Fireplace Fitter Newbury Berkshire (RG14): A fantastic way to add a touch of character and a homely feel to any dwelling in Newbury, is to reopen an unused fireplace to install a open, wood burning or multi-fuel fire. The addition of a multi-fuel stove or open fire for those frosty winter evenings can even be more cost effective than some central heating systems, providing that you've got a ready source of fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can provide you with plenty of steaming hot water in the process.
There are a few things that you'll need to do to make sure you can install your new fireplace in a safe and efficient way, before you start to prise away at a bricked up chimney breast. Any work that is performed on your chimney breast, fireplace, hearth and flue lining must adhere to the Part J Building Regulations for heating appliances. If your property is a listed building you'll also have to ascertain if planning permission is necessary from the local council before any work begins.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If any construction work is involved with your fireplace installation project, both safety and structural issues may arise that will need resolving professionally, although an enthusiastic and competent DIY fanatic may be able to take a shot at a simple remodeling of an existing fireplace. You could be fortunate when you reveal the old fireplace and discover you need little more than a decent chimney sweep and a quick clean up of the hearth to get your roaring fire once more. It's far more likely however, that you will find a flue that is blocked and a swathe of crumbling brickwork that will need to be reinforced structurally to make it safe.
If your property in Newbury has a fireplace installed and it isn't put in correctly, there's not just a risk or fire, but also of respiratory health conditions. So, using a certified fireplace installer is widely recommended in most cases. As stated in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where there's a fireplace, because in order for it to burn properly and efficiently, a sufficient level of oxygen is needed. If the airflow is not sufficient then it's quite possible that a fire will not burn efficiently and cause carbon monoxide to build up, which can be deadly.
To get past this problem a fireplace specialist in Newbury will consider the situation and fit vents in the room, or underneath the floor, to ensure a sufficient air flow for the fire to burn safely and effectively. They may also have to install vents in unused chimney flues which can sometimes trap moist air and lead to staining and damp spots on your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
An enormous amount of soot and grime can be released from a blocked up chimney upon reopening it for restoration. So that the rugs, furniture and carpets within a room do not get adversely affected by the dirt and soot that is released during work by a fireplace installer, it's highly recommended that you have them removed beforehand. If you're fortunate enough to be carrying out a complete restoration project then it should be one of the initial tasks to work on before re-plastering and decorating the walls. The reason behind this is to avoid any staining damage to refurbishment work that has previously been finished.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You will have a greater idea about the renovation work that's required, as soon as you've opened up and exposed the old fireplace. You will also be in a position to get the chimney swept and clean any remaining hearth. One of the initial items on your to-do-list should be to phone a professional chimney sweep who operates in and around Newbury. While doing cleaning and sweeping, they'll be in a position to determine the structural condition of your flue and chimney, and recommend what is required to get everything working correctly.
It could be necessary to put in a new flue liner to observe the all important Building Regulations, and construction work may also be needed to reinforce the original chimney and breast. A qualified craftsman who is acquainted with the Building Regs and good construction techniques will need to complete this work.
It's possible that a steel or concrete lintel will be required, if the size of the exposed fireplace is wider than your requirements. The installation, renovation and updating of the fireplace hearth can commence as soon as the lintel is in place. The present building regs say that the fireplace hearth must be set slightly above the level of the floor, although in past days it would have been sunk into a void in the floor. You can get made to measure solutions to fit pretty much any size and design of fireplace, or you can select from a range of common size and shape hearths to fit in with your decor.
STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Choosing your ideal fireplace can be tricky when faced with the many styles available from an online outlet or fireplace showroom. It's entirely possible that owing to your current chimney and flue, that some fireplaces may not be suitable, and it's advisable to follow the advice of the fireplace installation company in this respect.
Whether you decide on an open fireplace, a wood burner or a multi-fuel stove will be based on the all round style that you're trying to develop, your existing decor and perhaps even, the age of your home in Newbury. A traditional cast iron wood-burner stove for example, will look amazing when positioned in an inglenook fireplace, which reflects any heat that's produced back into the room and emphasises its charm and beauty.
For homes in Newbury that haven't got a chimney, a wood burner is a terrific option. You do not need an existing chimney to enjoy an authentic fire, providing you have an exterior wall which can have a flue channelled through it.
ELECTRIC, GAS, WOOD, OPEN OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If your situation doesn't allow for a natural fireplace to be installed, what are the possible alternatives?
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to heat a room is better than wood burners, and there many designs to complement all property types. Any gas fire put into your Newbury home must be installed by a Gas Safe heating technician.
