Fireplace Fitter Macclesfield Cheshire (SK11): A marvelous way to add a bit of character to any Macclesfield home is by the installation of a new fireplace, or the restoration of an existing one. Nippy evenings in winter can become a pleasure as you sit back beside your new fireplace listening to the crackle of a burning fire, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can also benefit from piping hot water too.
Before any real work proceeds, such as prising away at a bricked-up chimney or bashing down the walls of a boarded over fireplace, there are some vital things you need to think about. Work that's carried out on the flue linings, fireplaces, chimney breasts and hearths of any heat producing appliances, must conform to Part J of the UK Building Regulations. For a fireplace installation in a building that is listed, or one that lies in a designated conservation area, you will need to find out from your local council if planning permission is necessary.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you've got the skills to do so, and are good at do-it-yourself you may be able to do some of the renovation work to a pre-existing fireplace, but the help of a tradesman might be required if structural or safety problems arise during the process. You may find that the chimney breast, hearth and lintel are in good shape, when you have revealed your old fireplace, and that what lies beneath needs little more than a clean by a chimney sweep. However, a blocked flue and old, crumbling brickwork that needs to be structurally reinforced is what you're more likely to discover.
If a fireplace is installed incorrectly there is not just a fire risk to your property, but there can be health hazards, which is why it is advisable to bring in a certified Macclesfield installation company for a fireplace. According to the Building Regulations (Part J), a room that has a fireplace installed in it must have enough airflow and oxygen for the fire to burn safely. Deadly carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate from a fire burning inefficiently in an inadequately ventilated room.
To allow the fire to get sufficient oxygen to combust safely and efficiently at all times, it may be a requirement for an experienced fireplace installation company to fit airflow vents in flooring and walls. Moist air can often get trapped inside blocked chimney flues which may also require improved ventilation, to avoid problems with damp and staining inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
Old chimneys are renowned for the volume of soot and dirt that can pile up inside of them, therefore when you open up a disused fireplace for refurbishment you should anticipate that it will be a rather messy enterprise. So that the furniture, carpets and rugs in a room don't get affected by the soot and dust that is emitted during the fireplace installation work, it is advisable to have them removed in advance. If your fireplace is being fitted as part of a larger restoration project then it should be one of the first things to be completed after you have brought the room back to its bare floors and walls. By opening up a fireplace first you'll prevent any soot from the chimney causing damage to other stages of your restoration project, such as fresh plasterwork or wallpapered walls.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You will have a greater understanding of the refurbishment work that needs to be done, once you have exposed the old fireplace. You'll also be in a position to sweep the chimney and clean up any remaining hearth. The very first item on your checklist will be to contact a proper Macclesfield chimney sweep. They will be able to provide professional advice on the flue and chimney after sweeping, regarding the condition of the chimney structure and if you need to exchange the existing flue lining.
Following an examination by an experienced chimney sweep, and observing Part J of the Building Regulations, work to install a new flue lining and/or strengthen the chimney structure could be necessary. These are jobs that should be done by an experienced builder with a good understanding of the pertinent regulations and quality construction skills.
It is quite possible that a new concrete lintel will have to be installed, if the size of the exposed fireplace is bigger than your needs. The installation, upgrade and repair of the hearth can go ahead as soon as the lintel is in position. You might discover that the original hearth has been set into a floor void, however to abide by latest legislation it must be raised slightly above normal floor level. You can get tailor-made solutions to fit pretty much any size and style of fireplace, or you can pick from a variety of popular size and shape hearths to match your decor.
DESIGNS AND STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Checking out the nearest fireplace dealership or browsing on the internet will give you a notion of the a huge variety of different designs and styles of fireplace for you to pick from for your home. You should generally follow the recommendations of the fireplace installation team when it comes to which fireplaces will be suitable for your existing flue, chimney and airflow conditions, as some of them won't be.
