Fireplace Fitter South Woodham Ferrers Essex (CM3): Opening up a disused fireplace to fit a wood burner, a gas fire or an open fire is a good way to add a homely feel and some character to any South Woodham Ferrers home. If you opt to combine a new fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you enjoy the warmth and ambience of an open fire during the nippy winters' evenings, you will also be supplied with plenty of boiling hot water.
Before you go bashing away at a blocked up chimney there are a few things you'll need to think about to make sure you can install your new fireplace in an efficient and safe way. Any combustible appliance installed in residential homes in South Woodham Ferrers must adhere to Part J of the building regulations, and this covers fireplaces, hearths, flue linings and chimney breasts. Planning permission may also have to be sought before work commences if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you're a keen and competent DIYer it is quite possible to renovate an existing bricked-up fireplace, however the chance of experiencing structural issues in the majority of cases is high. It could be that in order to get a fire burning in your fireplace once again you need nothing more than a good clean of the hearth and a sweeping of the chimney. What's more commonplace however is an area of crumbling brickwork that conceals a blocked flue, and needs some degree of structural reinforcement before it can be used safely.
A poorly installed fireplace can cause significant respiratory health problems and fire risk and, as such, should only be put in by a professional fireplace specialist in South Woodham Ferrers with the knowledge and experience to install it effectively. So that a fire can burn properly in a space where a fireplace is fitted, there should be plenty of airflow to create sufficient amounts of oxygen. A build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide can result in a room where there is insufficient airflow, and even death is possible where a fire does not burn efficiently.
To get past this concern a professional South Woodham Ferrers fireplace installer will assess the circumstances and fit vents around the room, or under the floor, to guarantee a sufficient airflow for the fire to burn efficiently and safely. Blocked off and unused chimney flues may also have to have air vents fitted because they can often trap moist air and cause damp to build up inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Having a fireplace opened up can cause large amounts of grime and soot to enter your home. It is wise to remove any rugs, furniture and carpets from a room where you're planning to expose an old fireplace, to avoid them being affected by soot, dust and dirt that may be disturbed during the fireplace installation works. If you are installing a fireplace as part of an overall renovation project then it ought to be one of the first things to be completed after you've got the room back to bare walls and floors. By opening a fireplace first you will stop any soot from the chimney causing damage to other stages of your project, such as fresh plaster or paint on walls.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
Now that you're able to see the fireplace opening it is time to sweep and clean the chimney and hearth and identify what is fit for restoring. Bringing in a proper chimney sweep to de-soot your chimney is one of the initial items on your checklist. They will be willing to provide you with expert advice on the flue and chimney after sweeping, regarding the condition of the chimney structure and whether it would be advisable to switch the existing lining.
After a chimney sweep's assessment it may be required to strengthen the chimney breast or install a new flue lining as set out in Part J of the UK Building Regulations. These are jobs that should be done by a competent craftsman with a good understanding of the relevant regulations and sound construction skills.
If the dimensions of the existing fireplace are larger than your needs, a concrete supporting lintel will have to be put in. When your new lintel is in place and secure you may now press on with the updating, repair and installation of the fireplace hearth. You might discover that your existing hearth has been sunken into a void in the floor, however to conform to latest building regulations it must be raised above floor level. Pre-made solutions from slate, marble or concrete are available to achieve this, or your fireplace installer in South Woodham Ferrers might be able to offer you a bespoke, custom-made hearth to complement the design of your room.
DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
If you check out a fireplace showroom you're spoilt for choice with the range of different choices available to you. It is possible that because of your existing chimney and flue, that certain fireplace designs might not be appropriate, therefore it's advisable to follow the advice of the fireplace company with respect to this.
Whether you decide on a wood burner, an open fireplace or a multi-fuel stove will depend on the overall look you're trying to create, your current decor and maybe, the age of your house. If you have an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, a cast iron wood burner can look gorgeous in this surrounding, which also has the benefit of effectively deflecting the heat back into the room from the brick or stone walls that surround the stove.
If your South Woodham Ferrers home doesn't have a chimney breast you've still got the option of a feature fireplace through the installation of a wood burning or multi fuel stove. A chimney is not required since a stainless steel flue is fitted to the rear or top of the stove and routed through an outside wall.
GAS, WOOD, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
Who doesn't enjoy the crackling of a natural fireplace on a dark winters' evening, however if your situation doesn't permit this, what are the other available options?
