Fireplace Fitter Ashford Kent (TN23): A fabulous way to add character and a homely feel to any house in Ashford, is to open up an old unused fireplace to put in a open, multi-fuel or wood burner fire. Adding a multi-fuel stove or open fire for those frosty winter days can even prove more cost effective than a conventional central heating system, providing that you've got a ready source of timber or fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can provide you with plenty of piping hot water in the process.
If you are to end up with an efficient and safe fireplace, there are some crucial aspects to consider, before you start smashing down the walls of a blocked up fireplace. Any work which is undertaken on your chimney breast, hearth, flue lining and fireplace must adhere to the UK's building regulations, Part J for combustible appliances. If your house in Ashford is a listed building or lies within a conservation area, planning permission might also be necessary before any work can start.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
A simple remodel of a current fireplace can perhaps be executed by a competent DIYer, but if any building work is needed there's the possibility of encountering structural problems that will need to be resolved by a professional. When you reveal the old fireplace, you might be lucky and find that in order to get a roaring fire once more, it needs little more than a thorough clean up of the hearth and a quick chimney sweep. However, what you'll likely find is an area of old bricks that conceals issues such as a lintel that needs to be replaced or a stopped up chimney.
It is normally better to rely on the experience and knowledge of a certified fireplace fitter in Ashford, due to the severe health and fire risk problems associated with an incorrectly installed or refurbished fireplace. As stated in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where a fireplace is installed, because in order to burn satisfactorily, the right volume of oxygen is required. An inefficiently burning fire in an inadequately ventilated space can cause a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide.
To ensure suitable oxygen levels are able to reach the fire at all times, and to successfully get around any airflow issues, vents may be fitted around the room as part of a fireplace installation. They may have to install air vents in unused chimney flues which sometimes trap condensing air and lead to damp spots and staining to your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
When you are re-opening a disused fireplace for refurbishing, you may be surprised by the amount of dust and soot that has accumulated in your chimney. So that any carpets, rugs and furniture within an area do not get impacted by the soot and muck that is emitted during the fireplace installation work, it is highly recommended that you remove them beforehand. Because of the mess involved, if your fireplace installation is merely a part of a bigger home refurbishment project, it should be one of the initial tasks that you do. By opening up a fireplace first you will stop any soot from the chimney causing damage to other parts of your renovation project, such as fresh plaster or wallpapered walls.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
It will be time to sweep and clean the chimney and hearth and work out what is fit for refurbishment, as soon as the fireplace has been opened up. If you haven't already done so, you will now need to get in touch with the local Ashford chimney sweep. After cleaning and sweeping, they will be able to offer specialist advice about the state of the chimney structure and flue, and tell you if there are any sections that need replacing.
Following a chimney sweep's examination it may be required to install a new liner and/or strengthen the chimney breast as laid down in Part J of the Building Regulations. A reputable fireplace installer in Ashford will be required to accomplish this task, and should have the knowledge and skills in construction to follow all building regulations.
If it is necessary to adjust the size of opening of your exposed fireplace to a more suitable size for your new design, a supporting lintel should be installed. Once this phase has been completed, the repair or upgrading of the fireplace hearth can be dealt with. You might discover that your existing hearth has been sunken into the floor, however to conform to current Building Regulations it must be raised at least 12.5mm above normal floor level. You can choose from a variety of favourite sized hearths to complement your home's decor, or there are bespoke solutions to fit most sizes and styles of fireplace. Ask your fireplace builder in Ashford about what's currently available.
STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Choosing your perfect fireplace can be difficult amongst the many styles that are available from a fireplace showroom or online outlet. The suggestions and advice from your installation team, which will be based on your specific requirements, will help you to choose a fireplace that's both suitable for your chimney and flue, as well as for your home's decor.
An open fireplace option might be appropriate for some rooms and dwellings in Ashford, whilst a wood burning or multi-fuel stove will be more appropriate for others. As an example, the perfect backdrop to a wood-burner stove is an inglenook fireplace, which not only puts a focus on its charm and elegance but is also effective in reflecting the heat back into the room.
A wood burner is also a splendid choice if you haven't got a chimney breast in your Ashford home. It is possible to take a stainless steel flue directly from the back or top of the stove and out through an outside wall, therefore a chimney isn't a requirement.
MULTI-FUEL, ELECTRIC, GAS, OPEN OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
Who doesn't enjoy the warmth and glow of an open fireplace on a cool evening, however if your situation doesn't permit this, what other options are on offer?
Electric Fireplaces - These can be fitted safely and easily by any reasonable competent individual and there are styles and designs which are appropriate for virtually any room and house in Ashford. Modern electric fires can be installed in your house, even if you've got a conventional fireplace, and many of them look pretty much like a "real" fire with crackling sound effects and dancing flames.
Open Fireplaces - Can be used with a range of fuels (smokeless coal, wood, briquettes), and establishes a focal point for your room. In the old days an open fire may have been associated with being inefficient, draughty and smoky, however a skillfully fitted contemporary fireplace is wonderful to watch while basking in the warm glow it provides.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Using a number of different fuels such as oil, gas, smokeless coal or wood, a multi-fuel stove can be made into a unique focal point in your living space. If you go for a multi-fuel stove from AGA for instance, you can do cooking, get hot water, and when linked up to your radiator system, provide heat for your entire property.