You home's age, and the theme that you are trying to develop for your room, will all help you decide on the type and design of fireplace that's most suitable for you. As an example, a cast iron wood burner looks splendid set back in an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, highlighting the character and charm of the stove and redirecting any heat that's produced into the room effectively.
Even if you haven't got a chimney in your Macclesfield property, it is still entirely possible to put in a wood burning or multi fuel stove. It is possible to take a flue straight from the back or top of the stove and out through an exterior wall, therefore a chimney isn't required.
WOOD, OPEN, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL OR GAS FIREPLACE?
You just cannot beat a crackling fire on a dark winter's evening, to create a distinctive atmosphere and charm in your Macclesfield home, but what are the alternatives?
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fires are better than wood burning stoves with regards to thermal efficiency, and you will find an array of designs and sizes to complement any property in Macclesfield. The maintenance and installation of gas fireplaces must only be carried out by a Gas Safe heating technician in Macclesfield.
Electric Fireplaces - A wide selection of electric fireplaces to suit any house in Macclesfield, can easily be fitted by any competent person. Modern electric fires can deliver "real" looking flame effects and and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood to mimic a real open fire when set into into a traditional fireplace.
Wood Burning Stoves - These can even be free standing, and there is a broad array to suit any age of house in Macclesfield. An added advantage of these devices is that they can provide steaming hot water for use around the home, or supply heating to another area by way of a radiator, when integrated with a back boiler.
Open Fireplaces - The classic fireplace which can make use of various fuels such as wood, smokeless coal, briquettes and other combustible materials. Previously associated with being draughty, inefficient and smoky, a professionally installed contemporary open fireplace can be a joy to behold.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you will likely guess from the name, these types of stoves can be fed a selection of fuels, including gas, oil, wood or coal, and furthermore, they can also introduce an attractive focal point for your living space. If you decide on a product from the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves for example, you can get supplied with hot water, do cooking, and when connected to your radiators or central heating system, provide heat for the whole house.
Fireplace installation services are available in Macclesfield itself, in these postcodes: SK10 1JT, SK10 1EW, SK10 1LZ, SK10 1LL, SK10 1SB, SK10 1SS, SK10 1LJ, SK10 1FY, SK10 1AZ, and SK10 1SZ, as well as in close by places like Henbury, Hulme Walfield, Gurnett, Hurdsfield, Bosley, Brookhouse, Oakgrove, Mottram St Andrew, Capesthorne, Over Alderley, Langley, Gawsworth, North Rode. Locally based Macclesfield fireplace installers will likely have the postcode SK11 and the dialling code 01625. Verifying this will ensure that you are accessing a locally based fireplace specialist. Macclesfield householders have the use of these fireplace services as and when they're in need of them. You can simply click the "quote" banner or form to get more details on fireplaces and fireplace installation in the area.
Practical Ideas On How To Retain Your Fireplace And Bring Down Your Heating Bills
With all the current worries about the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost some of its former charm, however it still is a favourite feature for many in Macclesfield. There's nothing quite like feeling the warmth of an open fireplace during a freezing winter's evening. The open fireplace offers numerous benefits for your home, but there are also a couple of major drawbacks that need to be addressed. Because of power costs elevating so swiftly these days, your fireplace should be a reliable source of heat, and not an inefficient one. Although having a fire alight in a fireplace keeps the people near to it warm, it can actually suck warm air from the rest of the space, causing your heat source to work harder. Anytime there is no fire, a damper is supposed to manage the airflow. However, dampers have a very ineffective seal, so cool air gets in, and warmer air passes out.
A great many property owners in Macclesfield who have a fireplace don't realise how it can influence the cost of heating. Instead of warming a home naturally, a fireplace can in fact add 100s of pounds to the cost of your heating. You will find there's a way to take your less than efficient fireplace, and make it into a heat generating system that will more closely fit your budget. All you need to do is basically 4 basic things to fix your fireplace. All of these will make your fireplace very cost effective and more efficient.
