Fireplace Fitter Andover Hampshire (SP10): Opening up an old disused fireplace to fit a wood burner, multi fuel or open fire is a wonderful way to add a homely feel and a bit of charm to your Andover property. Cold evenings in winter can become very enjoyable as you sit beside your new fireplace surrounded by the crackling of a burning fire, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can even enjoy plentiful hot water as well.
There are some important things that you'll need to do to ensure you can install your new fireplace in a safe and efficient way, before you start to prise away at a blocked chimney. Any heat producing appliance installed in domestic homes in Andover must follow Part J of the building regulations, and this applies to flue linings, fireplaces, hearths and chimney breasts. If you live in a listed building or are in a designated conservation area you must check with local authorities to find out if planning permission is needed for a fireplace installation in your property.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When refurbishing an existing bricked-up or closed-off fireplace, there's a fair chance of running into structural problems, so even if you are a keen do-it-yourselfer you could struggle with this sort of work. If you're fortunate when you expose a blocked up fireplace you may find a decent chimney breast, lintel and hearth that involves little more than the advice and services of a chimney sweep to get it ready for a fire once more. If you are not so fortunate, you'll discover a wall of crumbling, old bricks that is hiding a string of problems, like a broken old lintel or a blocked chimney.
Owing to the severe health and fire risk issues that can result from an improperly fitted or restored fireplace, it is best to benefit from the knowledge and experience of a competent fireplace fitter in Andover. Making sure that sufficient oxygen is available for the fire to burn efficiently is a key part of the Building Regulations for fireplaces. A fire which is burning inefficiently in a poorly ventilated space can cause an accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
To guarantee suitable levels of oxygen reach the fire, and to successfully get around any problems with air flow, vents will be installed in the room during the installation of a fireplace. Moist air can frequently get trapped inside blocked or unused chimney flues which may also need to have flue vents installed to enhance air circulation, and avoid problems with damp inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Massive amounts of dirt and soot will enter your room when you are re-opening a disused fireplace for restoration. So that the furniture, rugs and carpets within a room don't get adversely affected by the soot and dirt that is released during works by a fireplace installer, it is always a good idea to have them removed beforehand. Due to the mess that's involved, if the fireplace installation is just part of a bigger renovation project, it should be one of the very first tasks that you tackle after the room has been brought back to bare walls and floors in preparation. The explanation for this is to lower the chances of any discolouration damage to any work that has previously been completed.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You can clean and sweep the chimney and hearth and work out what is fit for refurbishment, once the opening up of the fireplace has been completed. You should now contact your chimney sweep, if you've not already done so, to come and look at the old chimney and fireplace. After sweeping and cleaning, they will be able to offer guidance and advice on the condition of your chimney structure and flue, and inform you whether there are parts that need to be changed.
After an assessment by an experienced chimney sweep, and observing Part J of the UK's Building Regulations, work to install a new flue lining and/or strengthen the chimney breast might be required. These are jobs that require a competent craftsman with a good understanding of the pertinent regulations and reliable construction skills.
Once this has been done the next phase for your fireplace installation in Andover will be to upgrade the hearth. The legislation regarding hearths has changed down the years, and while in the old days hearths were quite often sunken into the floor, they must now be raised slightly above the level of the floor if the current UK Building Regulations are to be followed. If your fireplace is not a standard size you might have to choose a custom-built hearth, but there are also a whole host of "off-the-shelf" hearths in marble, granite or slate.
FIREPLACE STYLES AND DESIGNS
A trip to a fireplace showroom or a browse online will show the choices available for the different fireplace designs and styles. Every fireplace will not be appropriate for your existing chimney and flue therefore it is wise to accept any guidance and advice offered by your sales and installation team with regards to your specific situation.
The age of your house, and the style that you are trying to develop for your room, will all help you decide on the design and type of fireplace which is most suitable for you. For instance, the perfect backdrop to a cast iron wood-burner stove is an inglenook fireplace, which not only highlights its charm and elegance but is also brilliant at reflecting the heat back into the room.
You've still got options for a fireplace feature by putting in a wood burner, even if your Andover property hasn't got a chimney. As a flue can be taken through an outside wall and has no requirement for an existing chimney, it is still quite possible to fit this style of fireplace.
GAS, MULTI-FUEL, ELECTRIC, OPEN OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
A crackling fire on a winter's evening delivers a charm and ambience that can't be beaten, however what are the other options available to fit in your lovely new fireplace in Andover?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name suggests they can be used with various fuels, such as gas, oil, smokeless coal or wood, and become a focal point in any kitchen or lounge in Andover. The AGA range for example is renowned as being capable of providing heating for the whole home, a supply of hot water and a cooker all in one useful appliance.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can have modern or classic styling to complement the decor of your property, and they've become extremely popular in many Andover households. A version with an integrated back boiler will provide extra heating capabilities by connecting the piping hot water to a radiator in a cold room of your house.
Open Fireplaces - Can be used with a whole host of solid fuels (smokeless coal, wood, briquettes), and establishes an eye-catching centrepiece for your living area. Today's fireplaces are not the inefficient, draughty and smoky features that they once were, and an open fire creates a warm and toasty atmosphere for the enjoyment of its occupants.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to warm up a room is superior to wood burning stoves, and there lots of designs to suit all property types. Any gas fire in your Andover property must be installed by a certified Gas Safe technician.
