Fireplace Fitter Grantham Lincolnshire (NG31): Installing a new fireplace or reinstating a pre-existing one is an effective way to add character and charm to any dwelling in Grantham. The addition of an open fire or multi-fuel stove for those frosty winter evenings can even prove more cost effective than certain central heating systems, providing that you have a regular source of timber or fuel. If used in combination with a back boiler it can provide you with plenty of steaming hot water at the same time.
But before you start knocking down the walls of a bricked-up fireplace there are some crucial things to consider to achieve a safe and efficient fireplace. To start with, Part J of the UK Building Regulations will need to be adhered to in relation to the installation and construction of any hearths, fireplaces, flue linings and chimney breasts that are part of a heat producing appliance in your home in Grantham. If your dwelling in Grantham is a listed building or stands in a conservation area, planning permission might also be needed before any work can begin.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If any building work is involved with your fireplace installation project, structural and safety issues may arise that will need resolving by a professional, although an enthusiastic and competent DIY person may be able to take a shot at a basic refurbishment of an old or existing fireplace. If you're fortunate when you open up a blocked up fireplace you may find a decent hearth, lintel and chimney breast that requires little more than the advice and services of a chimney sweep to get a toasty fire going. However, a flue that is blocked and old, crumbling brickwork that needs to be structurally reinforced is what you'll most likely find.
If fireplaces are installed incorrectly there is not only a fire risk to your home, but there can be associated respiratory health hazards, which is why it is better to bring in a specialist Grantham installation company for fireplaces. Airflow has to be satisfactory in any room which has a fireplace; in fact it's a key requirement of Part J of the Building Regulations that this is the case. A build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide can result in an area where there is insufficient airflow, and death or serious injury is a risk where a fire does not burn efficiently.
To ensure a satisfactory airflow for the fire to burn effectively and safely, an experienced fireplace installation company will assess the circumstances and install vents around the room, or underneath the floors, thus resolving this issue. To prevent condensed air from becoming trapped in unused chimney flues and creating damp spots and staining, vents might have to be fitted by the installation team to introduce more airflow.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Chimneys are notorious for the huge amount of soot and muck that can accumulate inside them, so when you open up an unused fireplace for restoration you can expect it to be an incredibly messy operation. It's advisable where possible to remove any furniture and carpets from the room before any work starts in earnest, although a considerate Grantham fireplace installer will bring dust sheets for your furniture and supply some form of protection. Because of the mess that is involved, if the fireplace installation is merely part of a more substantial refurbishment project, it ought to be one of the first things that you tackle. This helps prevent any discolouration damage to any restored work you may have already done.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
With the fireplace open, it is time to see what can be renovated or replaced and to give the hearth and chimney an intensive cleaning. One of the very first things on your to-do-list should be to phone a decent chimney sweep who covers the Grantham area. They'll not only ensure that your chimney and flue are completely clean, but they can additionally assess the state of the flue liner and existing chimney and offer advice if you need to upgrade any part of the flue and chimney.
Following an examination by a professional chimney sweep, and observing Part J of the Building Regulations, work to strengthen the chimney structure and/or install a new liner might be required. Experience in good working practices and an awareness of the relevant Building Regs will be essential for anybody who carries out this sort of renovation work, so what you really want is a competent builder or fireplace fitter and should not attempt to do it yourself.
If the dimensions of the existing fireplace are larger than your needs, a concrete or steel lintel will need to be put in. As soon as your new concrete lintel is safely in position you can now press on with the installation, updating and renovation of the fireplace's hearth. Many hearths were sunk into voids in the floor in past times. If that's the situation with your fireplace, the hearth will have to be raised slightly above the level of the floor if it is to abide by the Building Regulations for the UK as they stand right now. Ready-made options from granite, slate or marble are available on the market to achieve this, or your fireplace installer in Grantham should be able to offer you a bespoke, custom-made hearth to match the style of your room.
STYLES AND DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
Browsing on the web or visiting a nearby fireplace outlet will soon make you realise that there is a vast array of different styles of fireplace for you to pick from. It's vital to ask for the expert advice of the salespeople and the installation team, since all the available fireplaces won't be suitable for your specific chimney, flue and airflow.