The first thing to do is to replace the current damper with a new top sealing damper. This form of damper is positioned near the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain and snow from coming in. The top sealing damper keeps the air in the home from escaping and works incredibly well in warm and cold weather conditions. The damper is easy to fit, and can be bought online. An additional thing you will be able to do is position a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. A fire-back consists of cast iron and it is actually meant to shield the wall behind from fire damage, whilst making your fireplace look elegant. The fire-back also takes up heat right from the fire and channels it back inside, making your fireplace more efficient.
Another method is to get a fireplace heater, which draws cool air in and warms it up. These clever devices do not release any smoke and can be extremely successful in keeping your family home warm and cosy. And finally, installing glass doors, even though a bit on the costly side, can be effective in making your open fireplace economical to run. Searching around, you ought to be able to find a great deal, and with an instruction manual, you could install them yourself. Such doors form a screen between the chimney and living space, not only stopping the warm air in the room from escaping up the chimney, but also affording some protection.
These suggestions aren't all that hard to accomplish and you can order everything you need online. Preserve your current fireplace and decrease heating expenses by increasing it's efficiency.
Chimney Sweep Macclesfield
The regular sweeping of your chimney is crucial if you've got a wood burning stove or an open fire in your home in Macclesfield. Chimneys need to be cleaned and swept at least once per year, if not more.
So as to get the work done properly and without any mess, the preferred approach is to contact a professional Macclesfield chimney sweep, who will be glad to help you. If there are any issues with your chimney, your chimney sweep will be in a position to spot them and let you know about them.
Failing to sweep your chimney in Macclesfield can result in a build-up of soot and creosote which can lead to chimney fires. As well as preventing fires, you'll also want to avoid the possibility of poisoning by carbon monoxide gas. When a chimney gets blocked this noxious substance can flow back into your property with awful consequences.
Make sure that your chosen Macclesfield chimney sweep is qualified and is also covered by ample public liability insurance. GO HERE to get a chimney sweeps quote in Macclesfield.
Chimney Cowls Macclesfield
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cap for your chimney pot that adds draft and helps to stop backflow. It's normally made of galvanized iron and sits on top of the chimney pot to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down. It can be purchased in a builder's merchants or on the web. A chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working efficiently, whether you prefer to invest in a brand new one or improve the performance of an existing one.
A chimney cowl can also help protect your house and keep you safe. There are different kinds of chimney cowls on the market, each one has been developed to address different scenarios. Before purchasing one, consider a few aspects to make certain you get one that will help protect your property. Once you know exactly what you need, you can then select a chimney cowl based on your budget and needs.
You can also find chimney cowls made from run-of-the-mill objects, such as a stainless steel colander or steel bucket. Ordinary chicken wire can also be used to make a cowl. Clay flower pots also make fantastic chimney cowls. These products can be readily purchased at your local hardware store or on the web.
Chimney cowls are a quick way to prevent birds from building nests in your chimney in Macclesfield. They're inexpensive and simple to put in. You should make certain that you have clear access to the space above the chimney to install one effectively. It can also prevent debris from building up inside the chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Macclesfield if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Chimney Repair
Chimney repair is a crucial aspect of maintaining an efficient and safe fireplace or heating system. Wear and tear over time can lead to problems such as blockages, leaks or cracks in chimneys. Prompt repairs are essential to prevent potential hazards, including fire and carbon monoxide exposure. In Macclesfield, professional chimney repair services can tackle these issues, guaranteeing optimal chimney function and compliance with safety standards. Peace of mind and an efficient heating source are secured by home and property owners through regular repairs and inspections, which additionally prolong the chimney's lifespan and curtail the need for costly repairs in the future. (39607 - Chimney Repairs Macclesfield)
Macclesfield Fireplace Related Tasks
Most likely you arrived here trying to find basic fireplace installation, yet your local Macclesfield fireplace installer can deliver a wide assortment of additional services, and these might include elm fireplaces Macclesfield, fireplace replacement, cheap fireplace installation, cast iron fireplace installation Macclesfield, marble fireplaces, chimney sweeping in Macclesfield, flue lining installation, traditional gas fires, Victorian fireplaces, fireplace packages Macclesfield, chimney strengthening Macclesfield, traditional fireplaces Macclesfield, fireplace surrounds, period fireplace installation, oak beam fireplaces, cast iron fireplaces in Macclesfield, electric fire suites, fire grate conversions in Macclesfield, gas fireplace installation, modern fireplace, fireplace removal in Macclesfield, electric fireplaces in Macclesfield, hearth-mounted electric fires, classic fireplaces, fireplace cleaning, limestone fireplace Macclesfield, period fireplaces, brick fireplaces, chimney modifications, the installation of tiled fireplaces, double-sided stove installation in Macclesfield, Victorian fireplaces Macclesfield, carbon monoxide detector installation, fireplace design, chimney repairs, and others. This is just an illustration of what you can expect from your local fireplace fitter. Macclesfield companies offering these sorts of fireplace services, will provide a complete list when asked.