Electric Fireplaces - A wide variety of electric fires to complement pretty much any house in Newbury, can be easily fitted by any competent person. When inset into a regular fireplace, modern electric fires can replicate an actual fire, with authentic looking flame effects and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood.
Wood Burning Stoves - A wide selection of different styles to complement any period of property in Newbury, and, if needed, can even be free standing. If fitted with a back boiler they are able to provide steaming hot water for radiators or for use around the home.
Open Fireplaces - The classic fireplace which can be used with different fuels such as briquettes, wood, coal and other combustible products. Contemporary fireplaces are not the draughty, inefficient and smoky features that they once were, and an open fire creates a cosy and warm environment for the occupants to enjoy.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Can be used with a range of fuels, including wood, oil, gas or coal, to create an attractive focal point in your home in Newbury. Some types, like the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves, can also be used for generating hot water, cooking and heating your entire property.
Fireplace installers can be located in Newbury itself, in the following postcodes: RG14 1AE, RG14 1TN, RG14 1JS, RG14 1TF, RG14 1UL, RG14 1BW, RG14 1BN, RG14 1AX, RG14 1AN, and RG14 1HG, and also in surrounding places like Wash Common, Enborne, Wash Water, Boxford, Donnington, Adbury, Halfway, Woodspeen, Ashmore Green, Hunts Green, Hoe Benham, Greenham, Stockcross, Woolton Hill, Upper Bucklebury, Speen, Chieveley, Marsh Benham, Snelsmore Common, Crockham Heath, Bucklebury, Bagnor, Curridge, Inkpen, Benham Hill, Highclere. It's probable that any fireplace companies in the Newbury area is going to have the telephone code 01635 and the postcode RG14. Newbury homeowners can use and benefit from these fireplace services. Click on the "quote" form or banner to get info on fireplace installation in your location.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Newbury
When it comes to fireplaces, some homeowners like to go for that really spectacular look, and there's no better way to do that, than by building a fireplace created from natural stone. There might already be some natural stone features on the external areas of your property, a stone boundary wall or facade, for instance? This could be a way to match those natural features on the inside.
There are two ways by which a natural stone fireplace can be constructed, and subject to your personal taste and how much money you are prepared to spend, you can choose from stone cladding or the full-depth stone option. The types of stone that can be used are many and varied. Pick from limestone, quartz, slate, sandstone, granite or marble.
How your new fireplace looks, will be affected by the individuality of the craftsman or stonemason who builds it, the type of stone that is used and the method of building (dry stone or mortar jointed). Get some photos and show them to your fireplace installer before they start, if you've got a good idea of exactly what you want.
Stone isn't always suitable for a contemporary home, because it has a striking appearance and may rather dominate the appearance of a space, but obviously that's down to the taste of each individual householder - perhaps dramatic and spectacular is what you're looking for!
Chimney Cowls Newbury
To improve draft and prevent back-up, a chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cover for your chimney pot. Fitting neatly on top of your chimney pot, and typically crafted from galvanized iron, it helps to stop the wind blowing smoke back down your chimney. Chimney cowls can be purchased in a hardware stores or on the web. Whether you prefer to make a pre-existing one work more effectively, or purchase a new one, a cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working at its best.
There are several kinds of chimney cowls available. There are pot hanging cowls which can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They attach to the flue liner by means of three straps, which secure the cowl in position. Another kind of cowl is a weathering cap, which is mounted on the end of the flue system. These are bigger than the chimney pot, which makes sure that they remain in place.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to stop birds from nesting in your chimney in Newbury. They're reasonably priced and simple to put in. You should make certain you have clear access to the area above the chimney stack in order to fit one effectively. It can also prevent dirt and debris from building up inside the chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Newbury if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Chimney Sweep Newbury
The regular sweeping of your chimney is important if you have a log burning stove or an open fire in your property in Newbury. It is generally recommended that at least once every twelve months the chimney should be cleaned and swept.
You should always call in a qualified Newbury chimney sweep, because this is an unpleasant job. An expert chimney sweep won't just clean your chimney but also keep an eye out for any safety issues.
A build-up of ash, creosote and soot can result in chimney fires if you fail to sweep your chimney. An equally hazardous situation that can arise as a result of a poorly maintained chimney is deadly carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your home.
The importance of hiring a professional chimney sweep in Newbury, should now be apparent. To get a chimney swept in Newbury, GO HERE for a quote. chimney sweeps are also available in nearby areas.