The all round style you are aiming to create, your current decor and in some situations, your property's age, will to some extent determine whether you decide on a multi-fuel stove, an open fireplace or a wood burner. If you're fortunate enough to have a home with an inglenook fireplace for example, this is a perfect setting for a cast iron wood-burner stove. This won't only deflect any heat that is generated back into the room effectively, but will also emphasise the character and charm of the stove itself.
It's still possible to install a wood burning stove, even if there is no chimney breast in your Grantham home. A pre-existing chimney is not needed in this instance since the flue is taken straight from the rear or top of the stove and taken out through an exterior wall.
GAS, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
You simply cannot beat a crackling fire on a cold winter's evening, to create a distinctive ambience and charm in your Grantham property, but what are the alternatives?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name implies they can be used with a range of fuels, such as gas, wood, oil or coal, and become a focal point in any lounge or kitchen in Grantham. The AGA range is well known as being able to provide heating for an entire home, a constant hot water supply and an oven and hob all in one useful appliance.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can even be a free standing feature, and there's a vast variety available to complement any age of home in Grantham. An integrated back boiler is an extra benefit and could provide hot water for use around the home, or to provide heating for the house via radiators.
Gas Fireplaces - More thermally efficient than multi-fuel or wood burning stoves, gas fires come in a variety of styles to complement your home in Grantham. Gas fires must only be maintained and installed by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Open Fireplaces - Having the capacity to burn just about any solid fuel available on the market, the open fireplace can create a flickering fire as a great focal point for any room or living area. In the old days an open fire might have been associated with being draughty, smoky and inefficient, but a professionally fitted contemporary fireplace is a joy to behold while basking in the warm glow it provides.
Electric Fireplaces - An obvious choice for many householders in Grantham, these fireplaces can be put in by more or less any capable individual, easily and safely. Modern electric fires can provide "real" looking flame effects and and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood to mimic an open fire when inset into an old fashioned fireplace.
Fireplace installation work can be undertaken in Grantham and also in nearby places like: Sedgebrook, Barrowby, Woolsthorpe, Manthorpe, Ropsley, Great Gonerby, Somerby Hill, Great Pondon, Allington, Gonerby Hill Foot, Muston, Harlaxton, as well as in these postcodes NG31 0TA, NG31 0BF, NG31 0TF, NG31 6JE, NG31 0EQ, NG31 6ES, NG31 6BF, NG31 6AD, NG31 0HB, and NG31 0GA. Local Grantham fireplace fitters will most likely have the telephone dialling code 01476 and the postcode NG31.
Stone Fireplaces Grantham
For that really dramatic look why not consider bringing the outdoors inside with a stone fireplace? It's possible that the exterior of your building already boasts some stone features, such as stone boundary walls or a stone facade. You could create something on the inside that complements the outside.
Depending on your budget and taste, it's possible to create a stone fireplace with either full-depth stone or stone cladding. There are also numerous different stone types that can be employed to build a fireplace, including: limestone, quartz, granite, sandstone, slate or marble.
The exact appearance of your fireplace will be affected by the sort of stone that is used, the methodology used by the stonemason or tradesman who builds it and the method of building. Have a browse around the internet and pick out some designs that you like, and you can show these to your fireplace company before they get to work.
There is little doubt that stone fireplaces are normally more suitable for older properties, and can be somewhat too striking and overwhelming for the modern home. However the choice, as they say, is yours to make.
Chimney Sweeping Grantham
Getting the chimney swept is one thing that people often put off or forget, but it is important to get this done frequently if you have a stove or an open fire in your Grantham house. To be completely safe, it is wise to sweep your chimney twice yearly, particularly if you're burning coal or wood.
You should always call in a qualified Grantham chimney sweep, as this is a dirty job. If there are any problems or safety issues with your chimney, the chimney sweep will be in a position to spot them and advise you accordingly.
Chimney fires could easily be the result of a build-up of ash, creosote and soot if you don't sweep your chimney. Blocked chimneys can also cause another hazardous situation by drawing poisonous carbon monoxide gas back into your home.
Ensure your chosen Grantham chimney sweep is qualified and is also covered by adequate public liability insurance. For Grantham chimney sweep quotes CLICK HERE.
