Fireplace Fitter Andover Hampshire (SP10): The installation of a new fireplace, or the renovation of a pre-existing one is a good way to add a touch of charm and character to any Andover home. The addition of an open fire or wood burning stove for those cold winter evenings can even be cheaper than a conventional central heating system, providing that you have a regular source of timber or fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can provide you with a plentiful supply of steaming hot water at the same time.
Before you start prising away at a bricked-up chimney there are some things you'll need to do to ensure you can safely install and use your new fireplace. Any heating appliance installed within the home must follow Part J of the building regs, and this applies to fireplaces, chimney breasts, flue linings and hearths. If you are living in a building that is listed, or a dwelling that lies in a designated conservation, you'll have to find out from the council if you need to get planning permission for the installation of a fireplace.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
You may be able to do some of the work in remodeling a pre-existing fireplace if you have the ability to do so, however there is always a problem in finding safety and structural problems that need to be resolved by a professional tradesman. It may be your good fortune when you pull back the boarding surrounding a disused fireplace to find a hidden gem that needs nothing more than a quick clean and a check from a chimney sweep to get a roaring fire going. Much more likely you'll discover crumbling brickwork that needs structural modifications and a blocked flue.
If fireplaces are installed incorrectly there's not just a fire risk to your property, but there can be health hazards, which is why it is better to bring in an experienced Andover installation company for a fireplace. So that a fire can burn safely in a space with a fireplace, there has to be ample airflow to ensure sufficient amounts of oxygen. Not enough oxygen means the fire will not burn well, and carbon monoxide could accumulate, which can cause breathing problems or even death.
It could be necessary to install airflow vents in walls and floors to allow the fire to get ample oxygen to burn safely and properly at all times. To enhance the circulation of air inside blocked chimney flues, the fireplace installation company may have to install vents to prevent condensed air being trapped and producing damp spots and staining.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Old chimneys are renowned for the huge quantity of grime and soot that can accumulate within them, consequently when you set out to open up a disused fireplace you should expect it to be a pretty messy affair. It is good practice to remove any carpets, furniture and rugs from an area where you are planning to expose an old fireplace, to avoid them from being damaged by dust, grime and soot that may be stirred up during the fireplace installation works. Due to the mess that is involved, if the fireplace installation is only part of a bigger restoration project, it should be one of the initial things that you tackle. By opening a fireplace first you will stop any chimney soot causing damage to other phases of your project, such as wallpapered walls or fresh plasterwork.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You will be able to clean and sweep the hearth and chimney and see what is fit for restoring, as soon as the opening up of the fireplace has been completed. One of the initial things on your agenda should be to phone a local chimney sweep who operates in and around Andover. Whilst cleaning and sweeping, they will be in a position to determine the structural condition of your chimney and flue liner, and propose what's necessary to get everything working safely.
Construction work could be necessary to reinforce the existing breast and chimney, and a new flue lining might also have to be installed. All this work will need to follow the latest UK Building Regulations which are there for your own and your loved one's safety. A skilled person with experience of the Building Regs and decent construction techniques will need to complete this type of work.
If the dimensions of the existing fireplace are larger than your requirements, a supporting concrete lintel will need to be put in. When this has been completed the next phase of your fireplace installation in Andover will be to update the existing hearth. To be in line with the current building regs, the hearth of a fireplace needs to be laid slightly above the normal floor level, although you may discover that yours is sunken into the floor, as they usually were in the past. To achieve this, there are ready to install options made from granite, marble or concrete, or you may prefer a tailor-made, bespoke hearth to match your room design, which your Andover fireplace builder will be able to help you with.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS
A trip to a fireplace showroom or a browse online will show the options that are available for the different designs and styles of fireplaces. You should generally follow the recommendations of the fireplace installers in relation to which fireplaces will be appropriate for your chimney and flue, as some of them probably won't be.
Whether you decide on a multi-fuel stove, an open fireplace or a wood burner will hinge on the all round style that you're trying to develop, your existing decor and maybe, the age of your property in Andover. If you are lucky enough to have a home with an inglenook fireplace for example, this is the perfect position for a classic iron wood-burner stove. This won't only reflect any heat that is generated back into the room, but will also emphasise the charm and elegance of the stove itself.
Even if you haven't got a pre-existing chimney breast in your Andover property, it is still feasible to put in a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. This kind of fireplace can be installed with its own flue that is passed through an external wall and does not require a chimney, to be installed safely.
ELECTRIC, OPEN, MULTI-FUEL, WOOD OR GAS FIREPLACE?
If this type of fireplace is not possible within your Andover property, what other choices are there?
Wood Burning Stoves - These can even be a free standing feature, and there is a broad array available to suit any period of dwelling in Andover. A version with an integrated back boiler will supply additional heating capabilities by transferring the piping hot water to a radiator in a cold spot of your house.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name implies they can be fired up with with a range of fuels, such as coal, oil, gas or wood, and become a unique focal point in any living room or kitchen in Andover. Some types, like the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves, can also be used for cooking, providing hot water and heating your whole house.
Open Fireplaces - Being able to burn almost any solid fuel in the marketplace, the open fireplace can produce a crackling fire as a good focal point for a room or living space. Today's fireplaces are not the smoky, inefficient and draughty features that they were previously, and an open fire creates a warm and toasty environment for the occupants to enjoy.
Gas Fireplaces - More thermally efficient than wood burning stoves, gas fires are available in a whole host of styles to suit your property in Andover. Must be professionally installed and maintained by a Gas Safe certified technician.
