Fireplace Fitter Kidderminster Worcestershire (DY10): A splendid way to add a bit of character to any Kidderminster home is by the installation of a new fireplace, or the renovation of an existing one. If you decide to combine a new fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you enjoy the ambience and warmth of an open fire on those nippy winters' evenings, you will also be provided with plenty of hot water.
There are some important considerations you must think of before you begin any work, if you are going to establish an attractive, safe and efficient fireplace in your property. Any work that is done on your flue lining, hearth, chimney breast and fireplace must adhere to the United Kingdom's Part J Building Regulations for combustible appliances. If you reside in a designated conservation area or a listed building you have to check with the local council to see if planning permission is necessary for a fireplace installation in your property.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A basic remodeling of a current fireplace can generally be achieved by a skilled DIYer, but if any construction work is necessary there's a possibility of running into structural problems which have to be dealt with professionally. If you're lucky when you open up a stopped up fireplace you might find a decent lintel, chimney breast and hearth that involves nothing other than the services and advice of a chimney sweep to get it ready for use. What you'll more likely find is a wall of crumbling bricks that conceals problems such as a blocked chimney or a lintel that requires replacement.
If a fireplace is installed incorrectly there's not only a risk of fire to your home, but there can be health hazards, which is why it's best to bring in a professional Kidderminster installation company for a fireplace. A major part of Part J of the Building Regulations for fireplaces is that sufficient oxygen is available in a room for the fire to burn efficiently and safely. Insufficient oxygen means the fire will not burn well, and a build up of carbon monoxide fumes could occur, which can cause death.
To get past this problem a fireplace specialist in Kidderminster will consider the situation and fit vents in the room, or underneath the floor, to ensure a satisfactory airflow for the fire to combust safely and efficiently. They may also have to fit air vents into unused chimney flues which sometimes trap condensing air and lead to staining and damp spots on your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
It is astonishing how much soot and muck can accumulate inside an old chimney and you'll not know exactly what is there until you proceed to open it up. It's advisable to remove any furniture, rugs and carpets from an area where you are planning to uncover an old fireplace, to avoid them being affected by dust, soot and muck that will be whipped up during the fireplace installation work. If you are fortunate enough to be carrying out a complete home renovation project then it should be one of the initial tasks to focus on before you re-plaster or decorate the walls. This helps to prevent any staining damage to any restored work you might have already finished.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you have opened up your old fireplace you will have a better understanding of the work that needs to be done, and also be in a position to sweep the chimney and clean up any sections of hearth that may have been left in place. The first job on your agenda will be to call in a professional chimney sweep. A chimney sweep will first clean the flue and while doing this will be able to inspect the structural condition of the chimney and provide advice on whether a new flue liner is required.
If it is necessary to install a new flue liner or strengthen the chimney all UK Building Regulations must be complied with. These are tasks that need to be done by a skilled craftsman with a good understanding of the pertinent regulations and reliable construction skills.
In older buildings you may find the existing fireplace is too big for your needs, in which case a supporting concrete lintel will be required to modify the opening. When you've supported the fireplace with your lintel it is now time to renovate or upgrade the hearth. If the current hearth is set into the floor you'll have to raise it above floor level to conform to the latest building regulations. Ready-made solutions from marble, concrete or slate are available on the market to accomplish this, or your fireplace builder in Kidderminster might be able to provide you with a bespoke, made to measure hearth to match the style of your room.
STYLES AND DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
Choosing your perfect fireplace can be tricky amongst the various designs and styles that are available from an online dealer or fireplace showroom. It's quite possible that due to your existing chimney and flue, that some fireplace designs might not be appropriate, therefore it's advisable to follow the the advice and recommendations of your fireplace installation company in this respect.
The age of your home, and the theme that you are trying to create for your room, should all help you decide on the type and design of fireplace that's best for you. For example, a cast iron wood burner looks splendid set into an inglenook fireplace, which highlights the character of the stove and also reflects the heat back into the room effectively.
