireplaces, stove vents, chimney designs, log burning stoves and understanding building regulations. See a step by step You Tube guide on how to install and restore a Victorian cast iron fireplace here. If you'd like to read more on fireplaces, you will find info on the heating efficiency of fireplaces, the types of fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, coal burning fireplaces, how fireplaces affect the environment and the history of the fireplace, by visiting Wikipedia. To see what's happening on social websites, check this out.
Fireplace Installers Near Canterbury
Also find: Chartham fireplace installers, Chilham fireplace installers, Chartham Hatch fireplace installers, Blean fireplace installers, Broadoak fireplace installers, Hoath fireplace installers, Littlebourne fireplace installers, Bridge fireplace installers, Harbledown fireplace installers, Fordwich fireplace installers, Aylesham fireplace installers, Tyler Hill fireplace installers, Bekesbourne fireplace installers, Lower Hardres fireplace installers, Rough Common fireplace installers and more. Almost all of these towns and localities are served by people who fit fireplaces. In your home, these skilled tradesmen can put their knowledge and expertise to use for successfully installing fireplaces. The ambiance, warmth and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living spaces can be experienced by residents with the help and assistance of these dedicated experts. Local homeowners can obtain fireplace installation quotes by going here. Why not start your fireplace installation right away?
More Canterbury Tradespeople: Any time you are considering doing improvements to your property in Canterbury, Kent, it's quite possible you will need a number of craftsmen during the project, and although you may currently be searching for a local Canterbury fireplace installer, you could also require the services of stone cleaning in Canterbury, SKIP HIRE in Canterbury, a plasterer in Canterbury, a roofing contractor in Canterbury, an electrician in Canterbury, a painter and decorator in Canterbury, floor screeding in Canterbury, waste removal in Canterbury, a carpenter in Canterbury, metalworkers in Canterbury, a damp proofing specialist in Canterbury, a stonemason in Canterbury, a handyman in Canterbury, a general builder in Canterbury, a chimney sweep in Canterbury, a bricklayer in Canterbury, jet washing in Canterbury, a plumber in Canterbury, and more.
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Fireplace Fitter Near Canterbury
Fireplace Installation CanterburyFireplace installation in CT1 area, 01227.
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