Fireplace Fitter Stowmarket Suffolk (IP14): A wonderful way to add charm to any Stowmarket home is by installing a new fireplace, or restoring an existing one. If you combine your new fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you enjoy the ambience and warmth of an open fire during the nippy winters' evenings, you'll also be provided with plenty of hot water.
But before you begin smashing down the walls of a boarded over fireplace there are some important things to consider to achieve a safe and efficient fireplace. Any work which is undertaken on your fireplace, flue lining, hearth and chimney breast must adhere to the United Kingdom's Part J building regulations for combustible appliances. If you are living in a listed building or are in a designated conservation area you must check with the local authorities to find out if planning permission is needed for a fireplace installation in your house.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A simple restoration of a pre-existing fireplace can be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer, but if any building work is necessary there is the possibility of encountering structural issues which have to be dealt with by a professional. You may be fortunate when you reveal the old fireplace and find out that you need little more than a thorough clean up of the hearth and a quick chimney sweep to get your fire roaring. More likely you'll discover a stopped up flue and old brickwork that needs structural reinforcement.
If fireplaces are installed improperly there is not only a risk of fire to your home, but there can be associated health hazards, which is why it is advisable to hire an experienced Stowmarket installation company for a fireplace. As stated in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, there must be adequate airflow in a room where a fireplace is installed, because in order for it to burn correctly, the right volume of oxygen is needed. A fire won't burn properly if there's not enough oxygen, and death or serious injury can occur where there's a build-up of carbon monoxide.
It may be necessary to install airflow vents in floors and walls to enable the fireplace to receive ample oxygen to burn safely and properly at all times. Blocked off and unused chimney flues might also have to have air vents installed as they can sometimes trap moist air causing damp to develop inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
Opening up an old fireplace can create large amounts of grime and soot. Even with coverings for your home furnishings, the likelihood of impairment from grime and soot is still possible and it's advisable to remove your furniture and carpets before any fireplace renovation work and chimney cleaning starts. If you're lucky enough to be carrying out a full renovation project then it ought to be one of the first tasks to complete before re-plastering and decorating the walls. By opening up a fireplace first you'll avoid any chimney soot causing discolouration damage to other parts of your restoration project, such as fresh plaster or wallpapered walls.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
Once you have opened up your old fireplace you will have a better understanding of what work needs to be done, and also be in a position to thoroughly sweep the chimney and clear out any hearth that remains. The first thing on your to-do list will be to contact a professional chimney sweep. They'll not only make certain that your flue and chimney are nice and clean, but they can additionally assess the state of the flue liner and existing chimney and provide guidance if you need to replace any section of the chimney structure and flue.
It might be necessary to put in a new flue liner to comply with the all important UK Building Regulations, and construction may also be needed to reinforce the original chimney and breast. This work must be done by a skilled tradesperson with experience of the appropriate building regulations and good construction practices.
If you need to modify the width of opening of your original fireplace to a more suitable size for your new design, a concrete supporting lintel will have to be put in. Once this has been done the next phase for your Stowmarket fireplace installation will be to update the hearth. In the old days the hearth was set into a void in the floor, but the current building regulations demand that it's raised above floor level. If your fireplace is of non-standard size you may have to purchase a tailor-made hearth, however there are a whole host of ready-made hearths in slate, concrete or marble.
STYLES OF FIREPLACE
A quick browse online or a trip to a fireplace showroom will show the choices that are available for the different styles and designs of fireplaces. The advice and recommendations from your sales and installation team, which will be based on your particular requirements, will enable you to pick a fireplace that is both perfect for your flue and chimney, as well as for your home's decor.
Certain properties and rooms will look better with an open fireplace than a wood burner or multi fuel stove and vice versa. For instance, a wood burning stove looks fantastic set into an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, which highlights the character and charm of the stove and also deflects the heat into the room to good effect.
If your Stowmarket property doesn't have a chimney breast you still have options for a fireplace feature through the installation of a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. So long as you have an external wall through which a flue from the stove can be passed, you do not need a pre-existing chimney structure to be able to enjoy that "real" fire experience.
OPEN, MULTI-FUEL, WOOD, ELECTRIC OR GAS FIREPLACE?
The charm and look of a log fire can't be beaten, but what alternatives are available if this form of fireplace isn't possible in your Stowmarket property?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name implies they can be used with a range of fuels, such as wood, coal, gas or oil, and become a focal point in any lounge or kitchen in Stowmarket. Some designs, such as the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves, are also suitable for cooking, providing hot water and heating your entire home.
