Fireplace Fitter Smethwick West Midlands (B66): Opening up an old fireplace or putting in a new one is a splendid way to add a bit of character to any room in your property in Smethwick. Cold evenings in winter can become very enjoyable as you sit back beside your new fireplace surrounded by the crackle of a burning fire, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can even benefit from a plentiful supply of hot water as well.
To achieve an efficient and safe fireplace, there are a few crucial aspects to consider, before you begin bashing down the walls of a blocked up fireplace. The Part J Building Regs for heating appliances for example, which deals with any work that is carried out on hearths, fireplaces, flue linings and chimney breasts. If your house in Smethwick is listed or is within a conservation area, planning permission might also be necessary before any work can begin.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
You might be capable of doing some of the restoration work to a pre-existing fireplace if you've got the ability to do so, however structural and safety problems are often discovered which need to be resolved by a professional. If you're fortunate when you open up a stopped up fireplace you may find a decent lintel, hearth and chimney breast that needs little more than the services and advice of a chimney sweep to get it ready for a fire once more. What's more common however is an area of old brickwork that conceals a stopped up flue, and needs some form of structural modification before it can be used safely.
Using a specialist fireplace installer in Smethwick is widely advised, since an improperly installed fireplace can can cause a fire risk and respiratory health problems. As mentioned in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where there is a fireplace, because in order to burn properly and efficiently, the right amount of oxygen is necessary. An accumulation of carbon monoxide gas can result in an area where there is not enough airflow, and death or serious injury is possible when a fire is burning inefficiently.
An experienced fireplace installation engineer will assess the situation and get past this issue and guarantee a satisfactory air flow for the fire to combust safely and effectively, by installing vents in locations around the room, or underneath the floor. Moist air can easily get trapped in blocked or unused chimney flues which may also need to have air vents installed, to avoid problems with damp on the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
A huge amount of soot and muck can be discharged from an old fireplace upon reopening it for renovation. So that your belongings don't get impaired by the soot, dirt and dust that's expelled during works by a fireplace installer, removing any carpets, furniture and rugs in advance is highly recommended. If your fireplace is being fitted as part of a larger home restoration project then it ought to be one of the first things to be worked on once you've brought the room back to bare floors and walls. If other restoration work has already been completed, this could be affected by dirt and chimney soot.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you've opened up your fireplace you will have a much better understanding of what work needs to be done, and also be able to thoroughly sweep the chimney and clear out any parts of hearth that remains. You should now get hold of your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done this, to come and clean the old fireplace and chimney. After cleaning and sweeping, they'll be able to offer professional advice about the condition of the chimney structure and flue, and let you know if there are any elements that need replacing.
After an examination by an experienced chimney sweep, and observing the Building Regulations (Part J), work to strengthen the chimney breast and/or install a new liner could be needed. A reliable fireplace installer and builder in Smethwick will be needed to undertake this task, and will need the knowledge and skills in construction to closely follow all building regulations.
In older buildings you might discover the original fireplace is wider than your needs, which will mean that a new concrete supporting lintel will be required to modify the opening. As soon as your lintel is in position and secure you may now press on with the repair, installation and updating of the hearth. In the past the hearth would be set into the floor, but current Building Regulations for the UK require it to be raised above the level of the floor. Off-the-shelf options from marble, stone or slate are available on the market to accomplish this, or your fireplace builder in Smethwick might be able to offer you a bespoke, tailor-made hearth to complement your room style.
FIREPLACE STYLES
You'll quickly discover that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to fireplaces, with the wide range of different choices that are available, when you step inside a high quality fireplace outlet. Not all fireplaces may be suitable for your flue and chimney and it is sensible to accept any help and advice offered by your installation team regarding your particular situation.
An open fireplace might be the perfect choice for some rooms and dwellings in Smethwick, while a wood burner or multi fuel stove will be more suitable for others. For example, the most perfect backdrop to a traditional iron wood-burner stove is an inglenook fireplace, which not only puts a focus on its character and charm but is also fantastic at deflecting the heat back into the room.
A cast iron wood burner is also an effective choice if your home does not have a chimney breast. You do not need a chimney breast to benefit from a real fire, so long as you've got an external wall through which a stainless steel flue from the stove can be channelled.
OPEN, WOOD, GAS, ELECTRIC OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If this style of fireplace can't be installed within your Smethwick home, what other choices are out there?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name indicates multi-fuel stoves can be fired up with with a range of fuels, such as oil, gas, coal or wood, and become an attractive focal point in any lounge or kitchen in Smethwick. The AGA range is renowned as being capable of providing heating for the entire home, a constant hot water supply and an oven and hob all in one useful appliance.
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fires are a lot better than wood burner or multi-fuel stoves with regards to thermal efficiency, and there are a wide range of styles and sizes to complement any house in Smethwick. Gas fireplaces must only be maintained and installed by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered technician, (formerly CORGI registered).
Open Fireplaces - Provides a focal point for a room and can utilise an assortment of solid fuels. In yesteryear associated with being draughty, smoky and inefficient, a professionally installed modern open fireplace can be a joy to behold.
Wood Burning Stoves - A wide range of different styles to suit any period of property in Smethwick, and, if required, can even be freestanding. When used in tandem with a back boiler, these stoves can supply additional heating functionality by connecting the heated water to a cold spot in your house by way of a radiator.
Electric Fireplaces - A popular choice for householders in Smethwick, these fires can be fitted by just about any capable individual, safely and quickly. It can sometimes be hard to distinguish one from the real thing with with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires, and they can readily be installed into a conventional fireplace when needed.