Electric Fireplaces - Any person who is relatively capable can safely and quickly put in one of these fireplaces, and the broad range of styles make these a popular choice for property owners in Andover. Can be inset into conventional fireplaces, and with "real feel" electric fires it can sometimes be hard to distinguish them from the genuine article.
The Best Way To Retain Your Open Fireplace And Bring Down Your Heating Bills
The classic open fireplace may have lost a certain amount of of its glamour because of worries about the environment but it is still favoured by many in Andover. Sitting near the warmth of a fireplace, revives many special memories for a lot of people. There are lots of positive aspects of having an open fireplace however there are also some drawbacks that could possibly need to be dealt with. With power costs rising so quickly these days, your fireplace must be a sound source of heat, not one of inefficiency. When you've got a fire going in the fireplace, it can actually remove warm air away from the room, making your heater work harder. When there's no fire, a damper is supposed to regulate the airflow. Unfortunately, dampers often have an inadequate seal, so cool air gets in, and warmer air goes out.
Plenty of householders in Andover who have a fireplace don't know how it can impact the cost of heating. As opposed to preserving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding 100s of pounds of energy expenditure. But it is not all hopeless as there are techniques for making your fireplace far more cost-efficient. There happen to be four simple steps that you can take to change your fireplace into the cost-effective heat sourse you're looking for. You will recognize that these tips will help to make your fireplace create quality heat and your energy bill lower.
The first step is to remove your fireplace damper and swap it for a new top sealing damper. This form of damper is installed at the top end of the chimney, and works like a storm door. It will keep the outside air from coming in, and the inside air from escaping, and performs in cold or hot weather. It's not that tricky to put in and may also be easily purchased online. An additional thing you will be able to do is place a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. A fire-back is made of cast iron and it really is meant to protect the wall behind from fire damage, while making your fireplace look stylish. The fire-back gets warmed up by the flames and sends the heat back into the room, consequently enhancing the fireplace's efficiency.
Another method is to get a fireplace fan/heater, which draws in air in a room and warms it up. These heating devices are sealed systems, hence no smoke is discharged, and they really can make a difference in the temperature of your home. Lastly, you can put in glass doors which could be the costliest. Browsing around, you ought to be able to locate a bargain, and with instructions, you could possibly fit them yourself. Glass doors will keep the air in your house from escaping and it also helps to safeguard your family from falling into the flames.
All of these suggestions are easy to do, and the products can be easily sourced on the internet. Just do your best to ensure your fireplace is efficient and watch your heating bill plummet.
Chimney Repair
Fireplaces and heating systems rely on effective chimney repair to maintain efficiency and safety. The wear and tear that chimneys undergo over time can give rise to various issues, including blockages, cracks or leaks. Timely repairs are essential to prevent potential threats, including fire and exposure to carbon monoxide. The optimal functioning and adherence to the appropriate safety specifications of the chimney are assured by chimney repair experts in Andover. Peace of mind and a dependable heating source are secured by property owners through regular repairs and inspections, which additionally prolong the chimney's lifespan and curtail the need for costly future repairs. (13096)
Fireplace Installers Near Andover
Also find: Goodworth Clatford fireplace installers, Hatherdean fireplace installers, Andover Down fireplace installers, East Anton fireplace installers, Picket Piece fireplace installers, Anna Valley fireplace installers, Weyhill fireplace installers, Abbotts Ann fireplace installers, Knights Enham fireplace installers, Upper Clatford fireplace installers, Kingsway Gardens fireplace installers, Enham Alamein fireplace installers and more.
Andover Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Andover fireplace fitter can deliver a broad range of services and tasks, and as well as what has previously been covered here they can do built-in gas fires, fireplace packages, stone fireplace installation, elm fireplaces Andover, hearth fireplaces Andover, three-sided fireplaces Andover, cast iron fireplace installation Andover, made-to-measure fireplaces Andover, electric fireplaces, period fireplaces, period fireplace installation, flue liner installation, tiled fireplaces Andover, outdoor fireplaces Andover, designer fireplaces, gas fireplaces, stone fireplaces in Andover, fireplaceestimates, carbon monoxide detector installation, wood burning fireplaces Andover, chimney strengthening, cheap fireplace installation, wall-mounted electric fires, marble fireplace installations Andover, fireplace installation, fireplace repairs Andover, wood burning fireplace installations, fire grate conversions, chimney lining Andover, gas fireplace installation, modern fireplace installations, fireplace design, brick fireplace installations, the installation of Victorian fireplaces, the installation of modern fireplaces in Andover, to mention a few. If there are other Andover fireplace requirements that you need but don't see here, you can easily give them a mention on the QUOTE FORM provided.
More Andover Tradespeople: When you're looking at doing improvements to your home in Andover, Hampshire, the likelihood is that you'll need various different tradesmen over the course of the project, and while you may be currently hunting for a local Andover fireplace installer, you may also require the services of a chimney sweep in Andover, a stonemason in Andover, SKIP HIRE in Andover, an electrician in Andover, a bricklayer in Andover, a carpenter and joiner in Andover, a roofer in Andover, a handyperson in Andover, a plasterer in Andover, a builder in Andover, a damp proofer in Andover, waste removal in Andover, a cleaner in Andover, a blacksmith in Andover, a painter and decorator in Andover, pressure washing in Andover, a floor specialist in Andover, a heating engineer in Andover, and more.
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