Fireplace Fitter Herne Bay Kent (CT6): Re-opening an old disused fireplace to put in an open fire, a gas fire or a wood burner is a good way to add some character and a homely feel to your Herne Bay property. The addition of a wood burning stove or open fire for those frosty winters' days can even be more economical than a regular central heating system, providing that you've got a ready source of timber or fuel. If used in combination with a back boiler it can provide you with a plentiful supply of steaming hot water in the process.
There are a few essential points to consider to achieve a safe and efficient fireplace, before you start smashing down the walls of a boarded up fireplace. Any combustible appliance installed in the home must conform to Part J of the building regs, and this applies to flue linings, fireplaces, hearths and chimney breasts. If you live in a listed building you will also have to ascertain if planning permission is required from the local authorities before any work begins.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
A basic renovation of an existing fireplace can probably be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer, however if any construction work is required there is the possibility of running into structural problems which have to be resolved professionally. When you reveal the old fireplace, you may be fortunate and find that in order to get a roaring fire once more, it needs little more than a good chimney sweep and a quick clean out of the hearth. What is more commonplace however is a patch of old, crumbling brickwork that conceals a stopped up flue, and also requires some degree of structural modification before it can be used safely.
If your dwelling in Herne Bay has a fireplace installed and it isn't fitted correctly, there isn't just a fire risk, but also of respiratory health issues. So, using a professional fireplace installer is widely recommended. A major factor of the Building Regulations for fireplaces is that enough oxygen is available in a room for the fire to burn efficiently and properly. A fire won't burn efficiently in a room where there's not enough oxygen, and death or serious injury can occur when there's a build-up of carbon monoxide fumes.
To effectively get over any airflow problems, vents may be installed around the room as part of a fireplace installation, to ensure suitable oxygen levels are able to reach the fire. Vents might also have to be fitted into unused or blocked chimney flues which often cause damp spots and staining to to your chimney breast, because of moist air being trapped.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
A large amount of dust and soot can be discharged from a bricked up chimney upon opening it up for renovation. Even with covers and other dust protection for your furniture, the risk of impairment from muck and soot is still likely and it is advised to remove your belongings and any woven materials before any fireplace renovation work and chimney cleaning starts. The opening up of an unused fireplace should be one of the first things that you tackle, when it's a part of a bigger refurbishment project. This should help to avoid damage to other phases of your restoration project (i.e. fresh plasterwork or painted walls), by soot and dirt that's expelled.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
You'll have a greater idea about the restoration work that's needed, after you have uncovered the old fireplace. You'll also be in a position to get the chimney swept and clean any remaining hearth. The very first item on your agenda should be to bring in a proper Herne Bay chimney sweep. A professional chimney sweep will firstly clean the flue and while doing this will be able to check the condition of the chimney and provide advice on whether a new flue liner is required.
If you need to install a new flue liner or strengthen the chimney all Building Regulations must be complied with. This is not going to be the type of work that you can do yourself, so you will want to hire a capable builder with experience in good construction techniques and an understanding of the relevant Building Regulations.
In buildings that are older you may find the existing fireplace is too large for your purposes, in which case a concrete supporting lintel will be necessary to modify the opening. When your new lintel is safely in position you may now get on with the installation, repair and upgrade of the fireplace hearth. If the current hearth is set into the floor you will need to raise it above floor level to comply with the latest building regs. Ready-made solutions from slate, marble or concrete are available on the market to accomplish this, or your fireplace installer in Herne Bay may be able to provide you with a bespoke, tailor-made hearth to complement the design of your room.
DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
Deciding on your choice of fireplace can be tricky amongst the various designs and styles available from an online store or fireplace showroom. Every fireplace may not be suitable for your flue and chimney and it is sensible to accept any guidance and advice offered by your fireplace installers in relation to your particular situation.
Whether you go for an open fireplace, a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner will depend on the overall look that you are trying to develop, your existing decor and perhaps even, the age of your home. As an example, an inglenook fireplace can be a perfect backdrop for a traditional cast iron wood-burner stove, which highlights its character and deflects the heat into the room.
A wood burner is also a great option if your home does not have a chimney breast. An existing chimney is not needed because a stainless steel flue is fitted to the rear or top of the stove and taken out through an exterior wall.
MULTI-FUEL, GAS, WOOD, ELECTRIC OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
The feel and ambience of an open fire cannot be beaten, however what alternatives are out there if this kind of fireplace is not possible in your Herne Bay home?
Electric Fireplaces - Basic installation and a wide choice of styles make electric fireplaces an extremely popular choice for Herne Bay houses without a chimney. Even if your home has a traditional fireplace, an electric fire can be installed that looks almost like a "real" fire with an authentic flame effect.
Wood Burning Stoves - Wood burners have become very popular in many homes in Herne Bay, and can have classic or modern design to suit your decoration. An integrated back boiler is an extra benefit and could provide hot water for use around the home, or for heating for the house via radiators.