Even if your Kidderminster home does not have a chimney you still have options for a fireplace feature by putting in a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. So long as you've got an external wall through which a flue from the back or top of the stove can be routed, you don't need an existing chimney structure in place to enjoy a real fire.
ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, WOOD, OPEN OR GAS FIREPLACE?
The charm and look of a log fire can't be beaten, however what alternatives are out there if this form of fireplace is not possible in your Kidderminster property?
Electric Fireplaces - Electric fireplaces can be fitted easily and safely by any competent individual and there are varieties which are appropriate for any room and type of property in Kidderminster. Modern electric fires can provide authentic looking flame effects and and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood to replicate an open fire when set into into a conventional fireplace.
Open Fireplaces - Provides a stunning focal point for a room and can be used with a range of solid fuels. An open fire is wonderful to watch and contemporary fireplaces are no more the inefficient, draughty and smoky items that they once were.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a range of different designs to suit all property types and their effectiveness in warming a room is better than wood burning stoves or open fireplaces. Gas fires can only be maintained and installed by a qualified Gas Safe registered technician, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Can be used with a range of fuels, (coal, gas, wood, oil) to create a unique focal point in your home in Kidderminster. They can be used not only for heating a single room, but some designs like the AGA collection, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be used to heat the whole property when plumbed into a radiator system.
Wood Burning Stoves - A multitude of different styles to suit any period of property in Kidderminster, and can even be a free standing feature. An integrated back boiler is an added benefit and can provide hot water for use around the home, or to provide heating in other rooms via radiators.
You should be able to locate fireplace fitters in Kidderminster, and surrounding areas like: Blakedown, Shatterford, Habberley, Cookley, Hurcott, Ismere, Hoobrook, Trimpley, Chaddesley Corbett, Wolverley, Harvington, Iverley, Stourport, Summerfield. Postcode areas like DY10 1BN, DY10 1WE, DY10 1NE, DY10 1UY, DY10 1EL, DY10 1XF, DY10 1AQ, DY10 1XS, DY10 1LU, and DY10 1XA can also be covered. If a fireplace fitter has the telephone code 01562 and the postcode DY10, you can assume that they work in the Kidderminster area. Kidderminster householders have the use of these fireplace services at any time they're in need of them.
Improve the Efficiency of Your Fireplace
With all of the current worries about the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost some of its former charm, but it still is a favourite feature for many in Kidderminster. The natural comfort of a fireplace stimulates special memories for those who have them. The fireplace provides a lot of benefits for your property, but there are also a couple of significant drawbacks that need to be fixed. With the cost of energy increasing year on year, your fireplace has to give out heat in a cost-effective way. When you have a fire going in the fireplace, it can in fact take away warm air out of the room, making your heat source work harder. In case you don't have a fire, the damper is supposed to keep heat in. Yet, dampers are usually not terribly efficient seals, consequently all the warm air escapes and enables cold air to enter the property.
Many householders in Kidderminster who have a fireplace don't realise how it can impact the cost of heating. Rather than saving resources, and heating costs, it's usually adding hundreds of pounds of energy expense. Nevertheless, there are a number of techniques you're able to do that can turn your budget busting fireplace into something a lot more efficient. There happen to be four simple things that you will be able to do to turn your fireplace into a cost-effective heat resource. Each of these should make your fireplace very affordable and more efficient.
The first suggestion is to change your existing fireplace damper with a new top sealing damper. This type of damper is positioned towards the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain from coming in. It helps prevent the outside air from coming in, and the internal air from escaping, and works in hot or cold weather. The damper is straightforward to set up, and can be obtained on the web. Next, you should fit a fire-back in the rear section of your open fireplace. It's produced from cast iron and is used to help the look of your fireplace while at the same time protecting the back wall from fire damage. The fire-back also absorbs heat from the fire and radiates it back inside, making your fireplace more efficient.