Wood Burning Stoves - Wood burners have become "the in thing" in many households in South Woodham Ferrers, and can have modern or classic styling to suit your furnishings. A model with a back boiler can provide supplementary heating capabilities by transferring the hot water to a radiator in a cold room of your house.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a variety of different designs to suit all types of home and their efficiency to warm a room is better than wood burners. Gas fireplaces must only be maintained and fitted by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name suggests they can be used with different fuels, such as gas, oil, smokeless coal or wood, and become a unique focal point in any lounge or kitchen in South Woodham Ferrers. The AGA range for instance is renowned as being able to provide heating for the whole home, a constant hot water supply and a cooker all in one useful appliance.
Electric Fireplaces - Simple installation and a varied choice of designs make electric fireplaces a popular choice for South Woodham Ferrers homes that don't have a chimney. Modern electric fires can provide authentic looking flames and and sometimes even the sound of crackling wood to mimic a real fire when set into into a conventional fireplace.
Open Fireplaces - A crackling fire is a unique focal point for any room and it has the capacity to burn virtually any solid fuel that you can purchase. In the old days an open fire might have had the associations with being smoky, draughty and inefficient, however a professionally installed modern fireplace is a delight to the eye whilst reclining in the warm glow it provides.
It isn't just in South Woodham Ferrers that you can find fireplace fitters - neighbouring areas like: North Fambridge, Rawreth, East Hanningfield, Rettendon Common, Stow Maries, Battlesbridge, Woodham Ferrers, Shotgate, Purleigh, Cold Norton, Runwell are also covered. Local South Woodham Ferrers fireplace services will likely have the phone code 01245 and the postcode CM3.
Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill And Also Keep Your Open Fireplace In Good Shape
With all the current concerns about the environment, the open fireplace has lost a little of its former charm, but it still is a favourite feature for many people in South Woodham Ferrers. There's nothing like feeling the natural warmth of a fireplace during a freezing winter's evening. There are lots of benefits to having a fireplace although there are a few drawbacks that might need to be dealt with. Because of energy costs elevating so rapidly these days, your fireplace should be a reliable source of heat, not one of inefficiency. When a fire is burning, it might give warmth to people standing in close proximity to it, but it can actually pull warm air out of your room, making your heat source work even more. If there is no fire, a damper is supposed to manage the airflow. Often times though, fireplace dampers can often be inefficient in keeping warm air in the house and cold air out.
Many house owners that currently have a fireplace in their residence in South Woodham Ferrers do not realise how the fireplace can cause their utility bills to skyrocket. As opposed to conserving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding hundreds of pounds of energy expense. Nevertheless, there are some procedures that you can follow that will be able to turn your budget busting fireplace into something a lot more efficient. Pretty much all you need to do is just 4 basic things improve the performance of your fireplace. Each of these is going to make your fireplace very cost effective and very efficient.
The first step is to take away the old damper and swap it for a top sealing damper. This kind of damper is positioned towards the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain from entering. The top sealing damper helps to keep the air in your home from escaping and operates remarkably well in both cold and hot weather conditions. It doesn't take a lot of time to install and you can find one online. Next, you should install a fire-back in the rear area of your fireplace. It is made of cast iron and it is used to help the look of your fireplace while protecting the back wall from heat damage. The fire-back actually heats up from the flames and reflects the heat back into the room, thus improving the fireplace's efficiency.
Another method is to buy a fireplace heater/fan, which draws in air in a room and warms it up. These devices are set up as closed systems to make sure they do not produce any smoke, but they're effective at warming your house. The last and final thing you're able to do is to fit glass doors, which might be your biggest expense. Hunting around, you should be able to locate a good deal, and with instructions, you could possibly put them in yourself. These doors help to keep the heat from escaping and additionally it keeps pets and children from getting burnt.
The suggestions given here aren't that tough to do and you should be able to obtain everything you need online. Preserve your existing fireplace and reduce heating bills by making it more efficient.
Chimney Sweep South Woodham Ferrers
The routine sweeping of your chimney is vital if you've got a stove or an open fire in your house in South Woodham Ferrers. Chimneys should be swept and cleaned at least once per year, if not more.
It is invariably wise to bring in a professional South Woodham Ferrers chimney sweep if you want to get this job done correctly. Bringing in a chimney sweep not only keeps your chimney clean but also highlights any problems that there may be with your chimney.
Regular sweeping helps prevent a build-up of ash, soot and wood tar, a common cause of chimney fires. Badly maintained chimneys can also cause another hazardous situation by drawing odourless carbon monoxide fumes back into your house.
You will doubtless now realise the necessity for hiring a reputable chimney sweep in South Woodham Ferrers, and also one who's covered by adequate public liability insurance. For South Woodham Ferrers chimney sweeping quotes GO HERE.