Gas Fireplaces - Supplying instant heat and more efficient (thermally) when compared to open fires, there are a whole host of styles to suit any Herne Bay home. Gas fires can only be fitted and maintained by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, (formerly CORGI registered).
Open Fireplaces - A flickering fire is a focus for any room in your home and it has the ability to burn virtually any solid fuel available on the market. In past times an open fire may have been associated with being smoky, draughty and inefficient, but a skillfully fitted fireplace is a joy to behold while lounging in the warmth it provides.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Multi-fuel stoves provide you with options to use wood, coal, gas and oil to furnish you with a multi-purpose stove for any house in Herne Bay. The AGA range is well known as being capable of providing heating for the whole home, a constant supply of hot water and a cooker all in one unit.
Fireplace installation companies can be accessed in Herne Bay itself, in these nearby postcodes: CT6 5RN, CT6 5NF, CT6 5QR, CT6 5HW, CT6 5JD, CT6 5RE, CT6 5EL, CT6 5LJ, CT6 5BQ, and CT6 5HL, as well as in close by locations like Hoath, Westbere, Reculver, Herne Common, St Nicholas at Wade, Broomfield, Tyler Hill, Chestfield, Birchington, Upstreet, Monkton, Eddington, Hersden, Beltinge, Broadoak. Local Herne Bay fireplace installers will most likely have the phone code 01227 and the postcode CT6. This is helpful to know if you wish to confirm that you are looking at a local fireplace company. Herne Bay householders can access these and other fireplace services whenever the need arises. Just click the "quote" banner to get details about any aspect of fireplace installation in your location.
Hints To Maintain Your Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Expenses
With concerns over the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost some of its appeal, although it is still a favourite for many folks in Herne Bay. Sitting in front of the heat of a fireplace, brings back many cherished memories for a lot of folks. Having a fireplace has its perks but there are a few drawbacks that could affect its usefulness. As power costs go up, you'll want to make sure that your fireplace is producing heat in an efficient way. Whilst having a fire blazing in a fireplace keeps the people near to it warm, it actually removes warm air from other parts of the room, causing your heat source to work harder. If there is no fire, a damper ought to manage the airflow. Often times though, fireplace dampers are renowned for being inefficient in keeping warm air in the house and cold air out.
A great many householders in Herne Bay who have fireplaces don't realise how it can influence the cost of heating their home. As opposed to preserving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding hundreds of pounds of energy expense. However, there are several techniques that can be done that can easily turn your budget busting fireplace into something more efficient. All you need to do is just four simple things boost the performance of your fireplace. You will appreciate that these guidelines will help to make your fireplace generate quality heat and your current energy bill smaller.
The first point is to swap your fireplace damper with a more efficient top sealing damper. This type of damper is installed at the top end of the chimney, and operates like a storm door. It does a good job of preserving warm air in the home during wintertime and cool air from getting out in the summer months. Its not that tricky to fit and may be easily purchased online. An additional thing that you can do is to place a fire-back at the back of your fireplace. A fire-back consists of cast iron and it is meant to protect the back wall from fire damage, whilst making your fireplace look stylish. The fire-back will take the heat from a fire, and radiates the heat back towards the room, enhancing the overall efficiency of your fireplace.
Another approach is to obtain a fireplace fan/heater, which draws cool air in and warms it up. These heaters don't release any smoke and are be very efficient in keeping your family home warm. Finally, you can fit glass doors which could be the most costly option. Browsing around, you should be able to locate a bargain, and with instructions, you could put them in on your own. Such doors create a screen between the fireplace and living space, not only stopping the air in the room from escaping up the flue, but also offering protection to the inhabitants.
The guidance we just gave isn't difficult to implement, and most of the items can be readily purchased online, or from your local stockist. Try your very best to ensure your fireplace is efficient and see your heating bill plummet.
Flues
A chimney liner or flu liner is an essential part of the chimney structure on your property, enabling it to perform a lot more efficiently than it would without one, and improving the overall safety of your property. Fitted to the inside of chimneys to transport smoke and fumes outside, flue liners are ducts manufactured from metal, ceramic material or clay. Older chimneys in Herne Bay may not be fitted with flue liners at all, or will need to be relined depending on their age and condition.
Harmful gases are created by the burning of fires and these can quickly eat away at the flue lining of your chimney. Your flue lining should be frequently checked for possible problems and damage each time it is being cleaned. If it is impaired, those toxic gases may be able to seep into your home rather than being properly expelled outside. There's furthermore the risk of fires in the home since a broken flue lining can let intense heat penetrate the chimney's structure.
Chimney Cowls Herne Bay
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cover that fits over the chimney pot to increase the draft and prevent smoke from backing up. It is generally made of galvanized iron and is designed to prevent the wind from blowing smoke down the chimney. It is an integral part of any fireplace. You should install a cowl on your chimney in Herne Bay if you want to enjoy the benefits of a fireplace.