It's not only in Smethwick itself that you can get fireplace installation companies - neighbouring areas like: Bearwood, West Smethwick, Selly Oak, Winson Green, Beech Lane, Rood End, Browns Green, Langley Green, Chad Valley, French Walls, Handsworth, Ladywood, Londonderry, Harborne, Bournbrook are also covered. Two pointers which indicate that a fireplace company works in Smethwick area is if they have the postcode B66 and the phone code 0121. You ought to verify this if you prefer to use a local fireplace company. Just click the "QUOTE" form or banner to get information on fireplace installation in your location.
Chimney Cowl Installation Smethwick
A hood-shaped cover for your chimney, a chimney cowl improves draft and stops back-up in your chimney system. It sits on top of the chimney pot to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down, and is normally made out of galvanised iron. Chimney cowls can be bought online or in a hardware stores. Whether you choose to invest in a brand new one or make your current one work better, a chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working efficiently.
A chimney cowl can also help protect your home and keep you secure. There are different kinds of chimney cowls available on the market, each one has been developed to address different problems. Before purchasing one, consider a few aspects to make sure you get one that will help safeguard your home. When you know precisely what you need, you can then select a chimney cowl to match your needs and budget.
Chimney cowls are also available that are made from commonplace products, like a steel bucket or stainless steel colander. Ordinary chicken mesh can also be used to make a cowl. Clay flower pots also make good chimney cowls. These covers can easily be purchased at your local hardware store or on the internet.
One of the most common forms of chimney cowls is known as the H-style. This style is one of the best for stabilising the draught and allows your fireplace to perform more efficiently. It is made out of a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It originally served marine applications, but has become popular among homeowners due to its energy-saving attributes.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and lowering downdraught. These are available in a range of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upwards from the stove. Other types of chimney cowl include: birdguards, aspirotor chimney cowls, spinning chimney cowls, anti-downdraught chimney cowls, bonnet chimney cowls and static chimney cowls.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to stop birds from nesting in your chimney in Smethwick. They're relatively cheap and simple to install. You should ensure you have easy access to the area above the chimney in order to fit one effectively. It can also stop debris from building up inside your chimney.
Stone Fireplaces
For that really dramatic look why don't you consider bringing the outdoors inside with a stone fireplace? It's possible that the exterior of your property has already got some natural stone features, such as boundary walls or a stone facade. These external features could be matched with your open fireplace on the inside.
You can construct a stone fireplace by using either a thin stone cladding or a full-depth stone, and the one you choose might be influenced by your taste and how much cash you're ready to spend. You'll also need to decide what sort of stone you prefer for your fireplace, select from: slate, marble, granite, sandstone, limestone or quartz.
How your finished fireplace looks, will depend on the individuality of the craftsman or stonemason who builds it, the kind of stone used and the method of building (dry stone or mortar joints). If you have a concept of precisely what you want, get some photographs and show them to your fireplace installer before they start.
Stone isn't always suitable for a modern day property, as it has a striking appearance and can rather dominate the look of an area, but obviously that is down to the taste of each individual property owner - maybe dramatic is what you're looking for!
Chimney Repair
To uphold the safety and efficiency of fireplaces and heating systems, one must prioritize chimney repair. The wear and tear that chimneys undergo over time can give rise to various issues, including blockages, cracks or leaks. Preventing potential threats, including exposure to carbon monoxide and fire, necessitates prompt repairs. Professional chimney repair specialists in Smethwick can address these problems, ensuring that the chimney functions optimally and adheres to safety regulations. The chimney's life expectancy is prolonged, and the requirement for expensive future repairs is lessened, offering householders peace of mind and a reliable heating source through regular repairs and inspections. (71372 - Chimney Repairs Smethwick)
Fireplace Installers Near Smethwick
Also find: Selly Oak fireplace installers, Chad Valley fireplace installers, French Walls fireplace installers, Langley Green fireplace installers, Handsworth fireplace installers, Ladywood fireplace installers, Winson Green fireplace installers, Bearwood fireplace installers, Browns Green fireplace installers, West Smethwick fireplace installers, Harborne fireplace installers, Bournbrook fireplace installers, Beech Lane fireplace installers, Londonderry fireplace installers, Rood End fireplace installers and more. It is possible to get fireplaces installed in all these villages and towns. The adept installation of a fireplace in your property is well within the capabilities of these seasoned tradesmen, given their experience and know-how. The comfort, atmosphere and warmth that a fireplace brings to their living spaces can be enjoyed by residents with the assistance of these dedicated specialists. By clicking here, fireplace installation quotes are available to local home and property owners.
Smethwick Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace company can accomplish a whole medley of tasks and services including tiled fireplaces Smethwick, electric fireplace installation Smethwick, fireplace hearths Smethwick, fireplace inserts, period fireplaces, fireplace services, cheap fireplace installation, Regency fireplaces Smethwick, wood & multifuel stoves, chimney lining, fireplaces, chimney strengthening in Smethwick, outdoor fireplaces Smethwick, fireplace removal Smethwick, elm fireplaces Smethwick, wood burning fireplace installation, two-sided fireplaces, reclaimed fireplaces Smethwick, fake fireplace installation, designer fireplaces, fake fireplaces, double-sided stove installation, inset stove installation, flue lining installation, cast fireplace installations, traditional gas fires in Smethwick, the installation of outside fireplaces, electric fire baskets, fireplaceprice quotes, inglenook fireplaces, marble fireplace installations, stone fireplaces Smethwick, three-sided fireplaces Smethwick, gas fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installation, and more. Smethwick companies providing these kinds of fireplace services, will supply you with a complete list when asked. You can perhaps go to this QUOTE FORM and fill in your details, if you have additional Smethwick fireplace requirements that you need but can't see here.
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