The next thing that is going to help is a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the air that is being circulated through a chamber, and sends it back into the room. These devices are created as closed systems in order that they don't produce any smoke, but are effective at warming your room. And finally, putting in glass doors, even though a bit on the costly side, can be helpful in making your fireplace cost efficient. If you do a bit of groundwork, you can secure a good price on glass doors and install them on your own. Glass doors can keep the air in your home from escaping and it also helps to safeguard your children and pets from fires.
The guidance we just presented is not all that challenging to put into action, and most of the items can be readily purchased on the internet. Look after your fireplace and see your energy bills drop.
Chimney Sweeping Kidderminster
Irrespective of whether you've got a stove or an open fire, you must get your chimney swept frequently. Chimneys need to be cleaned and swept at least once every year, if not more.
You should always bring in a specialist Kidderminster chimney sweep, since this can be a filthy job. Employing a chimney sweep not only keeps your chimney clean but also highlights any issues that there might be with your chimney.
Neglecting to sweep your chimney in Kidderminster could result in a build-up of ash, soot and wood tar which can lead to chimney fires. Apart from the risk of fires there are other hazardous situations that can be caused by a blocked chimney, one example is that of odourless carbon monoxide gas flowing back into your property.
In the unlikely event that any damages or accidents occur while you're having your chimney cleaned, make sure your chosen Kidderminster chimney sweep has public liability cover. To arrange your chimney sweep in Kidderminster CLICK HERE. chimney sweeping services are also available in nearby areas.
Flues
A chimney lining or flue lining is a vital part of the chimney structure on your house, allowing it to perform far more effectively and improving the overall safety of your chimney. Installed inside chimneys to transport toxic fumes outside, flue liners are ducts made of clay, ceramic material or metal. Some older chimneys in Kidderminster might not even have a flue liner, or if the existing lining is defective, might need to be relined.
Dangerous fumes and gases are created by the burning of fires and these can easily damage the flue lining of your chimney. Make certain that your fireplace specialist inspects the flue for damage and potential problems. If it is compromised, those hazardous gases may be able to seep into your home rather than being safely expelled outdoors. Intense heat can also be allowed to penetrate the chimney's structure, creating the potential for fires.
Kidderminster Fireplace Related Tasks
There is a range of work that can be conducted by your local Kidderminster fireplace fitter including brick fireplace installation Kidderminster, cast iron fireplaces, fake fireplaces, brick fireplaces, fireplace removal, stone fireplaces, chimney repairs Kidderminster, fireplace restoration, chimney sweeping, chimney lining, fireplace repairs, inglenook fireplace installations, fireplace hearths, chimney cowl installation, electric fireplaces Kidderminster, electric fire baskets, fireplace fitting Kidderminster, fireplace services in Kidderminster, fireplace surrounds, double-sided stoves, gas fireplace installations, Victorian fireplace installation, fireplace suites, wood burning fireplaces Kidderminster, bespoke fireplaces in Kidderminster, fireplace installation Kidderminster, fireplacerates in Kidderminster, fireplace mantels, and lots more. Listed are just some of the duties that are carried out by people fitting fireplaces. Kidderminster specialists will be happy to tell you about their entire range of fireplace related services.
Fireplace Installers Near Kidderminster
Also find: Blakedown fireplace installers, Habberley fireplace installers, Stourport fireplace installers, Harvington fireplace installers, Wolverley fireplace installers, Summerfield fireplace installers, Shatterford fireplace installers, Iverley fireplace installers, Ismere fireplace installers, Trimpley fireplace installers, Cookley fireplace installers, Hurcott fireplace installers, Hoobrook fireplace installers, Chaddesley Corbett fireplace installers and more. These and other areas are served by fireplace fitters and associated professionals. Possessing the necessary knowledge and experience, these seasoned tradesmen can adeptly install fireplaces in your home. With the help of these dedicated professionals, residents can enjoy the warmth, atmosphere and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living areas. If you're a local home or business owner looking to obtain accurate and competitive fireplace installation quotes tailored to your particular needs, you simply have to click here. Need a new fireplace? Don't delay - get a quote today!
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Fireplace installation in DY10 area, 01562.