There are several types of chimney cowls available. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without removing the chimney pot. They connect to the flue liner via three straps, which secure the cowl in place. Another type of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue system. It is larger than the chimney pot, which ensures that it stays in place.
One of the most common types of chimney cowls is the H-style. This style is the most effective at stabilizing the draft and allows your fireplace to function more efficiently. It is made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down drafts. It originally served marine applications but has become popular among homeowners due to its energy-saving functionality.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and reducing downdraught. It is available in a variety of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the stove. Other types of chimney cowl include: spinning chimney cowls, static chimney cowls, bonnet chimney cowls, aspirotor chimney cowls, anti-downdraught chimney cowls and birdguards.
Chimney cowls are a simple way to prevent birds from nesting in your chimney in Herne Bay. They are inexpensive and easy to install. You should make sure you have easy access to the area above the chimney to install one. It can also prevent debris from accumulating inside the chimney.
Searching On the Web
The compulsion for most home owners when they are looking for a service or tradesman in Herne Bay, is to access the internet with their phone or laptop. With the help of Yahoo, Google, Ask or Bing you can get on the spot results that will help with your search, however you should be careful. The reality is that the listings displayed on page one of the fashionable search engines may not be exactly the results that your were after. Most home owners in Herne Bay, when trying to identify fireplace installers will head to the search engine and type "fireplace installation near me", "fireplace installation in Herne Bay", "Herne Bay fireplace installation" or "fireplace installation Herne Bay".
Just to let you know, you'll typically realise that the first and last four listings are going to be some type of PPC advertising, whilst the majority of the rest will often be internet directories such as Yell, Free Index, Yelp or 3 Best Rated, or listings for major lead generating websites like Quotatis, Rated People, Local Heroes, TrustaTrader, My Builder or Checkatrade, which might or might not be helpful. In order to get the websites of genuine fireplace installers, you will have to scroll to page 2 and 3 or possibly even lower down the results.
Herne Bay Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a whole host of tasks that can be completed by your local Herne Bay fireplace specialist including inglenook fireplace Herne Bay, fireplace restoration, hearth fireplaces Herne Bay, fireplacequotes, Victorian fireplaces Herne Bay, traditional fireplaces Herne Bay, chimney cowl installation in Herne Bay, fireplace hearths Herne Bay, fireplace removal, marble fireplace surrounds Herne Bay, electric fireplace installation, electric fireplaces, corner fireplaces Herne Bay, Victorian fireplace installations, fireplace cleaning, cast iron fireplaces, multifuel stove installation, 3-sided fireplaces in Herne Bay, designer fireplaces Herne Bay, stone fireplace installation, fireplace packages, freestanding stoves, double-sided stove installations, Regency fireplaces Herne Bay, fireplace installation, flue lining in Herne Bay, chimney lining in Herne Bay, fireplace repairs in Herne Bay, reclaimed fireplaces Herne Bay, modern fireplace installations, marble fireplaces Herne Bay, wood burning fireplace installation, oak beam fireplaces, bespoke fireplaces, tiled fireplaces Herne Bay, and more. These are just a handful of the activities that are carried out by tradesmen fitting fireplaces. Herne Bay specialists will inform you of their full range of fireplace related services.
Information and Advice
To learn a bit more about 70 fireplace ideas head here. To discover fireplace pictures and related social media advertising, check this out. To learn how to install a log burning stove you could check out You Tube videos like this. If you'd like to read more about fireplaces, you'll uncover information regarding the environmental effects of fireplaces, coal burning fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, the history of the fireplace, fireplace heating efficiency and the different types of fireplace, by visiting Wikipedia. To ask or reply to questions pertaining to fireplace installation check out the Buildhub Forum HERE, discussion topics comprise widening fireplaces, chimney design, building regulations, trims for stoves, wood burning stoves and pellet stoves and boilers.
Fireplace Installers Near Herne Bay
Also find: Tyler Hill fireplace installers, Broadoak fireplace installers, Broomfield fireplace installers, Eddington fireplace installers, Chestfield fireplace installers, Monkton fireplace installers, Hoath fireplace installers, Reculver fireplace installers, Westbere fireplace installers, Hersden fireplace installers, Upstreet fireplace installers, Herne Common fireplace installers, Birchington fireplace installers, St Nicholas at Wade fireplace installers, Beltinge fireplace installers and more. There are people who install fireplaces in practically all of these places. These tradespeople, with their expertise and knowledge, are well-equipped to perform precise fireplace installations in your home. The atmosphere, warmth and comfort that a fireplace brings to their homes can be enjoyed by residents with the help and assistance of these dedicated professionals. To get fireplace installation price quotes, local householders can simply click here.
Fireplaces Herne Bay
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Fireplace installation in CT6 area, (dialling code 01227).
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