Wood Burning Stoves - Wood burners have grown to be very popular in a lot of homes in Ashford, and can have modern or classic styling to complement your decoration. An integrated back boiler is an extra benefit and could provide hot water for use around the home, or for heating in other rooms via radiators.
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fireplaces come in a wide range of designs to suit your property and are more efficient (thermally) than wood burning stoves. Have to be professionally installed and maintained by Gas Safe certified (replaced CORGI register in 2009) tradesman.
It is not just in Ashford itself that you can find fireplace installation services - neighbouring areas like: Shadoxhurst, Westwell, Wye, Smeeth, Kennington, Brook, Willesborough, Beaver Green, Little Chart, Hinxhill, Bilting, Challock, Mersham, Great Chart, Hothfield can also be covered. If a fireplace fitter has the postcode TN23 and the telephone dialling code 01233, you can safely assume that they come from somewhere in Ashford area. You'll want to verify this if you favour using a locally based fireplace fitter. Ashford property owners have the use of these fireplace services anytime they need them.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Ashford
You could consider bringing the outdoors inside, and build a natural stone fireplace, which is an excellent way to achieve a truly spectacular look. There might already be some stone features on the external areas of your building, a stone facade or a boundary wall, for example? These external features could be matched with your stone fireplace on the inside.
Subject to your budget and taste, it is possible to create a stone fireplace with either full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding. There are also various different types of stone that can be employed to build a fireplace, including: slate, marble, granite, limestone, sandstone or quartz.
The finished appearance your completed fireplace will be affected by the method of building, the kind of stone which is used and the individuality of the stonemason or tradesperson who builds it. Have a browse online and pick out some designs you like, and show these to your fireplace installer before they get to work.
Stone isn't always suitable for a modern property, since it has a striking appearance and may rather dominate the appearance of a space, but obviously this is down to the taste of each individual householder - perhaps spectacular is what you have in mind!
Fireplace Inserts Ashford
The installation of fireplace inserts is a popular option for homeowners in Ashford looking to upgrade their conventional fireplaces. Increasing heat output into the room and decreasing heat loss, these inserts are tailored to optimize the efficiency of a fireplace. They also provide a safer and more convenient way to enjoy the ambiance of a fire, without the hassle and mess of conventional wood-burning fireplaces.
Fireplace inserts come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from gas to electric and wood-burning models. While gas fireplace inserts are effortless to use and need minimal maintenance, electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their remote control and variable settings. Ideal for property owners who desire an authentic experience of a crackling fire and the aroma of burning wood are wood-burning inserts.
Alongside their efficiency and convenience, fireplace inserts are also good for the environment. The amount of air pollution caused by conventional fireplaces is reduced by their efficient burning of fuel and production of fewer emissions.
A professional installation is essential for a safe and correct installation of a fireplace insert. The benefits offered by fireplace inserts make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to enhance the comfort, convenience, and value of their property.
Fireplace Installers Near Ashford
Also find: Challock fireplace installers, Wye fireplace installers, Beaver Green fireplace installers, Shadoxhurst fireplace installers, Mersham fireplace installers, Little Chart fireplace installers, Smeeth fireplace installers, Willesborough fireplace installers, Westwell fireplace installers, Brook fireplace installers, Bilting fireplace installers, Great Chart fireplace installers, Hothfield fireplace installers, Hinxhill fireplace installers, Kennington fireplace installers and more. All of these locations are served by people who fit fireplaces. Possessing the necessary knowledge and experience, these skilled tradespeople can adeptly install fireplaces in your home. Dedicated professionals facilitate residents in enjoying the atmosphere, warmth and comfort that come with having a fireplace in their homes. By clicking here, fireplace installation quotes are accessible to local homeowners. Start your fireplace installation today, without delay!
Ashford Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Ashford fireplace installer can provide an extensive array of services and tasks, and on top of what's previously been covered they can do wood burning fireplaces, fake fireplaces in Ashford, Victorian fireplaces, gas fireplace installation, chimney sweeping, cast iron fireplace installation, fireplace inserts, fireplace refurbishment, fireplaces, cast iron fireplaces, cheap fireplace installation in Ashford, fireplace installation, Victorian fireplace installations, freestanding stoves in Ashford, tiled fireplaces, fireplace services, chimney repairs, three-sided fireplaces, limestone fireplace installation, open fireplaces in Ashford, fireplace fitting, wood mantels, the installation of chimney cowls, modern gas fires, fireplace repairs, corner fireplaces, fireplace suites, reclaimed fireplace installations in Ashford, wood burning fireplace installation, flue lining inspections, and others.
More Ashford Tradespeople: When your Ashford home needs improvements or remodeling, a number of different tradespeople might be required to finish the task, and despite the fact that your present search is for fireplace installers in Ashford, Kent, you may also need the skills of a metal worker in Ashford, a builder in Ashford, a cleaner in Ashford, a handyperson in Ashford, a carpet fitter in Ashford, a carpenter in Ashford, a plasterer in Ashford, a heating engineer in Ashford, a bricklayer in Ashford, SKIP HIRE in Ashford, an electrician in Ashford, a chimney sweep in Ashford, a painter/decorator in Ashford, a stonemason in Ashford, gutter cleaning in Ashford, waste removal in Ashford, a roofer in Ashford, a damp proofing specialist in Ashford, and probably others.
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