Practical Ideas On How To Preserve Your Open Fireplace And Reduce Your Heating Bills
Sparked by concerns over the environment, the classic fireplace is missing some of its appeal, but it is still a favourite for many folks in Newbury. The natural comfort of a fireplace stimulates special recollections for those who have them. The fireplace offers many benefits for your property, but there are a few major downsides that might need to be addressed. Due to power costs increasing so quickly these days, your open fireplace needs to be a reliable source of heat, and not an inefficient one. When you've got a fire going in the fireplace, it can actually take away warm air out from the room, making your heat source work harder. Anytime there is no fire, a damper is supposed to regulate the airflow. Nevertheless, dampers are not very efficient seals, so all the warm air escapes and enables cold air to enter the room.
What many homeowners in Newbury don't realise about their fireplace is that it doesn't do what they believe it is doing. Instead of keeping the cost of heating down, it could actually do the exact opposite if one is not careful. There is a way to take your ineffective fireplace, and turn it into a heat producing system that will more closely fit your budget. There are at least 4 easy things that you can do to improve your fireplace. These will make your fireplace very affordable and more efficient.
The initial thing that has to be done is to replace the damper with a new top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is installed at the top of your chimney that also doubles as a storm door. It does an excellent job of retaining warm air in the home during wintertime and cool air from escaping in the summertime. It's not very tricky to fit and may also be easily bought from a fireplace supplier or online. An additional thing you could choose to do is place a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate which is designed to add to the room interior decoration, while saving the back wall from damage by the fire. The fire-back reflects the heat from a fire, and radiates the heat back towards the room, enhancing the overall performance of your fireplace.
Another way to save money is by using a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the area by pulling the air into a chamber and blowing the air back into the room. These heating devices are enclosed systems, hence no smoke is emitted, and they can really make a huge difference to the temperature of your property. The last thing that you can do is to fix glass doors, which could be a bit on the expensive side. If you do some groundwork, you should be able to get a good deal on glass doors and they are not too difficult to install yourself. These doors form a barrier between the hearth and living space, not only stopping the air in the room from escaping, but also providing protection to the inhabitants.
All of these tips are simple to do, and the products can easily be found online. Keep your fireplace and lower heating costs by increasing it's efficiency.
Fireplace Installers Near Newbury
Also find: Greenham fireplace installers, Highclere fireplace installers, Bucklebury fireplace installers, Woodspeen fireplace installers, Marsh Benham fireplace installers, Benham Hill fireplace installers, Adbury fireplace installers, Curridge fireplace installers, Ashmore Green fireplace installers, Hoe Benham fireplace installers, Woolton Hill fireplace installers, Stockcross fireplace installers, Wash Common fireplace installers, Upper Bucklebury fireplace installers, Enborne fireplace installers, Wash Water fireplace installers, Hunts Green fireplace installers, Chieveley fireplace installers, Inkpen fireplace installers, Snelsmore Common fireplace installers, Speen fireplace installers, Boxford fireplace installers, Halfway fireplace installers, Crockham Heath fireplace installers, Bagnor fireplace installers, Donnington fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are ready and able to serve people living in just about all of these towns and localities. These tradesmen, with their expertise and know-how, are well-equipped to perform successful fireplace installations in your home. These devoted professionals assist residents in achieving the comfort, atmosphere and warmth a fireplace contributes to living spaces. Local property owners can get fireplace installation quotes by clicking here.
Newbury Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a wide array of tasks that can be conducted by your local Newbury fireplace installer including fireplace restoration in Newbury, stone fireplaces, traditional fireplaces Newbury, wood burning fireplaces in Newbury, fake fireplaces, cast fireplaces, modern gas fires, chimney sweeping, fireplace repairs, hearth fireplaces, elm fireplace installations Newbury, chimney strengthening, fireplacerates, fire grate conversions, carbon monoxide detector installation, Victorian fireplace installation, brick fireplace installation, electric fire suites, open fireplaces, fireplace packages Newbury, the installation of chimney cowls, electric fireplaces, chimney modifications, inglenook fireplace installations, gas fireplace installations, outdoor fireplaces Newbury, cheap fireplaces, marble fireplace surrounds, marble fireplaces Newbury, fireplace hearths, marble fireplace installations Newbury, fireplace replacement Newbury, fake fireplace installation Newbury, fireplace fitting in Newbury, two-sided fireplaces, and lots more. This is merely a sample of what can be expected from your local fireplace fitter.
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