Electric Fireplaces - A wide selection of electric fireplaces to suit pretty much any home in Stowmarket, can easily be fitted by any reasonable competent person. Contemporary electric fires can deliver authentic looking flame effects and even the crackling sound of wood to imitate an open fire when inset into an old fashioned fireplace.
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the smallest room in Stowmarket can benefit from the fitting of a wood burning stove, which come in an array of designs, and can even be fitted as a free standing feature. A version with a back boiler can supply additional heating by transferring the piping hot water to radiators in cold spots in your home.
Gas Fireplaces - Come in a variety of designs to suit any home and are more efficient than open fireplaces. Must be professionally maintained and fitted by a Gas Safe registered tradesperson.
Open Fireplaces - The traditional fireplace that can be used with various fuels such as briquettes, wood, smokeless coal and other burnable materials. A skillfully fitted open fire is far from the old style smoky fireplace that was perhaps blocked up by earlier owners, and its glowing elegance is a welcome addition to any property in Stowmarket.
Fireplace fitters are accessible in Stowmarket itself, in the following postcodes: IP14 1EZ, IP14 1LF, IP14 1ED, IP14 1AD, IP14 1JY, IP14 1EF, IP14 1JS, IP14 1QZ, IP14 1HD, and IP14 1AU, as well as in neighbouring places like Buxhall, Rattlesden, Forward Green, Haughley, Wetherden, Battisford, Old Newton, Mendlesham Green, Stowupland, Onehouse, Ringshall, Great Finborough. If a fireplace company has the telephone code 01449 and the postcode IP14, you can assume that they come from the Stowmarket area. Stowmarket residents will be able to benefit from these and various other comparable services.
Flues
A chimney liner or flu liner is a crucial element of the chimney structure on your property, allowing it to function far more efficiently and improving the safety of your chimney. Fitted to the inside of chimneys to carry toxic fumes to the outside, flue liners are conduits made of clay, metal or ceramic material. Older chimneys in Stowmarket may not be fitted with flue linings at all, or will need to be re-lined determined by their condition and age.
Your fireplace flue can soon be impaired by the harmful gases and fumes which are created by burning a fire. Your flue lining must be routinely checked for potential problems and damage whenever it is being cleaned. If it is impaired, those toxic gases may be able to seep into your home rather than being properly expelled outside. There is an additional risk with busted flue liners, in that they can enable intense heat to penetrate into the structure of the chimney, which may result in fires.
The Best Way To Lower Your Heating Bill And Also Keep Your Fireplace In Excellent Shape
With all of the current fears about the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost some of its former charm, however it still is a favourite feature for many in Stowmarket. The natural ambiance of a fireplace stimulates special recollections for those who've got them. There are numerous benefits to having a fireplace but there are a few negative aspects that could possibly need to be dealt with. As energy costs go up, you should make sure that your fireplace is giving you heat efficiently. When you've got a fire going in the fireplace, it can literally extract warm air out of the room, making your heater work harder. When there's no fire, a damper is supposed to regulate the airflow. Unfortunately, dampers sometimes have an inefficient seal, so cold air gets in, and warm air will go out.
Many householders in Stowmarket who have fireplaces don't realise how it can influence heating costs. Rather than saving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding hundreds of pounds of energy expense. However it's not all bad news seeing that there are options for making your fireplace very cost-effective. There happen to be 4 simple steps that you can take to make your fireplace into the cost-effective heat sourse you're looking for. These will certainly make your present fireplace much more efficient, and reduce your heating bills.
The first suggestion is to change your current fireplace damper with a top sealing damper. This type of damper is placed near the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain and snow from entering. It stops the outside air from coming in, and the inside air from escaping, and functions in hot weather or cold. It does not take lots of time to install and you can order one online. Next, you should fit a fire-back at the back part of your hearth. A fire-back is made of cast iron and it really is meant to shield the back wall from fire damage, while making your fireplace look more elegant. The fire-back also soaks up heat from the fire and sends it back inside, making your fireplace more effective.
Another method is to get a fireplace fan/heater, which draws in air in a room and warms it up. These fireplace heaters are set up as closed systems to make sure they don't produce any smoke, but they are quite effective in warming your property. And finally, installing glass doors, although a bit on the expensive side, can be helpful in making your open fire cost efficient. If you do your homework, you can get a good price on glass doors and mount them on your own. These glass doors form a buffer between your living space and the chimney, not only stopping the air in the room from escaping, but also offering protection to the inhabitants.