Flue Linings
A safety feature that enables your chimney to perform more effectively, a flue or chimney liner is a crucial component of your chimney structure that shouldn't be overlooked. Running the full length of a chimney, flue liners are ducts made out of a variety of materials including clay, metal or ceramics. They carry smoke and fumes to the outside of your home. There is a reasonable chance that if your property in Grantham is quite old, the chimney might not even be fitted with a liner, and even if it is it will almost certainly need replacing.
The dangerous gases that are created when you burn a fire can cause damage to your fireplace's flue lining. When you're having your chimney swept, it is a no-brainer get the sweep to check for any damage. Rather than expelling those toxic gases outside, a broken flue can allow them to seep into your home's living area. Defective flues can also lead to house fires - so have them checked out!
Fireplace Inserts
A favourite among householders in Grantham seeking to improve their conventional fireplaces, are fireplace inserts. Designed to direct more heat into the room and decrease heat loss, these inserts have been created to improve the efficiency of a fireplace. Alongside a safer and more secure experience, these inserts offer a simpler and more convenient way to enjoy the atmosphere of a fire, without the mess and hassle of old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces.
There are numerous sizes and styles of fireplace inserts, including electric, gas and wood-burning models. Opting for gas fireplace inserts provides a hassle-free and low-maintenance choice, while electric inserts offer convenience and adaptability with their remote control and variable settings. Wood-burning inserts are ideal for property owners who prefer the authentic experience of a crackling fire and the scent of burning wood.
Along with their convenience and efficiency, fireplace inserts are designed to be environmentally friendly. Traditional fireplace pollution is reduced through the efficient burning of fuel and the production of fewer emissions.
Correct and safe installation of a fireplace insert can only be ensured with a professional installation. Offering a range of benefits, fireplace inserts are a worthwhile investment for any property owner seeking to improve the convenience, comfort, and value of their property.
Practical Ideas On How To Retain Your Fireplace And Bring Down Your Heating Bills
With all of the current fears about the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost a little of its allure, however it's still a favourite feature for many people in Grantham. Sitting beside the heat of a fireplace, revives many treasured memories for a lot of folks. There are numerous benefits to having an open fireplace but there are also some negative aspects that may need to be taken care of. As power costs increase, you should make sure that your fireplace is giving you heat efficiently. When you've got a fire roaring in the fireplace, it can actually take away warm air out from the room, making your heat source work harder. The fireplace damper is expected to prevent cold air from coming in to your home when you don't have a fire in the fireplace. However, dampers are generally not very efficient seals, consequently all the warm air escapes and permits cold air to enter the property.
What the majority of property owners in Grantham may not know about their fireplace is that it does not do precisely what they think it's doing. Instead of heating a home naturally, a fireplace can essentially add hundreds of pounds to the cost of your heating. Just consider that it's not all hopeless because there are ways to make your fireplace far more cost-effective. There are at least four simple things that you are able to do to fix up your fireplace. These definitely will make your present fireplace far more efficient, and lower your energy bills.
The first suggestion is to replace your current fireplace damper with a top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is fitted right at the top of your chimney which also doubles as a storm door. It does a superb job of preserving warm air in the property during winter and cool air from escaping in the summer months. This won't take a lot of time to fit and you can acquire one online. Another thing you could choose to do is position a fire-back in the back part of your fireplace. It's produced from cast iron and is used to improve the overall look of your fireplace whilst protecting the back wall from heat damage. The fire-back basically heats up from the flames and reflects the heat back into a room, thus improving the efficiency of the fireplace.
Another thing that could also help is a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the room air which is being circulated through a chamber, and sends it back inside the room. These heaters are sealed systems, so no smoke is discharged, and they can really make a huge difference to the temperature of your property. Finally, you can install glass doors which could be the most expensive. Searching around, you should be able to find a bargain, and with instructions, you could possibly put them in yourself. Glass fireplace doors is able to keep the air in your house from escaping and also help to protect your children and pets from fires.
The information we've just given isn't that tricky to implement, and all of the products can be readily purchased online, or from your local stockist. Take care of your fireplace and see your energy costs drop.