Friends & Family
An excellent idea, whenever you're trying to find a contractor or service for your project in Macclesfield, is to get friends and relatives recommendations. When it comes to pinpointing someone who is perfect for your requirements, personal references are frequently the preferred solution, and are just as good for weeding out companies with a below par service records, and bad contractors.
If you know that a friend or member of your family has used a specific fireplace installer, you can ask whether things went pear-shaped during the work, if so, how rapidly it was put right, and what the attitude of the contractor was like as a consequence. You'll also be able to get an insight into their reliability and punctuality You should also be able to get a notion of how the final price for the work when compared with the original quote they were given, which, unless they've got some form of guaranteed price promise, is frequently hard to get directly from the installers.
Ultimately, in relation to advice, your family and friends are individuals you know and can trust to be truthful and honest. If they've had a disappointing experience with a specific contractor or company, they may be hesitant to chat about them in any great detail. It's frequently the case that a lot of people will be perfectly happy to speak about a decent contractor and less likely to discuss a poor one. They might even endorse an alternative company, rather than 'slag off' a below par one that they have previously dealt with.
Fireplace Installers Near Macclesfield
Also find: Hurdsfield fireplace installers, North Rode fireplace installers, Oakgrove fireplace installers, Capesthorne fireplace installers, Gawsworth fireplace installers, Over Alderley fireplace installers, Gurnett fireplace installers, Langley fireplace installers, Mottram St Andrew fireplace installers, Henbury fireplace installers, Bosley fireplace installers, Hulme Walfield fireplace installers, Brookhouse fireplace installers and more. People who install fireplaces can be found in practically all of these places. The adept installation of a fireplace in your home is well within the skillset of these professional tradespeople, given their experience and knowledge. Thanks to the support from these dedicated experts, residents can relish the warmth and cosy atmosphere a fireplace provides in their living environments. By clicking here, local residents can obtain fireplace installation quotes.
More Macclesfield Tradespeople: Obviously, when you are doing home improvements in Macclesfield, Cheshire, you will probably need all types of different tradespeople and aside from fireplace installers in Macclesfield, Cheshire, you may additionally need a damp proofer in Macclesfield, a metal worker in Macclesfield, brick cleaning in Macclesfield, a plumber in Macclesfield, an odd job man in Macclesfield, SKIP HIRE in Macclesfield, waste removal in Macclesfield, a stonemason in Macclesfield, a building contractor in Macclesfield, screeding in Macclesfield, a carpenter and joiner in Macclesfield, a bricklayer in Macclesfield, a roofing specialist in Macclesfield, a plasterer in Macclesfield, jet washing in Macclesfield, a painter and decorator in Macclesfield, a chimney sweep in Macclesfield, an electrician in Macclesfield, and various other different Macclesfield tradesmen.
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Fireplace Installation MacclesfieldFireplace installation in SK11 area, and dialling code 01625.
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