Every one of these suggestions are simple to do, and the required products can be found on the internet. Make the most of your fireplace and see your energy bill tumble.
Chimney Sweeping Stowmarket
If you've got a stove or an open fire in your house, you must get the chimney swept frequently. It is advised that you clean and sweep your chimney at least once every year.
It is invariably wise to call in a professional Stowmarket chimney sweep if you want to get this done correctly. Not only does this mean that you chimney is kept nice and clean, the chimney sweep will also be on hand to highlight any problems with you chimney.
If you don't regularly sweep your chimney in Stowmarket, the resulting accumulation of ash and soot can quite easily lead to a chimney fire. Another dangerous situation that you want to avoid is carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your home, which can also be caused by a badly maintained chimney.
All these factors add up to the importance of choosing a reliable Stowmarket chimney sweep, who is also covered by public liability insurance. You can GO HERE for the latest chimney sweep prices in Stowmarket.
Chimney Repair
The safety and efficiency of fireplaces and heating systems hinge on proper chimney repair. The wear and deterioration that chimneys undergo over time can give rise to various problems, including blockages, leaks or cracks. Preventing potential threats, including carbon monoxide exposure and fire, necessitates prompt repairs. In Stowmarket, chimney repair specialists address these issues, guaranteeing that the chimney operates optimally and complies with the appropriate safety standards. The chimney's lifespan is prolonged, and the requirement for costly future repairs is lessened, offering homeowners peace of mind and an efficient heating source through regular inspections and repairs. (51227 - Chimney Repairs Stowmarket)
Searching On the Internet
The inclination for most home owners when looking for tradesmen in Stowmarket, is to go online with their tablet or mobile. As you are viewing this page as we speak, you probably came upon it by looking on Ask, Bing, Yahoo or Google. The reality is that the results which are shown on the 1st page of the top search engines may not be the precise results that your were after. Entering "fireplace installation near me", "fireplace installation Stowmarket", "fireplace installation in Stowmarket" or "Stowmarket fireplace installation" will normally be the process to follow when looking around for fireplace installers in Stowmarket.
Business directories such as Yell, Yelp, Three Best Rated or Thomson Local, or listings for major trade portals like My Hammer, TrustaTrader, Rated People, Quotatis, Checkatrade or Local Heroes will likely show up highly on the 1st page of listings, as will purely "pay per click" adverts. You will very likely find the sites of actual fireplace installers languishing on page two or three of the search engine listings, forced down by the wealthier companies who can afford search engine optimization. For sure, lots of fireplace fitters in Stowmarket don't have their own individual websites, consequently in this case you can happily use one of the many approved tradesmen websites like Rated People or My Hammer where you will be able to examine client feedback, read reviews and get free estimates
Stowmarket Fireplace Related Tasks
There is a range of work that can be accomplished by your local Stowmarket fireplace company including open fireplaces, fireplace services Stowmarket, inset stove installations in Stowmarket, wood burning fireplace installation Stowmarket, fireplace repairs, wood burning stoves Stowmarket, oak beam fireplaces, fireplace refurbishment in Stowmarket, chimney sweeping in Stowmarket, fireplace removal, fireplace hearths, chimney modifications Stowmarket, gas fireplaces Stowmarket, fireplace mantels Stowmarket, marble fireplaces, fireplace inserts in Stowmarket, limestone fireplace, chimney repairs in Stowmarket, freestanding stoves Stowmarket, bespoke fireplaces Stowmarket, fireplace fitting, fireplaces in Stowmarket, fire grate conversions in Stowmarket, wood burning fireplaces Stowmarket, fireplace packages, electric fireplaces, electric fire suites Stowmarket, double-sided stove installation Stowmarket, and lots more. These are just a selection of the activities that are accomplished by those installing fireplaces. Stowmarket specialists will be happy to inform you of their full range of fireplace related services.
Fireplace Installers Near Stowmarket
Also find: Mendlesham Green fireplace installers, Great Finborough fireplace installers, Forward Green fireplace installers, Stowupland fireplace installers, Old Newton fireplace installers, Ringshall fireplace installers, Haughley fireplace installers, Buxhall fireplace installers, Battisford fireplace installers, Wetherden fireplace installers, Rattlesden fireplace installers, Onehouse fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are available to serve those living in practically all of these towns and localities. With the requisite experience and knowledge, these skilled tradesmen are adept at adeptly installing fireplaces in your property. 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 homeowners can obtain fireplace installation estimates. So, why not get cracking with your fireplace installation right away!
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Fireplace installation in IP14 area, and dialling code 01449.
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