Electric Fireplaces - These can be fitted easily and safely by anybody who is reasonable competent and there are designs and styles that are suitable for any room and house in Andover. Even if your room has a regular fireplace, an electric fire that looks almost like a "real" fire can be fitted.
Flue Liners
A safety feature that enables your chimney to perform more efficiently, a flue liner is an important element of your chimney set-up that should never be overlooked. Crafted from metal, ceramic material or clay, flue liners are ducts that are fitted to the inside of chimneys to carry fumes outside. Based on their condition and age, older chimneys in Andover might need to be re-lined, or might not have a lining at all.
Burning fires can create toxic gases which can cause severe harm to the flue within your chimney. Be sure that your fireplace installer checks the flue lining for damage and potential issues. The toxic gases which are produced by a burning fire, can easily penetrate into your property if a flue is damaged. When a flue lining is compromised it can expose the actual chimney structure to fierce heat, which can increase the potential risk of a house fire.
How To Keep Your Fireplace And Bring Down Your Heating Bills
With worries about the environment, the traditional fireplace is missing some of its charm, but it's still a favourite with many folks in Andover. There is nothing like feeling the warmth of a fireplace during a freezing winter evening. The open fireplace provides a lot of benefits for your home, but there are a few important drawbacks that might need to be addressed. With energy costs rising year after year, your fireplace must emit heat in a cost-effective way. When a fire is burning, it may possibly give warmth to people standing immediately in front of it, but it can in fact pull warm air out of your room, making your heater work even harder. Anytime there is no fire, a damper ought to regulate the airflow. Often times though, fireplace dampers are often very inefficient in keeping cold air out, and warm air in.
Many homeowners that have a fireplace in their home in Andover do not understand how the fireplace can cause their energy bills to skyrocket. Instead of heating a residence naturally, a fireplace can in fact add 100s of pounds to your heating expenses. There is a way to take your less than efficient fireplace, and make it into a heat creating system that your budget will love. All you need to do is just 4 fundamental things to fix your fireplace. These will make your fireplace very cost effective and very efficient.
The initial step is to take away your current fireplace damper and replace it with a new top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is fitted at the top end of your chimney that also acts like a storm door. It does a superb job of keeping warm air in the property during winter and cool air from escaping in the summer months. This is not going to take lots of time to install and you can acquire one online. Next, you should install a fire-back in the rear section of your hearth. A fire-back is constructed of cast iron and it is actually meant to shield the back wall from fire damage, whilst making your fireplace look more stylish. The fire-back also soaks up heat coming from the fire and sends it back into the room, making your fireplace more effective.
Another cost saver is a fireplace heater/fan, which heats the room by pulling the air into a chamber and returning the air back into the room. These gadgets are created as closed systems so they do not emit any smoke, but they are quite effective in warming your property. Last but not least, you may put in glass doors which will likely be the most expensive. If you do some groundwork, you should be able to get an excellent deal on glass doors and they aren't that difficult to put in yourself. These doors help to prevent the heat from getting away plus it keeps pets and young ones from being burnt.
The guidance we just presented isn't that tricky to put into action, and most of the required products can be readily purchased online. Just do your utmost to keep your fireplace efficient and see your heating bill go down.
Brick Fireplaces Andover
For centuries, brick fireplaces have been a standard feature in Andover homes, and for good reason. They provide warmth, character and a touch of rustic charm that cannot be provided by any other feature. If you are thinking about adding a brick fireplace to your house in Andover, here are some things to bear in mind.
For starters, choose the design of brick fireplace you prefer. You can opt for a traditional design with a hearth and mantel, or a modern style with a minimalist design and sleek lines. A brick fireplace can be a statement piece, so consider the size and location of your fireplace. A large fireplace can provide a spectacular focal point in a room, whereas a smaller fireplace can provide an inviting nook.
When it comes to brick selection, you've got plenty of options. Brick comes in an assortment of textures and colours, so you can choose the ideal brick to complement the style of your home. You can even mix and match brick styles to create a unique look.
Together with the aesthetic considerations, you'll also want to contemplate the functional side of a brick fireplace. Adequate venting is important for safety, and you may want to consider adding a fireplace insert or glass doors for increased efficiency. You will also have to make certain that the bricks are properly installed and the hearth is level to avoid any possible hazards.
A brick fireplace can be a functional and beautiful addition to your house in Andover. With a little attention to detail and planning, you can create a centrepiece that not only provides warmth but also enriches your home with charm and character.
Chimney Cowl Installation Andover
To increase draft and stop smoke from backing up in your chimney you can install a chimney cowl, which is a hood-shaped cover that fits over your chimney pot. Often made from galvanized iron, the chimney cowl is designed to stop the wind from blowing smoke down the chimney and causing an issue. To enjoy the benefits of a fireplace fully, it is recommended that you install a cowl on your chimney.
A chimney cowl can also help to protect your home and keep you safe. There are various types of chimney cowl available on the market, each has been developed to address different situations. Before you purchase one, consider a few factors to ensure you get one that will help protect your home. Once you know exactly what you need, you can then pick out a chimney cowl based on your budget and needs.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to prevent birds nesting in your chimney and blocking the whole thing up. They're reasonably priced and easy to install. You should make sure you have easy access to the space above the chimney in order to fit one effectively. It can also prevent debris from building up inside the chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Andover if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Coming Soon:
Carbon monoxide detector installation - article 231.
Andover Fireplace Related Tasks
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Fireplace Installers Near Andover
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