Flue Liners
Allowing your chimney to perform a great deal more efficiently, a flue or chimney liner is an important element of your chimney structure. Flue liners are conduits made of ceramic material, clay or metal that are installed inside chimneys to transport smoke and fumes outside. Depending on their condition and age, older chimneys in South Woodham Ferrers may need to be re-lined, or might not have a flue liner at all.
Hazardous gases and fumes can be generated by the burning of fires and these could cause damage to the flue lining of your chimney. Your flue needs to be regularly assessed for possible issues and damage every time it's being swept. If it is compromised, those toxic gases might be able to seep into your home instead of being properly vented outdoors. There's an added risk with busted flue liners, in that they can allow intense heat to penetrate into the structure of the chimney, which can cause fires.
Chimney Repair South Woodham Ferrers
A critical element in preserving the safety and efficiency of fireplaces and heating systems is chimney repair. Wear and tear over time can lead to problems such as blockages, leaks or cracks in chimneys. Preventing potential threats, including fire and carbon monoxide exposure, necessitates prompt repairs. In South Woodham Ferrers, chimney repair professionals can tackle these issues, guaranteeing optimal chimney function and compliance with safety specifications. The chimney's life expectancy is prolonged, and the requirement for costly future repairs is lessened, offering homeowners peace of mind and a dependable heating source through regular inspections and repairs. (39607 - Chimney Repairs South Woodham Ferrers)
South Woodham Ferrers Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a whole host of tasks that can be accomplished by your local South Woodham Ferrers fireplace fitter including multifuel stove installations, modern fireplace, cast iron fireplace installations, fireplace replacement, electric fireplaces, gas fireplaces, wood burning stove installation South Woodham Ferrers, wood burning fireplace installations in South Woodham Ferrers, fire grate conversions, fireplaces, fireplace packages, fireplace suites, limestone fireplace installations in South Woodham Ferrers, brick fireplace installations South Woodham Ferrers, inglenook fireplaces, gas fireplace installation in South Woodham Ferrers, brick fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces South Woodham Ferrers, fireplace repairs, fireplace hearths, electric fire suites, double-sided stove installation South Woodham Ferrers, fireplace restoration, oak beam fireplaces, stone fireplace installations South Woodham Ferrers, fireplacequotes South Woodham Ferrers, fake fireplaces, fireplace installation, and more. These are just an example of the tasks that are undertaken by tradesmen fitting fireplaces. South Woodham Ferrers professionals will be delighted to keep you abreast of their whole range of fireplace related services.
Searching Online
The temptation for most when they are searching for a service or tradesman in South Woodham Ferrers, is to head online with their phone or laptop. Google, Ask, Yahoo or Bing will deliver instant results which will to a certain extent be applicable to your search term. Often the opening page results provided aren't actually what you were expecting when searching with such search engines. When looking around for fireplace installers in South Woodham Ferrers, you will probably type "South Woodham Ferrers fireplace installation", "fireplace installation in South Woodham Ferrers", "fireplace installation near me" or "fireplace installation South Woodham Ferrers" into the search engine and see what listings this displays.
Large trade portals like Quotatis, My Builder, TrustaTrader, Rated People, Checkatrade or Bidvine, and internet directories such as Yell, Thomson Local, Yelp or Three Best Rated will feature high up on the page 1 results, as will purely "paid for" advertising (generally the top four results). If you prefer to get in touch with fireplace installers in South Woodham Ferrers direct, you'll need to look farther down the results pages, possibly page two or three.
Fireplace Installers Near South Woodham Ferrers
Also find: Cold Norton fireplace installers, Purleigh fireplace installers, East Hanningfield fireplace installers, Runwell fireplace installers, Battlesbridge fireplace installers, Shotgate fireplace installers, Stow Maries fireplace installers, Woodham Ferrers fireplace installers, Rettendon Common fireplace installers, Rawreth fireplace installers, North Fambridge fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are ready and willing to serve folks living in almost all of these places. These skilled tradespeople possess the experience and know-how necessary to successfully install fireplaces in your property. With the assistance of these dedicated experts, residents can enjoy the atmosphere, warmth and comfort that a fireplace brings to their homes. By going here, local home and property owners can obtain fireplace installation quotes. Would your property benefit from the installation of a fireplace? Get a quote today!
Fireplace Services South Woodham Ferrers
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Fireplaces South Woodham Ferrers
Fireplace Fitter Near South Woodham Ferrers
Fireplace Installation South Woodham FerrersTo find local information relating to South Woodham Ferrers, Essex check here
Fireplace installation in CM3 area, telephone code 01245.