Grantham Fireplace Related Tasks
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Leaving a Review
For any business in Grantham, customer reviews are their driving force, and the difference between a possible client using a particular company, or going elsewhere, may be whether they have positive reviews online or not. You may wish to take some time to thank someone who has done a decent job, by posting a review of their workmanship and performance. Both possible customers and the business itself can be helped by you disclosing your personal knowledge in this way. You should think back to how checking out reviews helped you when you were looking for somebody to do your work. You may have looked at other providers if a specific company was lacking some meaningful reviews and feedback, even if their company website seemed to be professional.
However, can the reviews be relied on when you are on a company's own website? Did genuine customers write these glowing reviews or did a member of the company, looking to create leads, cook them up?
If you want to find authentic and frank reviews on a business in Grantham, a good technique is to go through the Google My Business reviews. Millions of people check out the reviews on this website every day, so as to determine the reputation of companies all over the world. The 2nd biggest review website for local companies in Grantham is Bing Places for Business, and this is the serious rival to Google My Business. Your positive review here will generate a rundown of the company that worked on your fireplace project and assist in raising their profile.
Some folks would rather post reviews for a company on Facebook and Twitter pages, which are just as effective. Many small businesses in Grantham will depend heavily on such social media sites for their advertising campaigns. Your own feedback will help reinforce their sales message and give your neighbours and friends a starting point should you offer a recommendation of service.
You could of course go 'old school' and create a hand-drafted letter of thanks. Letters like this are still useful, even in an online world, and can be photographed in for use on company websites. The reward for you is the wonderful feeling that you'll get, knowing you have in some way helped a local small business gain credibility in a competitve marketplace and hopefully drum up more custom.
Friends & Family Recommendations
Getting recommendations from friends and family members is always a good idea when searching for a professional contractor for your fireplace project or task in Grantham. Personal references are generally the most effective way choose someone who is ideal for your needs, and equally can filter out an inferior fireplace contractor or a company with an atrocious record for service.
Asking a friend or relative for advice also means that you can learn whether anything went wrong, how quickly problems were put right, and what the contractor's attitude was like. Additionally you can get some insights into the reliability and punctuality of the fireplace installer. They will be in a position to let you know how the final price compared to the initial quote they were presented with, or whether the contractor offers a price guarantee for their work.
Finally, your friends and family are individuals you know and trust in regards to their advice. If you find that it's hard to get particulars on a certain contractor or fireplace fitter, it's likely because they've had a disappointing experience in their dealings with them. And a lot of people, instead of 'slagging off' a second-rate company who they have dealt with in the past, might even offer some alternative contractor, as they are happier talking about a good business than a lousy one.
Fireplace Installation Information
Go here to discover how to install a fireplace. Wikipedia is as good a place as any to head to if you'd like to learn more about fireplaces, their page covers the environmental effects of fireplaces, the evolution of fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, fireplace heating efficiency, gas fireplaces and the various types of fireplaces. By conducting a quick online search you should be able to read loads of invaluable articles on the subject of fireplace designs, fireplace installation and fireplace decoration - we recently noticed this engaging one on fireplace design ideas head here. A forum is a great place to glean information and facts on fireplace installation, so why don't you have a look at the Buildhub Forum, discussion threads comprise pellet boilers and stoves, trims for stoves, chimney design, widening a fireplace, wood burning stoves and building regulations. To learn the kind of social media marketing that's being done on fireplaces, check this out.
Fireplace Installers Near Grantham
Also find: Great Pondon fireplace installers, Ropsley fireplace installers, Harlaxton fireplace installers, Manthorpe fireplace installers, Somerby Hill fireplace installers, Great Gonerby fireplace installers, Woolsthorpe fireplace installers, Sedgebrook fireplace installers, Allington fireplace installers, Muston fireplace installers, Gonerby Hill Foot fireplace installers, Barrowby fireplace installers and more. People who fit fireplaces can be found in almost all of these localities. With the requisite knowledge and experience, these seasoned tradesmen are adept at successfully installing fireplaces in your home. The warmth, comfort and atmosphere of a fireplace in their living areas are made possible for residents through the support of these dedicated specialists. Local householders can get fireplace installation price quotes by going here. Does your property need a new fireplaces? Get a quote today!
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